The Fusion of Eastern Sentiments and Western Musical Styles... "Yoon Isang Returns"

Album cover of Isang Yun released by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra

원본보기 아이콘

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Composer Yun Isang is regarded as a modern composer who completed a fusion of Eastern sensibilities and philosophy with Western musical styles. Albums featuring his works and an opera depicting his life are consecutively coming to audiences.

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (Artistic Director Osmo V?nsk?) released an album containing Yun Isang’s musical legacy on the 25th. As the first domestic symphony orchestra to release an album of Yun Isang’s works, the Seoul Philharmonic included his late works: “Legend for Orchestra: Silla,” “Violin Concerto No. 3,” and “Chamber Symphony” in this album. Previously, the Seoul Philharmonic performed these pieces at Lotte Concert Hall from late August to early September last year.

“Legend for Orchestra: Silla” (1992), included in the album, was a tribute the composer dedicated to his homeland, the Republic of Korea. “Violin Concerto No. 3” (1992) is known as a gift for the composer’s 75th birthday and was composed with the thought that his granddaughter would perform it in the future.

“Chamber Symphony No. 1” (1987) is a single-movement piece divided into three sections, where the oboe, horn, and strings oppose and coexist throughout the progression.

This album was released through the Swedish record label BIS. It contains recordings from live performances conducted by Music Director Osmo V?nsk?, featuring the rising violinist Park Suye as a soloist, as well as separate session recordings.

Director Osmo V?nsk? stated, “I sincerely respect Yun Isang. Performing his music is a great challenge, but I wanted to leave a recording of the music of an important 20th-century Korean composer.”

Performance scene from the premiere of the original opera "Dream of the Butterfly" composed by Na Sil-in, presented by the Seoul Opera Ensemble. Photo by Seoul Opera Ensemble

원본보기 아이콘

An opera embodying Yun Isang’s artistic spirit will also be staged. To celebrate its 28th anniversary, the Seoul Opera Ensemble will present again the creative opera “Nabiui Kkum” (Dream of the Butterfly) by composer Na Silin, which premiered to acclaim in early 2017.

“Nabiui Kkum” portrays the 600 days during which Yun Isang, despite being imprisoned, did not lose his passion for creation and composed the opera “Nabiui Mimongin” (The Widow of the Butterfly) (composed in February 1969 and premiered without the composer at the Nuremberg Opera House in Germany). It also depicts the imprisonment experiences of painter Lee Ungno and poet Cheon Sangbyeong.

Since its premiere, “Nabiui Kkum” has been further enhanced in content and music. Seoul Opera Ensemble’s Artistic Director Jang Sudong is responsible for the libretto and direction, while composer Na Silin conducts, delivering a musical interpretation faithful to the compositional intent.

Baritone Jang Cheol plays Yun Isang, soprano Jeong Siyoung plays his wife Lee Suja, mezzo-soprano Kim Nanhee plays Yun Isang’s mother, tenor Yoo Taegun plays painter Lee Ungno, baritone Choi Junghoon plays poet Cheon Sangbyeong, tenor Choi Jaedo plays the judge, and baritone Im Changhan plays conductor Im Wonsik. The performances will be held on September 6 and 7 at the Guro Art Valley Arts Theater in Seoul.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.