MUSIC
2023 | 2024
Doowon Kim, violin and piano
Senior Recital
Sonny Yoo, piano
Colin Song, piano
MUSIC 2023 | 2024
From the studio of Jessica Wu Saturday, April 20, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Emerson Concert Hall
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Please turn off phones and all electronic devices. Photography, recording, or digital capture of this concert is not permitted.
Program Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
Program
Violin Sonata in D Major, HWV 371
George Frideric Handel
I. Affettuoso (1685–1759)
II. Allegro
III. Larghetto
IV. Allegro
Sonny Yoo, piano
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, op. 27
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, op. 100
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858–1931)
Johannes Brahms
I. Allegro amabile (1833–1897)
Sonny Yoo, piano
—Intermission—
Impromptu No. 2 in E-flat Major, op. 90
String Quartet in F Major
Franz Schubert (1797–1828)
Maurice Ravel
II. Assez vif, très rythmé (1875–1937)
Doowon Kim and Kaitlyn Kaminuma, violins; Sihyun Jeon, viola; Daniel Yoon, cello
Tzigane Ravel
Colin Song, piano
This recital is presented by the Department of Music at Emory University | music.emory.edu
Program Notes
Violin Sonata in D Major, HWV 371
Composed around 1749–1750, this work stands as the final chamber piece written by George Frideric Handel. The sonata unfolds in four distinct movements, each offering a unique and emotional journey. The opening movement, titled Affettuoso (“affectionate” or “with feeling”), sets a warm and tender tone. The violin and continuo embark on a lyrical dialogue, weaving expressive melodies over a gentle harmonic foundation.
The following movement, marked Allegro, brings a refreshing contrast. Here, the violin takes center stage, showcasing its virtuosic capabilities through playful passagework and intricate double stops. The continuo partners dynamically, propelling the movement forward with rhythmic drive.
A moment of serene reflection arrives with the Larghetto. The tempo slows considerably, allowing for a poignant and introspective melody to emerge from the violin. The continuo provides a soft and supportive accompaniment, creating a sense of intimacy and peacefulness.
The final movement, marked Allegro, concludes the sonata with a celebratory flourish characterized by playful motifs. This spirited ending leaves the listener with a sense of optimism and delight.
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, op. 27
Eugène Ysaÿe’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, subtitled “Ballade,” stands as a captivating testament to his dual mastery of performance and composition. This single-movement work seamlessly fuses introspective elements with virtuosic passages. The opening, marked Lento molto sostenuto, resembles a recitative, hinting at longing and contemplation. This section paves the way for the Allegro in tempo giusto e con bravura, where the music transforms into a thrilling display of technical prowess, characterized by rapid passages, double and triple stops, and driving rhythms.
Throughout the “Ballade,” Ysaÿe masterfully navigates a spectrum of emotions, reflecting his belief that violinists should be capable of expressing a full range of human experience through their playing. Dedicated to fellow violinist George Enescu, the sonata showcases not only Ysaÿe’s compositional brilliance but also his philosophy of performance. Today, this single-movement gem continues to be admired for its technical demands, emotional depth, and historical significance, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the violin repertoire.
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, op. 100
Composed in 1886 during Johannes Brahms’s summer stay in Switzerland, the Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, op. 100, embodies a sense of warmth and
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contentment. This work showcases the composer’s signature mastery of melody, harmony, and form, while offering a glimpse into his personal life and artistic journey.
The opening movement, Allegro amabile (“lively and amiable”), unfolds with a gentle “motto” introduced by the piano, later taken up by the violin. This recurring theme forms the foundation for a warm and playful dialogue between the instruments. Brahms skillfully weaves moments of intimacy with sections of virtuosic brilliance, showcasing the emotional depth and technical prowess demanded of both performers.
Impromptu No. 2 in E-flat Major, op. 90
This Impromptu, composed in 1827, embodies the essence of its title—a spontaneous and fleeting musical thought captured in a moment of creative expression. Unlike many of Franz Schubert’s larger works, it unfolds in a single movement, yet manages to weave a captivating narrative filled with contrasting emotions and textures.
The piece opens with a playful melody carried by cascading triplets in the right hand. This light-hearted theme forms the foundation for the outer sections, creating a sense of carefree spontaneity. A contrasting middle section emerges, marked by a more lyrical and introspective melody. This section offers a glimpse into a deeper emotional state, showcasing Schubert’s ability to weave contrasting moods within a single movement. The final section serves as a triumphant return to the playful opening theme, bringing the Impromptu to a joyous and energetic conclusion.
Beyond the technical feats and contrasting moods, this Impromptu captures the essence of Schubert’s genius—his ability to express a wide range of emotions and convey a sense of captivating storytelling, even within a single, concise movement. Its charming melodies and technical challenges continue to enthrall audiences and performers alike, solidifying its place in the repertoire of piano literature.
