Budapest
Busoni Piano Concerto, Brahms Symphony
Kun Woo Paik és Farkas Róbert
Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra
The longest piano concerto ever written, Busoni’s C major requires immense stamina from the soloist. Composed to the closing scene of the Danish Romantic poet Gottlob Oehlenschläger’s lyrical drama Aladdin, the monumental symphony has five movements and features a male chorus in the finale. The exciting work is performed by Kun Woo Paik (celebrating his 70th birthday this year) who is as eccentric among pianists as Ferruccio Busoni (celebrating his 150th this year) was in his own time. The South-Korean pianist is considered to be a curious figure on the international music scene, captivating his audiences in mature, unusual productions and breathtaking virtuosity. The second half of the concert features one of the most melodious works in music history, whose cheerful atmosphere and explosive finale never fails to please the listener with its liberating experience.
