Chung Myung-whun reflects on life with new album and recitals

Chung Myung-whun, the conductor and pianist, speaks during a press conference for his new album, "Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms: Late Piano Works," and his recital at Cosmos Art Hall, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

By Park Ji-won

The cover image of Chung Myung-whun's piano album, "Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms: Late Piano Works" / Courtesy of Universal Music Korea

Conductor Chung Myung-whun has returned with his second album, "Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms: Late Piano Works," and the first recital in seven years.

Chung, who started his musical career as a pianist and became famous after winning the second prize at the 1974 International Tchaikovsky Competition, for the first time as a Korean, has built his career as a conductor and music director of international orchestras, such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as being a member of the Chung trio. With the album including the most famous pieces written by the three composers during their twilight years, Chung tried to express himself through the piano, which is his first and longest-lasting "love." He is set to showcase his music to audiences through the recital.

"A conductor is not perfect as a musician, because he or she cannot make sounds (with an instrument). I think the piano can express what I am not able to show via conducting. We need to find the chance to express ourselves. Otherwise, we might as well be dead. That's why I came back with the piano," Chung said during a press conference held to promote his latest album and recital, which is being held from April 23 to 30.

Stressing that his affection for the piano has remained unchanged since he fell in love with it in the past, the 68-year-old musician, however, stressed that he is not trying to show that he is active as a pianist through this album and recitals. Rather, his feelings about the piano are very personal.

"In the past, I said that I love the piano and chocolate. As time went by, chocolate has been replaced by my family, which is my top priority now. But I've always wanted to stay next to the piano because I fell deeply love with it. Also, the pandemic canceled 90 percent of my annual schedule, so I spent a lot of time studying and playing the piano … though I don't think I am a professional musician anymore. It is already over. So it is good to be asked to do something by others. This album also came to life upon the request of my son ― who is a record producer ― following my first album, which was for my grandchildren."

When asked why he chose the three composers and the works of their twilight years, Chung said, "I picked Joseph Hayden's work for the beginning because I played his concerto in my first performance. I couldn't eliminate Beethoven because he is such a giant figure. Brahms is interesting. He made a lot of large-scale compositions, but most of his last works are all small, calm and intimate. As I grow older, I feel different, that small and beautiful music carries a stronger resonance than something fast and fun. So, I chose those works."

Chung said that his fingers don't work as well as they did when he was young, but the time spent practicing helped him improve his ability to express himself through music.

"Sometimes I cannot move my fingers like I want to. But as I get older, I can see and sense more music, which is something that is hard to explain. I think musicians need to have three things: talent, practice and time … It is very tough (to be a musician). But those aspects are definitely reflected in the music.

"I cannot compare myself with genius composers, but for me, it is worth living this long. As time goes by, you realize something you didn't understand naturally. You also realize that time is very important in the process. I love aging and have never thought of going back to the past."

His second album was released on Thursday via Deutsche Grammophon. The maestro is holding piano recitals in Seoul, Gunpo, Suwon, Gwangju and Daegu.

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn