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Caoimhe Ní Riain, Early keyboard carnival, Early Music, Volume 51, Issue 3, August 2023, Pages 487–490, https://doi.org/10.1093/em/caad047
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This review considers six recent releases of keyboard music, showcasing compositions and historical instruments from across Germany, Austria, Italy and France, from the Baroque to the Romantic era. The recordings include performances on both fortepiano and harpsichord.
David Hyun-su Kim’s sophomore album David Hyun-su Kim plays Schumann (Centaur crc 3877, issued 2021) is a stunning display of his virtuosity. Kim creates nuanced interpretations across several selected works by Robert Schumann: the recording features Papillons (op.2), Carnaval (op.9) and Arabeske (op.18), all performed on a period fortepiano (a copy of the Contrad Graf fortepiano, c.1830, made by Rod Regier in 2013). A key difference between the pianoforte and the fortepiano is that once the keys have been struck on the older instrument the sound dies more quickly. This sonic feature allows for a remarkably clear sound, even in a dense texture.
From the opening notes of Papillons, Kim’s performance is immediately captivating. This composition in particular is full of Romantic sensibility, which Kim successfully brings to the fore. Here, Schumann seems to have placed an emphasis on lyricism and emotion, with energetic passages contrasting swiftly with more reflexive motifs. Kim balances this duality with ease, juxtaposing a virtuosic energy (conjuring the image of a butterfly’s wings) with a more contemplative approach across the work’s twelve movements. The pianist’s interpretation of Carnaval, a suite of 21 pieces evoking revellers at Christian celebrations proceeding Lent, is especially noteworthy. His performance here is virtuosic but still carries whimsy with a light touch and playful spirit. As in Papillons, Kim masterfully portrays contrasting emotions. His light-hearted, humorous touch in Carnaval’s third movement, Arlequin, is followed several tracks later by a haunting performance of the seventh movement, Chopin, which for me is one of the standout moments of this release.
