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| Pianist William Youn / Courtesy of Bom Arts Project |
By Park Ji-won
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| Poster for William Youn's piano recital / Courtesy of Bom Arts Project |
Instead of feeling depressed, he made the most of his time to expand his artistic horizons by reflecting on himself and restoring his health which had been diminished by frequent touring.
"Before the pandemic, I was traveling most of the time. I had to meet different people every day and slept in hotels. I continued to add to my repertoire. But last year, I did not practice when I didn't want to. I read a lot of books over the year and restored my health physically and mentally. I am still worried about the upcoming performances because I had no routine last year, but I am also excited to perform on stage because it is not an obligation but a joy."
With the themes of "mirror" and "death" in the titles of his current repertoire and the theme of "A Psalm of Life," he is set to comfort Korean audiences in upcoming recitals at the Daegu Concert House on March 30 and at the Seoul Arts Center April 16. He will be playing Mozart's "Rondo in A minor, K.511," Liszt's "Dante Sonata, S.161/7" Ravel's "Mirrors" and Schubert's "Piano Sonata No.21 in B-flat Major, D.960."
"I hope the audience can enjoy my recital with two perspectives. First of all, I picked the keyword mirror. I have been reflecting on myself because of COVID-19. I had to spend time with myself at home because I had no concerts. I looked at myself and my music and thoughts as if looking into a mirror. Also, I think Schubert and Mozart had introduced their emotions into their music. So I matched their works with Maurice Ravel's Mirrors," Youn said during an online press conference on Monday.
"Also, I chose the keyword death, which many would think something dark. Because of the pandemic, many were saddened by the death of their loved ones. But what I learn from it is that all life ends. So we need to focus on the present and spend a meaningful time now. Mozart wrote Rondo in A minor, K.511 after losing his close friend, and Piano Sonata No.21 in B-flat Major is Schubert's last work, which is, however, not sad at all. Through these repertoires, I hope audiences can overcome the current sad situation and find some comfort from the music."
Youn, 2011 winner of the Bavarian Art Prize, has been described by music critics as a "genuine poet" thanks to his sophisticated interpretation of songs on his albums. As the only international musician of Sony Classical, he has been releasing albums of Chopin, Schumann, Schubert, Mozart and Brahms. He is also planning to release the complete works of Schubert by 2023.
"I was thinking of recording the complete works of Schubert for piano after Mozart. But one day, the president of Sony Classics came to see my concert. He asked 'why don't you record the complete works of Schubert?,' which was a surprise." He recorded the piece at Schloss Elmau, a hotel located in the Bavarian Alps in Germany.
"Oftentimes, it is tough for musicians to complete a recording because it is hard to have proper meals or get a decent sleep. However, Schloss Elmau, which was temporarily closed for the pandemic, opened their door for me. I was able to record the album under very good conditions thanks to their hospitality."
He will be also performing at Tongyeong International Music Festival on March 26 to 28 for "Dear LUNA."
