Giving classical music new relevance: Korean pianist Son Yeol-eum on romantic Love Music album, inspired by Wagner’s Tristan & Isolde

By Kwon Mee-yoo Celebrated for her exquisite artistry, Son Yeol-eum stands out as a leading pianist in South Korea. Teaming up with Bulgarian-born violinist Svetlin Roussev, Son will perform later this month at Lotte Hall, in Seoul, at a concert featuring works from her album Love Music. It was the result of an unexpected moment of inspiration when Son stumbled upon Franz Waxman’s “Love Music”, a piece inspired by Wagner’s opera Tristan & Isolde. “The idea came accidentally,” Son says. “Svetlin had this handwritten score, quite a rare find, and despite my familiarity with Waxman’s work, this particular piece was new to me. It felt like uncovering a hidden gem, so we decided to bring it to light through this album.” Son and Roussev assembled a repertoire that would echo the romanticism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a particular emphasis on compositions from Germany and Austria. ‘Completely honest, with no fear’: pianist Minsoo Sohn’s approach to music “I began collecting music from that time and region, seeking pieces that would resonate with the overarching theme of romanticism,” Son says. Son highlights the significance of composers like Waxman and Korngold, who transitioned from classical music to Hollywood, pioneering innovative musical styles that formed the basis of film music and influenced popular culture. “I want people to feel that classical music is relevant to their lives,” she says, highlighting her aspiration for the album to bridge the gap between classical music and contemporary audiences. “We questioned whether to play the album as is, but decided to deepen the narrative,” Son says. Among the works they will perform is Gabriel Fauré’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No 1, marking the centenary of the composer’s death. “Playing French music with Svetlin is always a learning experience for me,” Son says. Multimedia choral concert rips musical works from their church settings She describes Roussev as a relaxed and easy-going musician, a trait that seamlessly complements her own style. Svetlin emphasises the emotional depth and discovery in their joint performances: “Her sensitivity, flexibility, her ability to really listen to her partners is in one word, incredible,” he says. Son, who was appointed as the ambassador for Apple Music Classical in Korea in January, has curated a playlist and released a special EP for Apple Music Classical. She refined her playlist “Meno mosso” five times to achieve the perfect balance between piano and orchestral music. “Without strict guidelines, curating the playlist was a challenge, but it allowed me to create a diverse and balanced playlist,” Son says, adding that she hopes it will encourage listeners to explore more classical music. The special EP Classical Session: Yeol Eum Son is a tribute to her musical roots, featuring pieces by Hanon, Czerny and Doucet. There were moments when I felt the unfairness of being a young Asian woman in a predominantly Western field Son Yeol-eum “I wanted this project to have a deeper significance,” Son says, who chose Hanon and Czerny pieces, staples in Korean piano education. “I vividly recall playing Doucet’s waltz when I was just six years old,” Son says. “There was this particularly wide octave chord and with my small hands, reaching across eight keys seemed impossible. Yet, as I stretched my fingers, I managed to bridge that octave for the first time. That moment is etched in my memory.” While establishing her career in Europe when she was in her twenties, Son encountered challenges that stemmed not just from her youth, but also her ethnicity and gender. “There were moments when I felt the unfairness of being a young Asian woman in a predominantly Western field,” Son says. She sensed a dismissive attitude from some peers and industry professionals who underestimated her, possibly due to stereotypes or prejudices that assumed her career would take a back seat to personal life choices like marriage. Since then, the pianist has noticed a significant change in the global perception of Korean culture, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s like stepping into a different world,” she says, reminiscing about an encounter with a Finnish orchestra where the PR personnel communicated with her in Korean, and another in Spain where musicians showed a keen interest in learning the Korean language. “The global spread of Korea’s pop culture appears to be advantageous for me as well,” Son adds. No longer all male, the Vienna Philharmonic is catching up with the times Following her Love Music concert in March, Son will take the stage in Korea with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of its new music director, Jaap van Zweden. In July and August, she will lead her personal initiative, Going Home, a project that unites Korean musicians living abroad, fostering a sense of community and belonging. “The project emerged spontaneously, yet it brims with the joy of pursuing an endeavour driven purely by passion,” Son says. “Since our inaugural concert last year, the response has been overwhelming, with many musicians reaching out to participate. Going Home aims to create a network and a sense of home for Korean musicians worldwide.” Read the full story at The Korea Times