“I Wanted to ‘Sing’ Through the Piano”… Sunwoo Yekwon’s Liszt Exploration

Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon, celebrated for his dynamic performances since winning the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017, is delving into the profound world of Franz Liszt with his latest album, 'Liszt.' Released on May 7th, this album marks Yekwon's third collaboration with his record label and represents a significant exploration of a composer often defined by his dazzling technique.

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Liszt, a composer who is like a mountain I want to climb someday.

Yekwon describes Liszt as a figure akin to a 'mountain to be climbed,' acknowledging his reputation for 'transcendental technique' while emphasizing Liszt's equally important human voice and deep lyricism. This album, therefore, shifts the focus from mere virtuosity to the emotional and narrative qualities embedded within Liszt's compositions. The selection of 11 pieces, centered around the theme of 'singing through the piano,' includes interpretations of Verdi's 'Rigoletto Paraphrase,' the folk-infused 'Hungarian Rhapsody,' and Schubert's lieder arranged by Liszt.

This artistic endeavor is particularly meaningful from a South Korean perspective. While international coverage might focus on Yekwon's technical prowess, his nuanced approach here highlights a deeper engagement with classical music that resonates locally. The album's structure, exploring themes like 'recollection and meditation,' 'familiarity of art songs,' 'temptation and love,' and 'operatic elements,' showcases a thoughtful curation that invites listeners to experience Liszt's music in a new light. The inclusion of Schubert, the 'king of lieder,' alongside Liszt's dramatic interpretations, creates an intriguing dialogue between two distinct yet connected musical worlds.

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I composed the album with the theme of 'singing through the piano.'

Yekwon's personal journey also informs this project. Having learned Mozart from his first teacher in the US, and previously releasing albums dedicated to Mozart and Rachmaninoff, his exploration of Liszt reflects a continuous quest to understand and express the core of each composer's musical language. His description of Liszt's sound as 'light, like soap bubbles or transparent glass beads' offers a unique insight into his interpretive philosophy, moving beyond conventional descriptions of Liszt's powerful sound.

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Liszt is a composer who expresses these songs dramatically and colorfully.

As Yekwon prepares for his national recital tour, starting May 15th in Iksan, the program promises a captivating blend of Schubert and Liszt. This tour, like the album, aims to showcase the 'singing' quality that connects these composers, despite their apparent differences. Yekwon's desire to transcend labels of 'lyrical' or 'virtuosic' is fully embodied in this project, offering a complex, emotionally rich experience that challenges preconceptions and celebrates the multifaceted nature of his artistry.

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Some people say I only suit lyrical pieces, while others prefer my powerful performances. This album contains both gentle lyricism and intense, contrasting emotions.