Album ReviewsMariah Carey `Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel' (Universal Music Korea) Superstar Mariah Carey is back with her 12th album ``Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.'' Expectations were high, but Carey's first single ``Obsessed''' failed to make much of an impression despite grabbing headlines for its supposed references to rapper Eminem. For the second single, Carey does R&B version of the somewhat mushy Foreigner song ``I Want to Know What Love Is.'' Fans who are used to Carey's blustery vocal style will be disappointed, since she chose a more laidback vocal style. The album leans heavily to slow jams like ``H.A.T.E.U.,'' ``The Impossible,'' and ``More Than Just Friends,'' and not enough of the show-stopping ballads she's known for. ― Cathy Rose A. Garcia Jay-Z `The Blueprint 3' (Warner Music Korea) Jay-Z is undoubtedly one of the greatest rappers of all time, but his album ``The Blueprint 3'' does not quite live up to the hype. He makes quite a splash with ``D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune),'' which probably hit a nerve with many singers and rappers who rely on the popuOct 6, 2009
Sokhiev Rises to Challenge in Vienna Phil ConcertBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The disappointment was palpable ― among fans, the press and presenters ― when Maestro Zubin Mehta cancelled, due to health reasons, his engagement to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic opposite soprano Sumi Jo in Seoul Tuesday. However, Tugan Sokhiev quickly dispelled the air of anxiety that filled Seoul Arts Center's concert hall as he conjured masterworks to life with a fresh, whimsical edge. There was no question as to why Maestro Mehta chose the young Russian to fill in his shoes, not only for the Seoul performance but also for the Vienna Philharmonic's concerts this weekend in Austria. Sokhiev is no stranger to such situations. In 2005, he replaced Lorin Maazel on short notice with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to critical acclaim, and was immediately re-invited. His South Korean debut ― which also marks his debut with the Austrian ensemble ― did not go unnoticed either. The evening opened with Haydn's Symphony No. 104 in D major "London." The conductor framed the symphony's lilting tunes with dynamism, wit and texture, bringing out inventSep 30, 2009
Meet Bach and Handel in SeoulBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Baroque music will take center stage in Seoul next month. Festivals commemorating two pillars of Western classical music ― Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) ― invite fans to concerts, academic symposia and more. The Handel Festival 2009 Seoul, organized by the Yonsei Music Research Institute, will run Oct. 11-17. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the composer's death. Meanwhile, the 3rd International Bach Festival Seoul, organized by the Hanyang University Music Research Center, will take place Oct. 16-31. Glimpse Into Their Lives As the festivals are organized by universities, participants can learn more about the lives of Bach and Handel through academic symposia. The International Bach Symposium will be held Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m. at Baeknam Art Hall, Hanyang University. Harvard University professor Christoph Wolff will introduce listeners to the "human" side of Bach. Contrary to the late composer's reputation as an austere teacher and musician, he was a doting husband, and gave his wife,Sep 29, 2009
Album ReviewsMadonna `Celebration' (Warner Korea) Fans of Madonna will no doubt be celebrating the release of her most extensive greatest hits album to date, ``Celebration.'' The two-disc set features 36 new re-mastered versions of her songs that will remind everyone just how good Madonna's music was, and still is. Throughout her career, Madonna has consistently churned out hits, although many of these topped the charts in the 1980s and 1990s. The 80's just wouldn't have never been the same without ``Like a Virgin,'' ``Dress You Up,'' and ``Material Girl.''' Also included are her longest number one song ``Take a Bow," ``4 Minutes'' with Justin Timberlake, and new tracks ``Celebration'' and ``Revolver'' with Lil Wayne. ―Cathy Rose A. Garcia Mika `The Boy Who Knew Too Much' (Universal Korea) You can tell Mika's sophomore album is going to be fun, just by looking at the colorful images on the cover. Listening to ``The Boy Who Knew Too Much,'' you'll find it offers more of Mika's flamboyant and over the top, but always fresh pop music. The first two singles, ``We Are GoSep 29, 2009
Sokhiev to Replace Mehta Tonight in SeoulBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Rising young conductor Tugan Sokhiev will replace Zubin Mehta in the Vienna Philharmonic's concert tonight at Seoul Arts Center, concert organizer Credia announced Monday. In addition to the Seoul concert, the maestro cancelled, due to ill health, conducting the Austrian ensemble's 2009-2010 opening season concerts Oct. 3 to 4. Sokhiev will take the 73-year-old's place at the Vienna concerts. The elderly conductor expressed regret about the cancellation, said Credia. Sokhiev, 33, is music director of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse and his 2009-2010 engagements include debuts with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Call 1577-5266. hyowlee@koreatimes.co.krSep 28, 2009
