'Starry Night'... The Meeting of Gogh and Debussy

On the 29th at Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall
Enjoy Van Gogh's works with a chamber music performance
Debussy's 'Petite Suite' and Grieg String Quartet

The National Symphony Orchestra will hold its first chamber music concert of the year on the 29th at the IBK Chamber Hall in the Seoul Arts Center under the title "19th and 20th Century Musicians Encountered Through Van Gogh's Works."

The stage will be set to enjoy Van Gogh's artworks while listening to chamber music by Debussy, Grieg, and Poulenc. About 50 of Van Gogh's works will fill the stage, ranging from his early piece "The Potato Eaters (1885)" to his masterpiece "The Starry Night (1889)." For each piece, commentator Kim Sehan will explain Van Gogh's life and works to help the audience's understanding.

Hornist Kim Hong-bak (left) and pianist Moon Jung-jae [Photo provided by National Symphony Orchestra, (c) Jino Park]

The first piece performed will be Debussy's "Petite Suite." The Petite Suite consists of four short movements, with the third movement "Minuet," known for its languid melody, and the fourth movement "Ballet," noted for its charming musical composition, being especially famous. Originally composed as a piano suite, this time it will be performed as a woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn). Horn player Kim Hongbak will join as a guest performer.

Next will be the "Sextet for Piano and Woodwind Quintet" by French composer Poulenc. Completed in 1932, Poulenc revised this work repeatedly until 1939, delaying its public premiere due to his dedication. This piece is more lively and satirical than any other work composed by Poulenc. Pianist Moon Jeongjae will make a special appearance.

Finally, Grieg's String Quartet No. 1 will be performed. Grieg conceived three string quartets throughout his life, but only the first was fully completed. Known as the "Norwegian Quartet," the piece vividly reflects the vast landscapes of Grieg's homeland, Norway. Possibly composed during a period of unusually strained relations with his lifelong companion, his wife Nina, the work carries a somewhat lonely and melancholic atmosphere throughout.

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