Pianist Chong Park takes on Chopin theme in new recital

When Chong Park played his own music titled "Ballade Chopinesque on the theme of Hymn of Death," it sounded as if Chopin composed the music after meeting Yun Sim-deok, Korea's first professional soprano who was about to jump into a dark sea out of despair over her unaccomplished love. Park plans to play the music during his solo concert at the Perigee Hall in southern Seoul on March 15. But why Yoon?

"As I was arranging my program with Chopin's music including his Sonata No. 2, I thought this tune written by Ion Ivanovici would create a perfect atmosphere," Park said. "I watched a television drama on her life with a great impression last year. That is why I composed the music in accordance with the style of Chopin's Ballade No. 1."

The upcoming concert is the fifth of his recital series and on Chopin. Known as a "pianist who composes music," Park has performed music in his own style throughout the series. When Bach was the theme, he played Bach's Inventions in a Romantic style. When he performed on Beethoven, he played a variation on the theme of "Ich liebe dich." During his Schumann recital, Park rearranged and performed Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" in his own style, taking a cue from Schumann's insanity.

Park has never gotten out of the center of the music circles. He went on stage to perform concertos at the Seoul Arts Center's classic festivals on four occasions. He is considered a pianist with diverse contacts with the audience. He wrote music for TV documentaries and arranged and performed soundtracks for various TV dramas. He even played roles as a piano professor or a conductor.

The fifth of his recital series will be held at the Perigee Hall in Seocho district in Seoul at 8:00 p.m. on March 15.


gustav@donga.com