The Korea Foundation’s annual winter concert, “Soaring High,” was presented at the Kumho Art Hall, in Seoul, on December 8. As an event to look back on the year of 2010 and to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Foundation’s establishment, the concert provided an opportunity for the audience to revel in the passionate performance of Korea’s up-and-coming classical musicians.

Right after the four musicians entered the stage and took up their positions, the melancholy melody of a violin filled the air. At first, the audience could not recognize the work being played, but they soon realized it was a version of “Arirang,” Korea’s most beloved traditional song, but a unique interpretation that was not easily recognizable. People settled into their seats while the faint refrains of Arirang, sorrowful and memorable, struck a chord with everyone in the audience. Thus the “Soaring High” concert, which marked the 19th anniversary of the Korea Foundation’s establishment, got underway.

New Age Musical Artists
The concert featured the Novus Quartet, a chamber music group, and pianist Kim Tae-hyung. Led by Kim Jae-yeong, a violinist, the Novus Quartet members include Kim Yeong-uk (violin), Lee Seung-won (viola), and Mun Ung-hui (cello), all graduates of the Korea National University of Arts (KNUA). Since their debut performances at the KNUA Chamber Concert and the National Assembly, the quartet has presented a wide variety of repertoires at various venues, including the Haydn Festival, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and the LG Art Center. In Korea’s classic musical scene, which has long been dominated by solo artists, the emergence of an all-male quartet has d a considerable stir.
Kim Tae-hyung, who performed with the Novus Quartet, is a fast-rising star pianist who came into his own by capturing the first prize at the Porto International Piano Competition in Portugal in 2004. Thereafter, he continued to distinguish himself on the international stage with awards earned at the Concours Long-Thibaud (2007) and the Concours Grand Prix Animato (2008). Kim placed fifth at this year’s Queen Elizabeth Competition in Belgium. At the concert, Kim showed distinctive confidence and stage presence.

Chamber Music Works

After the Arirang piece, the Novus Quartet performed “Rosamunde,” Quartet No. 13 in A minor, by Franz Schubert. “Rosamunde” is a wonderful musical work accentuated by a delicate sentiment from beginning to end. In the first movement, the first violin plays an introduction of the main theme, while the second violin adds a short but delightful melody. In the second movement, which many regard as the most elegant of Schubert’s chamber music compositions, the audience was captivated by its soothing melody. Following the third movement, comprised of light-hearted dance tunes, the fourth movement returns to an enchanting atmosphere. With an exquisite theme that links together all four movements, “Rosamunde” proved to be an ideal selection for the Novus Quartet, which presented a crisp and delightful rendition. The appreciative audience responded with enthusiastic applause that subsided only when the group started into the next piece, "Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 44," which is known as a true masterpiece among Schubert’s chamber music works. Kim Tae-hyung’s marvelous piano performance provided a noticeable element of depth and diversity to the group’s music.

In the first movement, each part led seamlessly into the next, highlighted by the ability of the members to an exquisite blend of contrast and harmony. The second movement featured a funeral-style elegy with a rather somber but vibrant middle section, which allowed each member to display the elegant artistry of a quartet. Toward the climax and finale, Kim Tae-hyung’s dynamic piano performance, woven together with the sensual vibrancy of the violin, viola and cello, cast a spell over an enchanted audience. At the conclusion of this work, the hall was filled with thunderous applause and fervent bursts of exhilaration. After three curtain calls, the musicians returned to the stage and played “Silent Night, Holy Night,” placating the audience. With this familiar Christmas carol, the concert came to an end, sending everyone on their way with expectations for a happy holiday season.

Choi Kyung-sook