An Ryeo-hong Piano Recital

Showtimes

Wednesday (19:30)

Cast

An Ryeo-hong

Synopsis

[Program] “Ballades & Impromptus Four Monologues” F. Chopin Ballade No.1 in g minor, Op. 23 Impromptu No.1 in A-flat major, Op. 29 F. Chopin Ballade No.2 in F major, Op. 38 Impromptu No.2 in F-sharp major, Op. 36 Intermission F. Chopin Ballade No.3 in A-flat major, Op.47 Impromptu No.3 in G-flat major, Op.51 F. Chopin Fantasy-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op.66 Ballade No.4 in F minor, Op. 52 [Performance Introduction] Four ballads and four improvisations are ultimately one person's life and memory. “This recital is a process of portraying the self-deprecating confession and the traces of every emotion that Chopin intended to convey.” Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong, who is preparing for her solo recital at the Sejong Center Chamber Hall on May 27, conveyed this message. After graduating from Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School, Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong entered Yonsei University College of Music as a student of outstanding performance ability and earned a bachelor's degree. Subsequently, she went to Germany and graduated with a master's degree and a Konzertexamen (Advanced Performance Diploma) from the Dresden University of Music with a perfect score and unanimous approval. Starting with her homecoming recital at Kumho Art Hall Yonsei in 2023, she has met audiences every year with unique themes. This recital presents a composition that alternates between Chopin’s Ballades and Impromptus. It explores the musical logic and connectivity stemming from the fundamental differences between the two genres. If the Ballade is the 'major pillar' constructing Chopin’s narrative, the Impromptus is a momentary emotion It can be described as a condensed 'fragment of time.' Through the intersection of these two genres, Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong presents a three-dimensional introduction to the overall flow of Chopin's life as a human being and the emotions of the moments he experienced during that process. Chopin's Ballades are an epic built against the backdrop of the dark era of his exile from his homeland, Poland. As one moves from No. 1 to No. 4, the tragic weight and inner emotions deepen. Conversely, the Impromptus are works born from the splendor of salon culture; while they exude the freedom of piano music, they gradually lead to an introspective stillness. Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong stated, "The interplay between Ballades and Impromptus does not signify contrast or opposition, but rather becomes a narrative that examines Chopin's life through stories and emotions." She added, "I hope this becomes a time to understand music with the heart through the four confessions Chopin reveals." The First Confession of Youth – Momentary Emotions Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong presents Chopin's Ballade No. 1 and Impromptus No. 1 as 'Youth' Introducing the works. Ballade No. 1, in which Chopin first introduced the ballad form to piano music, was composed during his exile in Paris immediately after leaving his homeland of Poland; it is deeply imbued with sentiments of loss and resistance. The nostalgia and anger depicted by the young Chopin coexist with lyricism and explosive energy. Impromptu No. 1 was composed in 1837, during the heyday of the Paris salons. It is the first work in which Chopin, who enjoyed improvisation, captured a momentary inspiration in score. Sophisticated formal beauty remains alive even within the freely flowing melody. Passion Amidst Serenity – Hidden Anxiety The ensuing Ballade No. 2 reveals Chopin's dual inner self, influenced by his time with his beloved George Sand and his deteriorating health. The anxiety latent beneath the surface tranquility stands in sharp contrast. Impromptu No. 2 is the largest in scale and structurally complex of the four improvisations. Breaking away from simple salon-style music, it harbors a narrative closer to a ballad. Chopin's complex inner psychology... Breaking the boundaries of genre. Memories of Love – Emotions Remaining in Song While Part 1 is dominated by passionate music, Part 2 delves into a more subdued inner world. Pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong presents both the human Chopin and the musician Chopin through the arrangement of Ballade No. 3 and Impromptu No. 3. Ballade No. 3, composed during the period of stability following his settlement in Paris, displays bright and elegant colors, yet a delicately concealed sorrow flows beneath. The rift in his relationship with George Sand evokes memories of the deterioration of love. Impromptu No. 3 is a work from Chopin's later years, revealing that he had fallen into anguish regarding his own identity and inner self. While the surface appears to flow gracefully, the inner harmonic language harbors a spirit foreshadowing late Romanticism. Deepened Reflection – Indelible Afterimages For each of the four works, the Impromptu is performed first, followed by the Ballade to bring the piece to a fitting conclusion. Gathering. In Impromptus No. 4, one can see fragments of emotion coming together to complete the inner landscape of Chopin. As a masterpiece that compresses the raw emotions Chopin wished to conceal, it has become the most popular of Chopin's works today. Ballade No. 4 is considered the pinnacle of Chopin's career and the greatest masterpiece of piano literature. Completed during a period when his health was deteriorating and his relationship with Sand was wavering, it serves as the culmination of Chopin's musical journey, where premonitions of death and reflections on life coexist. The flow, which begins with deep contemplation and ends in an uncontrollable vortex, clearly reveals Chopin's wavering emotions. Ballades & Impromptus, Four Confessions The Chopin portrayed by pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong constitutes a complete narrative rather than a mere sequence of works. This journey, spanning from Chopin's youth to the weight of his later years, helps the audience interpret Chopin's music in a "human" way. The organizer, Artuz Company, stated, "The pianist “Chopin’s monologues, unfolding at Ahn Ryeo-hong’s fingertips, will capture a raw tension while remaining honest,” it was stated. “It will be a time to truly enjoy and interpret the music, moving beyond mere technical virtuosity.” Meanwhile, pianist Ahn Ryeo-hong currently teaches at Yonsei University, Deokwon High School of the Arts, and Incheon High School of the Arts. She is scheduled to hold a solo recital titled ‘Virtuso to Visionary - F. Liszt’s Musical Journey’ at the Seoul Arts Center Recital Hall this coming December. Overflowing with romantic music, the ‘Ahn Ryeo-hong Piano Recital - Ballades & Impromptus: Four Monologues’ will be held on May 27 at the Sejong Center Chamber Hall. Tickets are available for purchase through Sejong Culture Ticket (02-399-1000) and Interpark Ticket (1544-1555). For further inquiries, please contact Artuz Company (070-7757-0300).

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