String Quartet in F Major
Completed in 1903, Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major stands as his sole contribution to the genre. This youthful work, penned during his final years at the Paris Conservatory, offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of a composer yet to fully define his signature style.
In Assez vif, très rythmé, playful rhythmic motifs and intricate counterpoint take center stage, highlighting Ravel’s burgeoning interest in experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional string quartet writing.
Although initially met with mixed reviews and even rejection by the Paris Conservatory, the String Quartet in F Major holds historical significance. It offers a valuable window into the early development of a composer who would go on to revolutionize 20th-century music.
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Today, the quartet is appreciated for its historical significance, technical challenges, and moments of brilliance that foreshadowed Ravel’s future artistic triumphs.
Tzigane
Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane (1924) for violin and piano ignites a captivating journey through the spirit of Hungarian gypsy music. This fiery piece isn’t a direct imitation, but rather captures its essence with passionate playing and an improvisational spirit, particularly evident in the opening violin cadenza. Ravel’s masterful touch creates a rich tapestry of sound throughout. The piano provides a foundation of vibrant harmonies and rhythmic drive, while the violin weaves a compelling narrative, flitting between moments of fiery passion and melancholic reflection. Tzigane remains a beloved work in the violin repertoire, cherished for its technical demands, emotional depth, and captivating blend of Eastern European influences and Ravel’s unique musical personality.
Performer Biographies
Doowon Kim, violin and piano
Violinist Doowon Kim, a senior at Emory University, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the stage. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Suwanee, Georgia, Kim’s musical journey began at age three when his mother introduced him to music in Chicago. He started violin lessons at age six and has honed his craft under the tutelage of Katie Otwell since moving to Georgia. Additionally, Kim studied piano from age eight to thirteen. Prior to Emory, Kim immersed himself in orchestral and chamber music, performing with prestigious ensembles like the Georgia All-State Orchestra, the All-National Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. He served as the concertmaster of the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra and the first violinist of the Pontus Quartet, achieving recognition at the USC Chamber Competition and the Franklin Pond Chamber Competition. Kim has also had the enriching experience of collaborating with esteemed musicians from the Parker Quartet, Artaria Quartet, and the Manhattan String Quartet. Additionally, Kim participated in the Stringwood Chamber Music Festival in 2018 and the Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program in 2019 under Howard Hsu. Most recently, he took his artistry abroad, with a captivating performance at a church in Paris, France. In 2019, a landmark achievement marked his career as he made his concertmaster debut at the famed Carnegie Hall. While at Emory, Kim served as the assistant concertmaster and principal second
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violinist of the Emory University Symphony Orchestra while continuing his studies under Jessica Shuang Wu, violinist of the Vega Quartet. He is set to graduate with a double major in strategy and management (BBA) and music performance (BA).
Sonny Yoo, piano
Pianist Sonny Yoo is rapidly gaining recognition for the uncommon versatility of his musical projects as well as the depth and excellence he brings to each area of his work. Yoo won the University of Georgia Concerto Competition with Piano Concerto No. 2 by Johannes Brahms. Yoo is a member of the Aurora Piano Quartet; the group performed in multiple recitals and participated in the 2019 Chamber Music Athens Festival. Yoo is currently the sole teaching assistant at the University of Georgia (UGA) Opera Center and performs with many accomplished instrumentalists. Yoo also has extensive experience accompanying choirs. In addition to performance, he is informed by his early composition studies; he frequently performs his piano compositions. Currently, he is a DMA candidate and graduate assistant at UGA studying with Liza Stepanova, and a piano artist affiliate at Emory University.
Colin Song, piano
Colin Song is a senior and a Robert W. Woodruff Music Scholar at Emory University, double majoring in chemistry and music. He is from Glenview, Illinois, where he attended Glenbrook South High School. He was a scholarship fellow at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy, a training center for advanced pre-college musicians, where he studied piano with Ralph Neiweem. Song currently studies with Elena Cholakova.
Song has received awards in the DePaul Concerto Competition, Emilio Del Rosario Concerto Competition, and Sejong Music Competition. As an accomplished chamber musician and previous member of Duo Appassionato, he is a first-prize winner of the 2017 Chicago National Youth Competition for Piano Duos and has been featured on WFMT’s Introductions. In 2018, Song played at the Smith Center in Las Vegas and performed on NPR’s From the Top. Song was a finalist in the 2018 MTNA Senior Piano Duet Competition, a quarterfinalist at the 2019 and 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and first-place winner in the 2020 Rembrandt Chamber Musician Competition. In 2022, he performed Carnival of the Animals with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra in Chicago.
Additionally, Song won the Emory University 2022 Concerto and Aria Competition and was invited to perform the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Sergei Prokofiev with the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, Song won first place in the Atlanta Music Club Scholarship Competition and participated in the 2023 Prague Piano Festival.
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