French Interpretation Expert David Ryelandt Conducts
British Pianist Paul Lewis Performs Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’
Concert at Seoul Arts Center on July 5th
Conductor David Ryelandt,
Pianist Paul Lewis,
The Korea National Symphony Orchestra will present their 257th regular concert, “Ravel, La Valse,” on July 5th at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ravel.
David Ryelandt, renowned for his expertise in French music, will conduct, and pianist Paul Lewis, known as an authoritative interpreter of Beethoven, will join as a soloist.
The concert opens with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor.” Composed in 1809 amidst the sounds of the Napoleonic Wars in Vienna, Austria, the piece starts with a striking piano solo, breaking the convention of featuring the soloist after the orchestra’s introduction. This bold beginning reflects Beethoven’s spirit of individual freedom and dignity. The concerto is beloved for its grand structure, delicacy, and dynamism.
British pianist Paul Lewis will take the stage as the soloist. As a protege of the recently deceased maestro Alfred Brendel, Lewis has been acclaimed for his deep interpretation and refined performances. He was also the first pianist to perform all of Beethoven’s piano concertos (Nos. 1-5) at the BBC Proms in 2010.
The program also highlights Ravel’s music world in celebration of his 150th anniversary. Through two works reflecting the tumultuous period before and after World War I, audiences can explore the era’s emotions and Ravel’s personal depth conveyed through his exquisite orchestration and sound sensibility.
“Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2” captures the wonder of dawn with impressionistic sounds, weaving ancient myths and the restoration of love into its fluid and richly orchestrated flow. In contrast, “La Valse” suggests post-war European societal chaos and anxiety through its gradually disintegrating waltz form and subtle dissonance and distortion in its elegance. Unlike its predecessor, which celebrated nature and harmony, this piece reveals Ravel’s anxious and ironic view of a world where order has crumbled.
Artistic Director David Ryelandt noted, “This will be a journey following the insights of timeless artists like Beethoven and Ravel, who established their unique musical languages through transformation and innovation during an era of upheaval.”