Renowned South Korean pianist Seong Jin Cho, celebrated for winning the International Chopin Competition, brings his passion for an often overlooked part of the keyboard repertoire: Handel’s Keyboard Suites. Each suite is a vibrant masterpiece, and Cho performs his three favorites in full.
In a delightful pairing, Cho also presents Johannes Brahms’ stunning Brahms variations on themes from Handel. He believes that Baroque music offers performers a unique freedom: ‘You can use a certain amount of pedal and play these works in a very Romantic way.’ However, Cho opts for clarity by minimizing pedal use while skillfully adjusting dynamics to harness the capabilities of a modern piano. ‘I aimed to showcase every voice, creating diverse colors. I envisioned a concerto grosso, where the left hand might evoke a bassoon, and the right could resonate like a violin.’
Melanie Joyce (verified owner) –
Seong Jin Cho’s interpretation of Handel’s Keyboard Suites is simply divine! This album is a must-have for any classical music lover.
Ryan Matthews (verified owner) –
I was blown away by the emotional depth in Cho’s performance of the Brahms variations. It’s one of the best classical piano albums I’ve purchased.
Kelly Hamilton (verified owner) –
The clarity and nuance in Seong Jin Cho’s playing are remarkable. His take on the Handel Suites is refreshing and insightful.