Kay Kyung Eun Kim - Soundscape (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Metamorphosis I
02. Metamorphosis II
03. Fantasia on an Ostinato (Version for Piano)
04. Etude Fantasy: No. 1, For the Left Hand Alone
05. Etude Fantasy: No. 2, Legato
06. Etude Fantasy: No. 3, Fifths to Thirds
07. Etude Fantasy: No. 4, Ornaments
08. Etude Fantasy: No. 5, Melody
09. Three Passions for Our Tortured Planet: I. Fire
10. Three Passions for Our Tortured Planet: II. Glaciers
11. Three Passions for Our Tortured Planet: III. Winds

On January 5, 2024, renowned pianist Kay Kyung Eun Kim releases her highly anticipated STEINWAY & SONS debut album (STNS 30230). Aptly titled Soundscape , this exceptional collection showcases the artistry of Ms. Kim as she interprets the masterful works of three contemporary composers. With a unifying vision, these compositions converge to form a harmonious and evocative sonic landscape.

Born in 1936, Philip Glass's “Metamorphosis I and “Metamorphosis II” are quintessential examples of minimalist music. Written in 1988 as part of a five-movement piano suite, these pieces exemplify Glass's trademark repetitive patterns and gradual harmonic shifts. “Metamorphosis I” begins with a gentle, mesmerizing melody that evolves incrementally, inviting listeners into a trance-like state. In contrast, “Metamorphosis II” possesses a more subdued and introspective character, with cascading arpeggios and simple yet poignant harmonies. Glass's minimalist approach encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the subtle nuances of repetition and gradual transformation.

John Corigliano (b 1938), on the other hand, takes us on a strikingly different journey with "Fantasia on an Ostinato" and "Etude Fantasies 1-5." "Fantasia on an Ostinato," composed in 1985, is an emotionally charged work that borrows the relentless repeating bass line from Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Corigliano reimagines this ostinato with a contemporary twist, crafting a piece that builds tension and intensity through rhythmic and harmonic variations. The result is a captivating exploration of a timeless motif within a modern context.

“Etude Fantasies 1-5” further exemplify Corigliano's inventive prowess. These etudes, composed between 1979 and 1985, reflect a diverse range of moods and techniques. From the playful and quirky character of the first etude to the introspective and introspective nature of the third, Corigliano showcases his ability to seamlessly blend traditional piano etude forms with contemporary expressions. Each etude offers a unique narrative and technical challenge for the performer, making them a fascinating exploration of the piano's capabilities.

Concluding the album, Brian Field (b. 1967) offers a further unique perspective on the sonic landscape in his three-movement suite “Three Passions for our Tortured Planet” – a work focused on themes of global climate change. The first movement (“…fire…”) is a reflection on the forest fires raging across California and the American West on a recurring, and increasingly alarming basis. The work starts with an ostinato “spark,” that flickers and quickly spreads, growing more complicated. The fire begins to rage loudly, and across register, building to a climax which eventually becomes more controlled, as it burns itself out and dies.

The second movement (“…glaciers…”) is a distant, stately movement that depicts the enormous ices on earth’s poles. These slow, ponderous moments are sporadically interrupted by rapidly falling, thundering episodes, depicting the shearing of the glacial ice with ever-warming temperatures.

Concluding the suite is the third movement (“…winds…”). This virtuosic finale begins with running winds that become increasingly intense and hurricane/typhoon-like in their destructiveness before dissipating into a barely noticeable breeze.

This exciting program presents a compelling juxtaposition of three composers, each with their distinctive musical language. Philip Glass's “Metamorphosis I” and “Metamorphosis II” invite us to contemplate the beauty of minimalism and gradual transformation, while John Corigliano's "Fantasia on an Ostinato" and “Etude Fantasies 1-5” push the boundaries of contemporary expression and reinterpretation. Brian Field’s “Three Passions for our Tourtured Planet” suite fuses a multiplicity of styles to bring listeners into a more programmatic journey in climate change themes. Together, these works offer a rich tapestry of musical exploration, demonstrating the enduring power of contemporary classical music to evolve and adapt to new creative horizons.

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