Renowned pianist Kun Woo Paik, at the age of 78, continues to explore the depths of classical music with the release of his second album dedicated to Mozart’s piano compositions. Released on November 13 by Universal Music, the album, titled Mozart Piano Works II, offers listeners a selection of Mozart's well-loved works, including Piano Sonatas No. 2 and No. 10. Additionally, it features unique renditions of pieces typically performed on the organ, such as "Andante in F Major, K.616," "March in C Major, K.408/1," and "Fantasy in C Minor, K.396," arranged here for solo piano.
This release is part of Paik’s ambitious three-part project focused solely on the works of Mozart. His initial volume, released in May of this year, marked his first foray into recording Mozart's compositions over a career that has spanned decades and included many esteemed composers. Paik has expressed a commitment to bringing something novel to each piece, stating that his current interpretation of Mozart represents a new and invigorating challenge. "Over my life, I’ve encountered many composers," Paik explained. "Returning to Mozart at this stage brings a different perspective. Before, I focused on performing Mozart in a style aligned with his era, but now, I aim to convey the essence of Mozart’s music itself."
Paik describes the album as a balance of familiarity and discovery. He hopes listeners will feel not only a deep connection to Mozart’s more famous pieces but also an appreciation for new dimensions within his compositions. “Mozart’s music feels like a fresh challenge now,” he said, adding, “This album is an invitation to experience Mozart in ways that feel both new and deeply authentic.”
To commemorate the release, Paik has scheduled a series of performances at key cultural venues across South Korea. Starting with Seoul's LG Arts Center on the album’s release day, he will perform at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on November 20, the Busan Citizens Hall on November 22, and finally at the Pyeongtaek Arts Center on November 23. These concerts provide fans and classical music enthusiasts an opportunity to experience Paik’s interpretation of Mozart’s pieces live.
The pianist’s decision to delve into Mozart at this point in his career reflects his ongoing dedication to interpreting and reinterpreting the classical repertoire. Known for his profound interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and other Romantic composers, Paik’s focus on Mozart allows him to showcase a different artistic range. This choice also underscores his belief in the timelessness of Mozart’s music and its ability to challenge and inspire across generations.
The second album in this trilogy not only reaffirms Paik’s status as a seasoned artist but also as one willing to confront the complexities of Mozart’s seemingly transparent but deeply intricate compositions. By revisiting Mozart, Paik seeks to connect his lifelong musical journey with new audiences, providing a fresh lens through which to view these masterpieces.
Fans and classical music aficionados alike anticipate the final installment in Paik’s Mozart series, expected next year, which will complete what he describes as a personal yet universal journey through Mozart’s world. This trilogy represents Paik’s ultimate homage to Mozart, showcasing the pianist’s refined sensitivity and evolving approach to one of history’s greatest composers.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The cover of the album, Courtesy of the artist
Renowned pianist Kun Woo Paik, at the age of 78, continues to explore the depths of classical music with the release of his second album dedicated to Mozart’s piano compositions. Released on November 13 by Universal Music, the album, titled Mozart Piano Works II, offers listeners a selection of Mozart's well-loved works, including Piano Sonatas No. 2 and No. 10. Additionally, it features unique renditions of pieces typically performed on the organ, such as "Andante in F Major, K.616," "March in C Major, K.408/1," and "Fantasy in C Minor, K.396," arranged here for solo piano.
This release is part of Paik’s ambitious three-part project focused solely on the works of Mozart. His initial volume, released in May of this year, marked his first foray into recording Mozart's compositions over a career that has spanned decades and included many esteemed composers. Paik has expressed a commitment to bringing something novel to each piece, stating that his current interpretation of Mozart represents a new and invigorating challenge. "Over my life, I’ve encountered many composers," Paik explained. "Returning to Mozart at this stage brings a different perspective. Before, I focused on performing Mozart in a style aligned with his era, but now, I aim to convey the essence of Mozart’s music itself."
Paik describes the album as a balance of familiarity and discovery. He hopes listeners will feel not only a deep connection to Mozart’s more famous pieces but also an appreciation for new dimensions within his compositions. “Mozart’s music feels like a fresh challenge now,” he said, adding, “This album is an invitation to experience Mozart in ways that feel both new and deeply authentic.”
To commemorate the release, Paik has scheduled a series of performances at key cultural venues across South Korea. Starting with Seoul's LG Arts Center on the album’s release day, he will perform at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on November 20, the Busan Citizens Hall on November 22, and finally at the Pyeongtaek Arts Center on November 23. These concerts provide fans and classical music enthusiasts an opportunity to experience Paik’s interpretation of Mozart’s pieces live.
The pianist’s decision to delve into Mozart at this point in his career reflects his ongoing dedication to interpreting and reinterpreting the classical repertoire. Known for his profound interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and other Romantic composers, Paik’s focus on Mozart allows him to showcase a different artistic range. This choice also underscores his belief in the timelessness of Mozart’s music and its ability to challenge and inspire across generations.
The second album in this trilogy not only reaffirms Paik’s status as a seasoned artist but also as one willing to confront the complexities of Mozart’s seemingly transparent but deeply intricate compositions. By revisiting Mozart, Paik seeks to connect his lifelong musical journey with new audiences, providing a fresh lens through which to view these masterpieces.
Fans and classical music aficionados alike anticipate the final installment in Paik’s Mozart series, expected next year, which will complete what he describes as a personal yet universal journey through Mozart’s world. This trilogy represents Paik’s ultimate homage to Mozart, showcasing the pianist’s refined sensitivity and evolving approach to one of history’s greatest composers.
