Baek Gunwoo Marks 70th Anniversary with First "Schubert" Album in 13 Years

Solo Recital Tour Across 12 Cities Nationwide Starting in April

Universal Music announced on March 5 that "Schubert," the new album by pianist Baek Gunwoo, known as the "Seeker on the Keys," will be released on March 26.

This is Baek Gunwoo's first Schubert album in 13 years since "Schubert: Impromptus, Klavierstücke, Moments Musicaux" in 2013. Universal Music described the album as a significant record that reflects on Baek Gunwoo's musical journey, marking both the 70th anniversary of his debut and his 80th birthday this year.

The album features Schubert’s Piano Sonatas No. 13 and 14, as well as No. 18 and 20, which are considered highlights of his later works. Prior to the album's official release, "Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 13, First Movement" will be pre-released on March 5.

Baek Gunwoo stated, "This selection encompasses both the beginning and end of my performing career. Sonata No. 13 is one of the first piano sonatas I ever learned and have always loved, while No. 20 is a piece I set aside for a long time, unable to find my answer to it. From where I stand now, I wanted to revisit these works and record them in pursuit of getting closer to the truth."

He recalled that while he played and recorded Schubert’s final Sonata No. 21 in his youth, he was unable to bring Sonata No. 20 to the stage for many years.

He added, "The second movement felt like a fantasy beyond order, and the theme of the fourth movement seemed to continue endlessly through repetition. I spent years trying to find the answer, but perhaps I couldn't see it because my longing was so intense. Only recently did I realize that instead of trying so hard, sometimes you have to strive not to try. Letting the music sing on its own, having the confidence to endure the silence, and this attitude—reached after serious and sincere exploration—are the biggest differences between my approach to Schubert 13 years ago and my approach now."

Pianist Baek Gunwoo was born in Seoul in 1946, making his debut at the age of 10 with the Navy Symphony Orchestra (now the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), performing Grieg's Piano Concerto. At 15, he moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School, after which he performed extensively in the US and Europe. He has released well over 30 albums, signed with Decca Classics in 2000, and since 2010 has released albums through Deutsche Grammophon. He presented a Schumann album in 2020, a Granados-Goyescas album in 2022, and released his first-ever Mozart albums as a three-part series in 2024 and 2025.

Currently residing in Paris, France, Baek Gunwoo is preparing for a solo recital tour to accompany the album’s release. Starting in April, he will tour 12 cities across Korea to meet audiences. The final concert of the tour will be held at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on his birthday, May 10. The program will feature Schubert’s Sonatas No. 13 and 20, as well as Brahms’ Four Ballades. Baek Gunwoo is also planning to publish his autobiography soon.