Maksim Mrvica Returns to SeoulBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter He comes with a storm ― pianist Maksim Mrvica wowed South Korean fans in March in a performance akin to a rock concert, and returns next month for something mellower but that is expected to be no less electric. The upcoming recital on Oct. 11 at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center will forgo the special stage effects, lighting and video screens that usually accompany his fiery electronic crossover tunes. The 34-year-old will appear alone with the piano for a repertoire featuring classical numbers in addition to his signature classical-pop. The tall, darkly handsome Mrvica was actually classically trained. He began striking the keys at age nine amid the war-torn backdrop of Croatia, and his hushed practice sessions took place in an underground bomb shelter. He nevertheless emerged as a young talent to watch out for by championing international music events, including the 1993 Zagreb, 1999 Rubinstein and 2001 Long-Thibault. But instead of walking the conventional path of a classical concert pianist, he crossed over to electronica under the Sep 27, 2009
Vienna Phil Concert to Be Broadcast LiveBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The Vienna Philharmonic's Seoul concert on Tuesday, featuring Maestro Zubin Mehta and soprano Sumi Jo, is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Indeed, tickets sold out in 55 minutes when online sales opened Aug. 31, according to concert organizer Hyundai Card. To service fans, the performance will be broadcast live at the outdoor plaza of Seoul Art Center's Vitamin Station. A large LED screen and 700 seats will be set up. Free admission will begin at 6 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. The outdoor plaza is a favorite spot among Seoulites to enjoy a cup of tea on a breezy autumn evening next to the Singing Fountain's spectacle of light, water and music. Now they will now be able to enjoy the season's hottest concert at the venue. It is the first time the world-renowned orchestra's concert is being broadcast here outdoors in real time. Meanwhile, the ensemble will invite the Hear-Heart Wind Orchestra, which comprises of teens with developmental disabilities, to its rehearsal Tuesday morning. This is the first time thaSep 27, 2009
Album ReviewsPixie Lott `Turn it Up' (Universal Music Korea) Pixie Lott is only 18 years old, and her first two singles shot straight to the top of the British charts this year. With her blonde hair and cute looks, it might be easy to dismiss Lott as another Britney Spears wannabe. But after listening to her soulful voice, it's apparent she's more like British diva Duffy. The British singer-songwriter's debut single ``Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)'' is a sassy track that combines old school soul and pop music. Her songs are upbeat and cheerful, but never cheesy like ``Boys & Girls'' and ``Band-Aid.''' Lott also does well with romantic ballads ``Cry Me Out,'' ``My Love'' and ``Nothing Compares.'' -Cathy Rose A. Garcia Eternity `Eternity' (SonyBMG) Singer Jade Villalon was better known as Sweetbox, until she ditched the stage name in 2007. Now, she is working with music partner Geo under the name Eternity. This time, the duo went back to their roots and created an album filled with pop, electro and R&B songs that sample classical music. For instance, ``Wonderful World'' and Sep 22, 2009
Album ReviewsThe Beatles `Beatles Remastered Albums' (Warner Music Korea/ EMI) The excitement over the re-release of the Beatles' 14 albums does not seem to be fading anytime soon. Both old and new fans will enjoy listening to classic Beatles songs that have been remastered. Songs sound fresh and new, but without ruining the integrity of the originals. It may be songs that you've heard hundreds of times before, but the remastered versions make you feel like you're listening to the Beatles for the first time. Fans will have a hard time trying to fight off the temptation of buying the limited edition box set of all 14 albums in stereo or a box set of mono versions. The individual CDs also come with a short documentary on the making of the albums. ―Cathy Rose A. Garcia Eldar `Virtue' (SonyBMG) Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Eldar explores new musical boundaries in his fourth album ``Virtue." A musical prodigy who came to the U.S. from Kyrgyzstan when he was 10, Eldar creates compositions with maturity and sophistication that few 22 year old musicians have. He descriSep 15, 2009
SAC, Kumho Asiana Launch Music Prodigy ProgramBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The inaugural edition of the Seoul Arts Center Music Academy & Competition for Talented Students took off Sunday and will run through Saturday at Seoul Arts Center and Kumho Art Hall. The first in the country to combine a music academy and competition for young prodigies, the program aims to foster talents for the piano, violin and cello. South Korean nationals under the age of 20 are given the opportunity to receive lessons free of charge from top musicians, perform onstage and win cash prizes. A total of 27 students ― nine per instrument/category ― were chosen through an audition in May. The group includes young champions of the 2009 Johansen International Competition, cellist Lee Sang-eun, 15, first prizewinner for cello and Lee Jae-hyeong, 16, second prizewinner for violin; and Chung Han-bin, a winner at the 2008 Ettlingen International Competition for Young Pianists, among others. Participants will receive lessons until partaking in the competition Saturday at Kumho Art Hall. In each of the three sections, two top students will be awarSep 13, 2009