A Special 'Elephant Cry' Experience at Bukseoul Dream Forest

by Kim Heeyun

Published 04 Dec.2023 09:02(KST)

Seokjun Kwon Horn Recital 'Spring Blooming with Horn'
Inspired by Elephant Cries and Vibrations... Horn Sounds with Similar Frequencies
Unaccompanied Recital Focusing on and Exploring the True Sound of the Horn

Hornist Kwon Seok-jun, who serves as the head of the Korean branch of the International Horn Society, will meet with audiences for his fifteenth solo concert.

Hornist Kwon Seok-jun. [Photo by Korea Professional Musicians Association]

On the 4th, the Korean Association of Professional Artists announced that hornist Kwon Seok-jun's solo recital, "Spring Blooming with the Horn," will be held on January 2, 2024, at the Dream Forest Art Center Concert Hall.

The horn is considered one of the most difficult orchestral instruments to play due to its uniquely soft yet powerful sound. In this concert, Kwon Seok-jun will present a performance themed "The Sound of Elephants at Bukseoul Dream Forest," inspired by the similarity between the horn’s sound and the cry of an elephant.

Both the horn and elephant cries are deep and majestic, sharing similar vibrations at certain frequencies. Since both sounds occur at low frequencies, they are perceived by the human ear as deep and far-reaching. Additionally, because they share similar frequencies, they can sound alike to listeners.

Kwon Seok-jun has showcased a wide range of classical, romantic, and modern works through his series of solo recitals and lecture concerts. This upcoming concert will focus on romantic music, featuring a domestic premiere piece and Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1. Composed when Strauss was 18 years old, Horn Concerto No. 1 was written between 1882 and 1883 to celebrate the 60th birthday of his father, Franz Strauss, who was born in 1822.

Ahead of the performance, Kwon Seok-jun said, "The horn is somewhat unfamiliar to many people, but through this solo recital, I hope the horn’s infinite possibilities will become more widely known to the public." He added, "Having dedicated myself to showcasing the horn’s originality and accessibility, I hope this concert will be a step forward in the development of the horn in Korea."