Deutsche Grammophon Artist's Latest Album, Focused on Life's Essence, Features Diverse Tracks

Courtesy of Universal Music

Park Hye-sang, the first Asian soprano signed by Deutsche Grammophon, released her second album on Friday, a project that has occupied her for over two years. The album encompasses a variety of elements, including free diving for the album jacket photos, symbolizing the theme of "breath," and a pilgrimage to Santiago, Spain, reflecting the essence of "embrace your life while you live." 

▲ Courtesy of Universal MusicThe album comprises 25 tracks, spanning classics by Rossini, Verdi, Massenet, and more, along with recent works by contemporary composers such as Cecilia Livingston, Luke Howard, and Bernat Vivancos. Park, also known as Hera Park, emphasized the complexity of the songs chosen, moving away from the conventional list of popular tracks.

Park drew inspiration from the Seikilos epitaph, one of the oldest surviving musical compositions, dating back to the first or second century. The lyrics, "While you live, since. Have no grief at all," provided her with courage and led her to explore the meaning of death during a period of grappling with the sudden loss of loved ones.

She commissioned a rearranged work titled "While You Live," combining the Seikilos epitaph with Luke Howard's existing composition "Hymn." Additionally, the album features Korean composer Woo Hyo-won’s “Requiem Aeternam (Eoi Gari).” Park expressed the empowering connection she feels when singing Korean songs or wearing hanbok (Korean traditional clothing).

Ajaeng, a Korean traditional string instrument, is featured in the album, showcasing Park's aim to ignite interest in Korean music. She plans to perform more Korean art songs and gugak music in an upcoming recital on Feb. 13 at Lotte Concert Hall.

Despite her frequent travels for concerts and performances abroad, Park has found a sense of home in South Korea after ending her nomadic lifestyle of seven years. Reflecting on the importance of an actual home, she mentioned the comfort of having her own space and bed, aligning with her mother's advice.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com