He is widely regarded as one of the finest pianists of his generation. He has won numerous awards at major international competitions, including the 8th International German Piano Prize in 2018 and the Telekom Beethoven Competition in Bonn in 2021. He has now opened the new Bechstein Music World concert series, thrilling audiences with a breathtaking performance at the Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore.
He presented an exciting programme ranging from Brahms' Three Intermezzi, Op. 117, to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, as well as a four-part suite of his own composition titled 'The Flying Korean', culminating in Mussorgsky's monumental cycle 'Pictures at an Exhibition', which filled the second half of the concert.
In his detailed review, Chang Tou Liang praised the pianist highly and discussed the humorously titled 'Composer Pianist' cycle at length. The title of this cycle is, of course, an allusion to Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. The first piece in the suite is dedicated to New York City. Liang wrote, 'Broadway is a quasi-minimalist rhythmic dance that takes on a Ginastera-like intensity and percussiveness, yet it is inspired by Bernstein's West Side Story, as revealed by a quotation at the end.' He noted that the second movement, 'Helsinki', was more abstract and impressionistic, evoking an icy landscape. Suh certainly got to know Cologne/Bonn well during the Beethoven Competition. 'Cologne Cathedral' is an homage to Germany under Brahms and Bach, and is almost a full-fledged chaconne in D minor. Finally, Seoul is the last of the composed metropolises. 'Squid Game' channelled the energetic mood of film and video game music.
That evening, 'The Flying Korean' performed with great virtuosity, playing pieces from the standard repertoire and coaxing heavenly sounds from the C. Bechstein concert grand piano. Debussy’s 'Clair de lune' and the finale from Beethoven’s 'Appassionata' Sonata, performed as encores, rounded off a magnificent season opener.
The remaining dates promise more exciting concerts: On 29 May, Ron Maxim Huang, who has been supported by the Carl Bechstein Foundation for many years, will perform at Victoria Hall. Roman Borisov, who previously played a C. Bechstein concert grand piano at the Vienna Konzerthaus, will perform in Singapore on 29 August 2026. Deutsche Grammophon artist Julius Asal will conclude the series on 11 November 2026. He frequently played on Bechstein pianos during his studies with Sir András Schiff in Kronberg, and gave a C. Bechstein recital at the Ehrbar Saal in Vienna several years ago. The concert series in Singapore is subtitled “European Sound”. C. Bechstein embodies both the "European Sound" and the "German Sound".
Photos: Bechstein Music World
