Cellist Im Hee-young Releases Cello Duet Album "Hope It Brings Comfort to Difficult Daily Life"

Recording with mentor Philip Muller... Four cello duet pieces by Gliere, Offenbach, Popper, and Barriere

Cellist Lim Hee-young [Photo by Sony Music]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Cellist Lim Heeyoung will release her full-length album 'DUO: Duo' on the 27th through Sony Classical.

This album is Lim Heeyoung's third full-length album in Korea, following her debut album 'French Cello Concertos,' recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in November 2018, and 'Russian Cello Sonatas,' released in June this year.

The recording of the album features Philippe Muller, Lim Heeyoung's teacher during her studies at the Paris Conservatory. Lim selected only repertoire composed for two cellos, performing alongside her master, a giant in the French cello world.

Lim Heeyoung said, "I chose works composed solely for two cellos to convey the charm of music that can only be created with cellos. If this album leaves listeners with the impression that 'the cello sound is attractive, and although it's the first time hearing it, the pieces are really good,' I would feel truly rewarded. It was especially an honor to work with my 'cello father,' Philippe Muller."

The album production began at the suggestion of Philippe Muller. Muller was invited to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where Lim Heeyoung is currently employed, to hold a recital and masterclass. At that time, Muller proposed a duet performance with Lim. The album was completed with the participation of fellow violinist professor Frank Yang, who volunteered as producer.

In this album, Lim Heeyoung mainly performs pieces unfamiliar to the public. Since there are not many compositions for two cellos alone, the selection was limited. Lim said, "While performing well-known masterpieces is good, it is also the performer's duty to widely introduce lesser-known works. Through this opportunity, I was able to approach the duo pieces, which are not often encountered, with a more scholarly attitude."

The album contains four pieces. Lim Heeyoung plays first cello in works by Gli?re, Offenbach, and Popper, while Philippe Muller plays first cello in Barri?re's sonata. Among the four composers, Barri?re, Offenbach, and Popper were great cellists, and Gli?re was an excellent violinist.

Lim Heeyoung expressed, "I hope this album will comfort citizens enduring difficult daily lives, and I will fulfill my mission as a musician."

Lim Heeyoung plans to record a program consisting of Spanish and Latin American works next August, invited by the Concerto Malaga Chamber Orchestra in Spain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.