Cheerful Violinist Danny Gu "Mendelssohn Would Have Been ENFP"

SSF Stage at Yesul-ui Jeondang on the 27th
Collaboration on Mendelssohn's 'String Quintet No. 2'

"You know MBTI, right? I think Mendelssohn's MBTI would have been the same as mine, ENFP."

The audience burst into laughter at the witty remark by violinist Danny Gu (photo). It was at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on the afternoon of the 27th, during the 19th Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival (SSF) 'Seonmin (chosen people)' concert. Danny Gu took the stage to explain the piece before performing Felix Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 2. He said he was wondering how to explain the piece in an interesting way and brought up MBTI. ENFP is a lively activist type, passionate and energetic, pouring enthusiasm into things they care about. Danny Gu explained that the piece has dynamic movements that feel like rushing toward a loved one, as well as slow movements filled with melancholy emotions.

Danny Gu performed Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 2 alongside violinist Jo Jinju, violists Lee Haesu and Shin Yeon Hwang, and cellist Shim Junho. The five performers each showcased their individuality while delivering a wonderful performance with overall harmony.

Violinist Danny Gu [Photo provided by Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival, (c) Sangwook Lee]

At the Seonmin concert that day, in addition to Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 2, Mahler's Piano Quartet, Schulhoff's Duo for Violin and Cello, and Bernstein's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano were performed. Before the performances, the musicians briefly came on stage to explain the pieces for the audience who might not be familiar with chamber music.

Before the performance of Mahler's Piano Quartet, violist Lee Haesu explained the piece. She sparked curiosity by mentioning that it is the only fully surviving chamber work by Mahler. Mahler did not even complete the second movement, and only the first movement was performed that day. Yet, the first movement alone gave a sense of completeness and was an impressive piece. Pianist Muhiddin Duruolu, violinist Kim Dami, violist Lee Haesu, and cellist Shim Junho delivered a solid yet rich performance.

The Duo for Violin and Cello by Schulhoff was performed by the married couple violinist Jamie Laredo and Sharon Robinson, drawing attention. Laredo handled difficult parts with ease and composure, fully demonstrating his mastery. Bernstein's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano was the only wind instrument performance of the day, highlighting its sweet tone color.

The SSF opened on the 23rd and continues until May 5. A total of 14 chamber music concerts are held at venues including IBK Chamber Hall, Sejong Chamber Hall at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and Gallery Art Space 3.

Danny Gu, who immigrated to Korea in 2020, is participating in SSF for the fourth consecutive year this year. At a press conference held before the SSF opening, he said that SSF feels like a family bond and is a concert he wants to participate in every year.

He said, "As a soloist, practicing every day in a dark room looking at a mirror can inevitably make you feel depressed, but chamber music has the charm of relying on each other and creating new stories through ensemble playing." He also said, "Opportunities to hear musical opinions from others are steadily decreasing, but through SSF, I learn a lot by talking with other performers. I feel, 'This was the heart of classical music,' and 'This is why I love music.' Because of that, I always look forward to participating in SSF."

Danny Gu will take the stage four times at this year's SSF. He has completed three performances and is scheduled to participate in the 'Family Concert: Humoresque' on May 4 at IBK Chamber Hall.

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