Classical music, a genre often wrapped in an aura of seriousness, finds a lively and playful advocate in the Korean-British pianist Hyung-ki Joo. Revered by many as one part of the whimsical musical pair known as Igudesman & Joo, he believes in approaching classical compositions with vigor, but without the rigidity that typically surrounds their performances.
“I never mock the essence of the music, I merely revel in its joy,” he avows, “Music, at its core, embodies playfulness. It’s akin to composers engaging in a delightful dance with notes.”
As Joo prepares for his much-anticipated concert in Hong Kong this October, audiences can expect an immersion into pieces by classical stalwarts like Joseph Haydn, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel, performed alongside the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. A fervent admirer of Haydn, Joo perceives him as a somewhat unsung maestro in the classical realm. Through this upcoming concert, he hopes to amplify the comedic and theatrical nuances in Haydn’s creations, making them resonate more profoundly with modern listeners.
In a recent virtual conversation from Vienna, Austria, Joo expressed his intent. “Haydn’s stature as a pioneer in symphony is unquestionable, yet it feels like history hasn’t sung his praises loudly enough. He was held in high esteem by prodigies like Mozart and played a pivotal role in influencing subsequent greats, including Beethoven, Ravel, and Debussy.”
The forthcoming concert, intriguingly labeled “Haydn Seek!”, promises an eclectic mix of Haydn’s renowned and lesser-known compositions. Intertwined with these are works by Debussy and Ravel, both of whom were fervent admirers of Haydn. “Their admiration for Haydn is palpable in their music,” remarks Joo, “Ravel’s piano concertos, for instance, draw inspiration from Haydn, and Debussy’s tributes to him are evident in pieces he dedicated to the Austrian maestro.”
Together with Aleksey Igudesman, the other half of the dynamic duo ‘Igudesman & Joo,’ the pair has regaled audiences globally for nearly two decades. Their delightful fusion of humor and music has garnered applause in prestigious concert halls and amassed significant digital attention on platforms like YouTube.
But Joo insists that his upcoming Hong Kong performance won’t just cater to the comic aspect. He envisions it as a bridge to make classical music more approachable. One of the highlights will be his original piece, “Surprising Haydn”. Drawing inspiration from Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony”, Joo aims to imbue a sense of surprise and mirth into his composition.
He elaborates, “Haydn had this delightful quirk where he’d punctuate a mellow flow with a sudden orchestral burst, a technique aimed to keep the audience alert. My piece intends to capture and elevate that playful element of surprise.”
Joo’s affinity for Hong Kong is palpable. “The city’s audience is among the best I’ve encountered. Their response post-performance is electric, akin to that at rock concerts,” he shares. For Joo, the most heartwarming audience reaction is the innocent laughter of children. “I hope many young attendees grace the concert. Their genuine responses — from silence during a quiet piece to palpable excitement during an energetic one — is unparalleled.”
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