Pianist Aviram Reichert Returns as Professor
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Thirteen years ago, Aviram Reichert left his mark on South Korea as the first prizewinner of the Dong-A International Piano Competition, and now he is back as a tenure-track professor at Seoul National University's College of Music.
``It's been a rollercoaster,'' said the Israeli-born musician about moving from Michigan to South Korea in February. He was busy planning out details in the faculty lounge for his upcoming recital Wednesday at Sejong Chamber Hall, downtown Seoul.
The first few months of adjustment were hectic ― ``Seoul has changed so much from thirteen years ago!'' he said ― but he is more than happy to be at this ``academic paradise.'' ``The faculty is fantastic and extremely supportive, but above all the students are the best students in the world, it's a privilege to be here,'' he said with a ring of enthusiasm in his voice.
``The experience is about growing, for me as a musician, and not just about giving to the students.'' Reichert had been teaching at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, and was looking for something more challenging. He didn't hesitate for a second when he was offered a position in Seoul.
``Life has this way of throwing you a curveball,'' he said. ``It's fascinating for me to be here, to be a piece of the puzzle,'' he said about sharing his musical heritage and culture with Korean students.
The pianist was born in Tel Aviv and later trained in Germany. He entered the international spotlight when he won the bronze medal at the 10th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997, and became known for his intelligent interpretations and ravishing tone. He had studied under a professor in Hannover who now teaches Korea's Son Yeol-eum, the silver medalist of this year's Van Cliburn event.
He reflected back to his days in the competition circuit. ``It was all about the stage, but I became more appreciative of the teaching part of music, of the sharing aspect,'' he said.
As ``a graduate'' of competitions he wants to tell young musicians ``not to be blinded by the glamour of prizewinning,'' though he believes the preparation aspect, of applying oneself with total focus and determination, is valuable.
As for working with Korean students, he said the students' fear of saying something wrong in English had initially been a problem. ``But now they even crack jokes,'' he said. Their linguistic inhibition, however, also reflected how they were afraid to take risks with the piano.
``I believe what my teacher once told me. For every phrase there are 10 to 12 legitimate interpretations, but not 13,'' he said, explaining that artists should not be scared to experiment ― though within a certain framework ― and express their individuality.
For his upcoming recital, he invites music lovers to explore the beauty of the key of B-flat major through piano sonatas by Schubert (D. 960) and Prokofiev (Op. 84). The Prokofiev sonata will be a particular treat for classical music fans since the piece is rarely played here.
Even though Prokofiev's piano sonata came almost a century after that of the classic Viennese composer, Reichert believes it was no accident they chose the same key.
Both works were written at the end of the composers' lives, and every composer wants to leave a legacy, ``a spiritual wheel.'' ``The two sonatas are so sophisticated but simplicity and purity manifest themselves in beautiful melodic lines. There's a great deal of energy and craving for youth, life,'' he said. Schubert wrote his sonata during the last summer of his life.
Reichert said he has so far loved all the seasons of Korea and hopes to enjoy many more to come in the future.
All tickets cost 30,000 won. Call (02) 780-5054.