"Mozart: Piano Works 1" Marks Veteran Pianist's First Mozart Recording

Courtesy of Universal Music

South Korean pianist Paik Kun-woo commenced his Mozart trilogy project on Tuesday with the release of "Mozart: Piano Works 1," under Deutsche Grammophon. This marks the first Mozart album by the 78-year-old pianist, who has a discography of more than 30 albums.

"Mozart's works are inherently difficult. It feels like bringing pure, natural music just as it is," Paik said in a press release. He reflected on the challenge of interpreting Mozart's compositions, likening the experience to capturing the innocence reflected in a child's perspective. Paik cited pianist Artur Schnabel's observation that "Mozart's music is too easy for children and too difficult for adults."
 

▲ Pianist Paik Kun-woo / Courtesy of Universal Music

The album cover features a portrait of Paik drawn by a child, selected from a contest titled "Paik Kun-Woo and Mozart's Musical World, Drawn in My Own Way." The album includes works such as “Piano Sonata No. 16,” “Easy Sonata,” “Rondo,” “Adagio,” and “Gigue.”

Universal Music highlighted the significance of Mozart's music, noting its depiction of fundamental human nature and emotions. They praised Paik's performance as an opportunity to engage with Mozart on a profound level. 

▲ The cover of "Mozart Piano Works 1" by Paik Kun-woo / Courtesy of Universal MusicPaik's recent discography includes "Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes" (2019), "Schumann" (2020), and "Granados: Goyescas" (2022). Universal Music Korea has not yet scheduled the release dates for the next two albums in Paik's Mozart trilogy.

To commemorate the release of "Mozart: Piano Works 1," Paik will embark on a national recital tour, starting with a performance at the Bucheon Art Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Saturday, and continuing through June 21.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com