Kun-Woo Paik | Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2 Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Kun-Woo Paik’s illustrious career has spanned decades, yet it is only now, at the age of 78, that he turns his full attention to recording Mozart. This second installment in his ambitious trilogy of Mozart piano works, Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2, is a significant moment as he demonstrates why he is known for his profound interpretations of Romantic composers. Paik’s journey with Mozart is one of rediscovery—a deeply personal venture that seeks to strip away the conventions of period-accurate performance and instead focus on the essence of Mozart’s music. The result is an album that explores Mozart in a familiar and revelatory way.

In Sonata No. 10 in C Major, K. 330, Paik crafts an interpretation that treats each movement as a distinct chapter in an unfolding story, all within the framework of the sonata form. The Allegro moderato is performed with an exuberance that feels joyful—light, playful, and spontaneous charm. Paik’s touch is deft, allowing the melody to dance without ever losing its poise. The Andante cantabile is where Paik shines as he conveys an emotional depth that transcends the simplicity of the score. Paik plays with Mozart’s inherent playfulness, particularly with the repeated note in the opening. His nuanced shaping of rhythm and articulation gives the theme a playful, unpredictable quality, setting the stage for how the musical journey will evolve. His excellent technique conveys the excitement of the quick flurries. He digs into the syncopation and harmonic color of the movement, guiding the listener through the sonata form, as Paik establishes home, takes us on a journey of emotions, and returns us home. His phrasing breathes to give the music a sense of emotion, each note deliberately placed before giving way to the next. These shifts in phrasing are where the nuances of eliciting emotions live, adding depth and texture. Notice how Paik’s phrasing changes between the C major section and the second theme in G major, creating a distinct contrast that adds emotional shifts. This movement reflects how Paik draws you into the music, and inward, highlighting Mozart’s skill in balancing beauty with suspense.

The Adagio from Sonata No. 2 in F Major, K. 280, is one of Mozart’s most lyrical compositions, and Paik approaches it with a sensitivity that turns the piano into a storyteller. He shapes each motif as if it were a line of sung poetry, carefully considering the rise and fall of each phrase. Paik understands how Mozart used motifs in both rhythm and melodies to shape the emotional character of a phrase and, ultimately, the section. Paik conveys this clearly as he brings his character into the way he colors each rhythmic and melodic expression. His space between phrases pulls in the breath and lets the piano sing. Also, listen to how he uses upbeats to build forward motion and energy, keeping the movement alive. The effect is almost vocal, with the melody unfolding as naturally as a breath. Paik’s use of rubato is subtle but effective, giving the piece a sense of ebb and flow that mirrors the human voice’s emotional cadence. His control of dynamics further enhances this quality, moving from tender whispers to more pronounced declarations, all while maintaining the intimacy of a personal confession.

Mozart’s Fantasia in C Minor, K. 396, is a work that straddles the line between composition and improvisation, and Paik captures this duality beautifully. His interpretation is filled with a sense of spontaneity, as though the music is being created in the moment. Paik brings out the contrasting moods of the Fantasia—the brooding intensity of its opening, the lyrical interjections, and the moments of virtuosic flourish—with an effortless fluidity. In the lyrical interjections, Paik seems to answer Mozart’s brooding intensity with warmth and lightness, as though two kindred spirits are sharing a timeless conversation. It is as if he is in dialogue with Mozart himself, responding to the composer’s ideas and adding his own voice to the mix. The result is a performance that feels alive, a bridge between the 18th century and today.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2 is Paik’s emphasis on communication; his goal is to communicate with the listener, not just with his current audience but with future generations. The choice to feature cover artwork created by a child reflects Paik’s desire to connect with the sense of wonder that Mozart’s music evokes. This same sense of wonder is mirrored in his playing, where he balances the childlike simplicity of Mozart’s melodies with the profound sophistication of his harmonic language, blending innocence with complexity. Paik’s interpretation invites listeners to experience Mozart as a source of joy and a wellspring of deeper meaning, making the music accessible without diminishing its complexity.

Kun-Woo Paik’s Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2 reflects the pianist’s lifelong dedication to his craft and curiosity as an artist. By approaching Mozart with a focus on essence rather than historical performance practice, Paik offers a fresh perspective that is emotional and universally resonant. His interpretations are marked by a refinement that comes only with experience—each phrase is carefully considered, each silence given weight. This album engages Mozart in a way that feels new and authentic, reflecting the depth and beauty of Mozart as seen through the eyes of a master.

Artist: Kun-Woo Paik
Album: Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2
Label: Universal Music

Release Date: November 13, 2024

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.