Interview: Krystian Zimerman Tours Korea with Prelude-Focused Recitals
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Legendary Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman (69) will give recitals in Daejeon (Jan 11), Seoul (Jan 13, 15, 18), Busan (Jan 20) and Daegu (Jan 22). His program, titled “Preludes & Co,” presents a changing selection of preludes (short introductory piano pieces) from about 18 composers — from Bach to Gershwin and Kapustin — revealed to audiences only on the day of each concert. Zimerman, known for bringing and assembling his own piano parts (keys and action) to ensure the instrument matches his sound ideals, says the project responds to his wish to include many small-scale works that are often left out of recitals. Inspired by immersive media art such as teamLab, he hopes listeners feel they’re on an unpredictable journey. A longtime advocate for Polish composers beyond Chopin, Zimerman also criticizes illegal online recordings: unauthorized YouTube uploads have cancelled commercial recording opportunities and undermine artists’ livelihoods. He insists careful, professional recording is essential and objects to widespread free distribution of performances.
