Piano Recital by Hyemin Kim

On Monday, September 5 2016 19:30 – 21:30

At Siam Ratchada Auditorium, Bangkok

Program
Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 J. S. Bach

Sonata in A-flat major, L. 186 D. Scarlatti

Sonata in F major, L. 432

Prelude in D major, Op. 23 No. 4 S. Rachmaninoff

Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32 No. 12

- Intermission –

Carnival, Op. 9 R. Schumann

Crochet L. Larsen
Toccata in C minor, BWV 911
The beginning starts out like an improvisation. The main theme is emphasized very
clearly. The Adagio part has a very good voicing. She really brings out the subject. In the small
fughetta part in the middle, the tempo sometimes is a little bit shaky. I don’t like that she
suddenly changes the tempo of the music before the fughetta comes back again. The tone and
articulation could be more contrasting and have more variations. At the end, the free passages
could be more free.

Sonata in A-flat major, L. 186

The beginning could show the meter clearer. I like that she plays this piece not too
heavy but with light touching. The piece seems to have different variations of the melody,
which she shows contrast every time the theme changes. I think there could be some pause
between sections.

Sonata in F major, L. 432

The melody has a good phrasing and singing quality. Sound very simple and elegant. The
pulse is very good, feels like the piece is very flowing. She plays the ornaments in this sonata
very light which is suitable to the music.

Prelude in D major, Op. 23 No. 4

I like that she plays with another kind of sound, different from Bach and Scarlatti.
Counter melody doesn’t overpower the melody, which is very nice. I think the accompaniment
part in left hand could be softer in some places. The piece needs more dynamic contrasts and a
little bit of rubato. I feel like she plays a bit too straight in tempo. The ending is very calm and
peaceful.

Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op. 32 No. 12

The beginning feels like bells ringing from afar. But I think if she plays faster, it will be
more effective. The melody has very nice line and shape. I also like the tone color of the
melody, it sounds very delicate and ringing. I think the passage that builds up to the climax
could be faster and have bigger sound. It sounds a little bit too calm. Harmonic changes are
very clear. I don’t agree with ritardando at the end. It was a bit too much.
Carnival, Op. 9
- Preambule: In soft passages, could softer. Everything is a little bit too loud. Although,
the character is very clear.
- Pierrot: Pedal tone or bass in some part could be louder. The sound could be more
carefully played and more focus. The short motif that is between the big motif could have
better phrasing, especially the ending of the phrase.
- Arlequin: There could be a small rest before playing this part. The first part should
have a clearer staccato sound.
- Valse Noble: The melody is very brilliant. The balance between the melody and inner
voice is very good. The peak of the main theme could have some more time.
- Eusebius: Very sentimental. A lot of different kinds of rhythm but still the meter is
clear. I like this movement. She plays this movement with a lot of passion.
- Florestan: I like that she takes some time as a swing in the main theme. I like that she
builds up to the next movement and then play it attacca.
- Coquette: Feels a little bit like scherzo or joke. I like the contrast between short motifs
and long phrases.
- Replique: This is like the extension of previous movement. I like that she plays it
slightly different. It has a calmer atmosphere.
- Papillons: The melody is drowned by the accompaniment part.
- Lettres dansantes: Could be more leggiero. I like the character of the piece, very
playful. I like that she plays it with a lot of rubato which really makes the character of the piece
very clear.
- Chiarina: Very passionate. I like it’s a bit heavy. Then in the second half she suddenly
plays it lighter. Really make it very interesting.
- Chopin: I prefer a small pause before starting this movement. Very beautiful phrasing
and tone quality. She plays this movement like Chopin music.
- Estrella: This whole movement could be faster.
- Reconnaissance: I think it can be softer and lighter. The melody is clear. I like that she
plays the key change section with different idea. And suddenly going to another key really
creates a surprise.
- Pantalon et Colombine: Staccato part could be shorter and lighter. Middle part and
ending could have better voicing.
 - Valse Allemande: I like that its calm and simple. The sound of the melody is also very
nice. The ending could move forward and have more crescendo.
- Paganini: I am not sure if the starting should be very short (staccato), and played
without pedal. I think the whole movement, if played with different pedaling would be more
interesting.
- Aveu: The music gives a sad and longing feeling. I like the way she plays with the
tempo very much.
- Promenade: I think the music could move a little bit more. The whole movement is a
little bit equal in dynamics. Could have more difference in dynamics.
- Pause: Quite virtuosic. It feels like its building up to the next movement.
- Marche des “Davidsbundler” contre les Philistins: Start out very strong and majestic.
The character is very clear. This movement has different materials from previous movements.
Every time new material appears, she plays it with different ideas.

Crochet
A contemporary piece by an American composer. The piece seems to have a lot of
materials mashed up together. She could play with some tone quality and dynamics with
different materials to make it more interesting. Overall, interesting piece of music.