World-renowned pianist Paik Kun-woo, known as the "pilgrim on the keyboard," has finally finished recording all 32 of Beethoven's piano sonatas, a project he started in 2005 with the major recording label Decca. The Chosun Ilbo met with Paik whose piano recitals of Beethoven's sonatas will be held at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center from Dec. 8 to 14.
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Pianist Paik Kun-woo holds a press conference at Rodin Gallery in Seoul on Monday morning, ahead of his piano recitals of Beethoven's sonatas that will be held at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center next month.
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In an interview two years ago, you said you may understand Beethoven after you finish recording all of the great composer's sonatas.
Did I? Well, the end is not yet in sight. Whenever I think I climbed the peak, there is another mountain top in sight -- I find fresh aspects of his works. In one movement I thought that Beethoven wanted the players of his sonatas to perform rapidly and dramatically, just like a storm. But in the next movement the pace slowed and I could see the composer's softer aspect in the same work.
You have recorded the complete major works of a few composers, including Prokofiev, Chopin and now Beethoven.
"Actually I thought it would be great if I could perform only one composer's complete works during my lifetime. But in reality I need to perform various composers' works, so I want to experience firsthand the moments of despair and joy by performing the complete major works of a single composer. There are very few composers like Beethoven whose works require pianists to perform with such intense feelings."
You plan to present eight concerts in which you will perform all 32 of Beethoven's sonatas for seven days in December. In particular, on Dec. 9, you are expected to have two recitals at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. It would be quite a challenge for a pianist to perform all of Beethoven's sonatas for one week.
"I suggested it. I feel like an explorer who wants to see unknown regions in the world and an alpinist who wants to climb the Himalayas. If you want to understand a part, then you must see the whole picture."
Two or three weeks before the scheduled recital in Korea, you will also present concerts of Beethoven's sonatas in Guangzhou, China.
"I had played with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and I was asked to present a concert from the local music circles. The recital is scheduled to open its two week run on Nov. 16."
Is there a special order to perform the 32 sonatas in the concert?
"I play Beethoven's initial works first, and others later. On the first day of the concert, I'll play sonatas Nos. 19 and 20, which Beethoven composed in his early days, as well as Nos. 1, 3 and 5. On the last day, I will play Nos. 30, 31 and 32, which were composed in the late period. In between I will perform sonatas with a title or byname, such as Pathetique, Les Adieux, Appassionata, Moonlight, Waldstein and Hammerklavier."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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