Beyond Brilliance: Pianist Sunwook Kim Explores Liszt's Lyricism in New Album

South Korean pianist Sunwook Kim, internationally acclaimed since his 2017 Van Cliburn Competition win, has unveiled his latest studio album, 'Liszt.' This release marks a significant departure from his previous works, delving into the profound human and lyrical dimensions of Franz Liszt's compositions, which Kim felt were often overshadowed by the composer's dazzling technical demands. For Kim, who initially shied away from Liszt in his twenties, viewing him as overly virtuosic, this album represents a mature rediscovery and a deep appreciation for the emotional depth within Liszt's music.

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Until middle school, I had the most Liszt sheet music, but in my 20s, I actually avoided playing him. I thought he was too virtuosic. As I got older and came to understand the humanity and lyricism within Liszt's brilliance, I decided to prepare this album.

The album, recorded in the resonant acoustics of a Berlin church once used by Herbert von Karajan, offers a curated selection that aims to capture the essence of 'singing through the piano.' It moves from meditative pieces to intimate lieder-like compositions, exploring themes of temptation, love, and operatic drama before culminating in the iconic 'Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.' Notably, Kim includes 'Seduction,' a lesser-known song by Dessauer, arranged by Liszt, which he discovered recently and felt compelled to record for its unique lyrical quality. This thoughtful programming showcases Kim's interpretive artistry and his commitment to presenting a nuanced view of Liszt.

Kim's exploration of Liszt is intrinsically linked to his upcoming national tour, which kicks off on May 15th in Iksan. The tour program thoughtfully pairs Liszt with Schubert, a composer revered as the 'king of lieder.' Kim explains this juxtaposition as a way to highlight the contrast between Schubert's pure, internal emotional expression and Liszt's dramatic, outward unfolding of those same musical ideas. This pairing promises audiences a compelling journey through the expressive range of the piano, showcasing both intimate confessions and grand narratives.

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I organized the tracks with the concept of 'singing through the piano.' The first three songs evoke a meditative atmosphere, the next three are like intimate whispers of lieder, followed by seductive love songs and devilish opera pieces, culminating in the 'Hungarian Rhapsody.'

For us in Korea, Sunwook Kim's career is a source of immense pride. His ability to connect with audiences through deeply personal interpretations, whether of familiar or newly discovered works, is remarkable. This album and tour are not just about celebrating Liszt; they are about showcasing a world-class Korean artist's profound musicality and his dedication to bringing new layers of understanding to the classical repertoire. The choice to perform both Liszt and Schubert side-by-side offers a unique perspective, highlighting the interconnectedness of musical expression and demonstrating Kim's sophisticated artistic vision.

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Schubert is called the 'king of lieder,' which aligns with the album's theme of 'singing,' and Liszt deeply understood Schubert's lieder better than anyone. Schubert is a composer who sings of pure inner emotions, whereas Liszt dramatically unfolds those songs, so the contrast between the two seemed interesting when combined.