Recital Series: Minsoo Sohn

OVERVIEW

Known for his musical intelligence and elegant virtuosity, Minsoo Sohn plays Book One of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. These 24 preludes and fugues explore the intricacies of all major and minor keys, originally conceived as a teaching exercise but now celebrated as a beloved performance masterpiece. The ear and mind are guided through a progression that fascinates, diverts and exerts a powerful emotional and intellectual effect.

PROGRAMME

J.S. BACH (1685-1750)

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1

– 24 Preludes and Fugues

ARTISTS

Minsoo Sohn

Korean-American pianist Minsoo Sohn is known for his musical intelligence and masterful virtuosity. Described by the New York Times as “a genuine artist, with a thoughtful and poetic interpretation”, and by the Boston Globe as “born to play the piano”, Sohn continues to expand his reputation as one of the foremost pianists of his day. He has toured extensively throughout North and South America, Europe and Korea, appearing at significant venues and festivals.

Sohn is particularly noted for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and the New York Times praised his Honens label recording of the work as a “beautifully articulated, radiant interpretation”, placing it as one of the top classical recordings of 2011. His recordings also received critical acclaim from the New Yorker magazine, Plain Dealer, Gramophone, Calgary Herald and the Toronto Star, among others.

In 2020, coinciding with the 250^th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Sohn concluded his four-year immersion in the composer’s music, which included a concert series, recordings and writings. Over the course of his Beethoven project, Sohn performed and recorded the composer’s 32 sonatas in a series of recitals at the Seoul Arts Center and recording sessions at Tongyeong Concert Hall. The recital series also included Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Bagatelles. Sony Classical released the highly anticipated nine-album set of Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas in 2020.

Sohn has held positions at Michigan State University and Korean National University of Arts before joining his alma mater, New England Conservatory, in the autumn of 2023.

He has described himself as indebted to the late Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun, the renowned pianists and educators, for guiding him to follow his bliss.

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