A Night of Musical Magic: Teacher and Student Share the Stage in Seoul

In a highly anticipated classical concert at the Seoul Arts Center on Tuesday evening, pianist Sohn Min-soo, 49, and his protégé Lim Yunchan, 21, delivered a mesmerizing performance that showcased their shared history and mutual respect. The event, the last of three performances in Korea before the duo heads to the prestigious Verbier Festival in Switzerland, reaffirmed Lim’s often-stated acknowledgment of his mentor’s profound influence.

As the lights dimmed, an air of excitement filled the hall. The audience, eager for the musical journey ahead, collectively cleared their throats, resulting in an unexpected chorus of coughs that elicited a ripple of laughter – a moment of shared anticipation for the silence to come.

The buzz surrounding this concert was palpable, and for good reason. Since his meteoric rise to fame, Lim has consistently surpassed expectations with his solo recitals, collaborations, and chart-topping albums. But this evening promised something special: an intimate musical dialogue between two artists with a deep personal connection.

The duo’s relationship began in 2017 at the Korea National Institute for Gifted in Arts, under the Korean National University of Arts, and flourished at the country’s premier art school. Their bond strengthened further when Lim followed Sohn to the New England Conservatory in 2023.

Seated side by side at two Steinway & Sons pianos and facing opposite directions, the pianists could easily make eye contact with a simple turn of the head – a visual representation of their musical rapport.

The first half of the program featured Brahms’ Sonata for Two Pianos in F minor, Op. 34b, with Sohn taking the lead at the front piano. Originally composed as a quintet for piano and string quartet, Brahms later reworked the piece into this two-piano arrangement.

In a recent interview, Sohn explained the significance of this piece, noting that it embodies the deep friendship, wistful connection, and mutual respect shared between Clara Schumann and Brahms.

The duo’s 50-minute rendition of the Brahms sonata was a testament to their own profound connection. As the piece reached its conclusion, a poignant moment occurred when Lim caught Sohn’s eye, a single bead of sweat falling from the young pianist’s chin – a physical manifestation of their emotional and musical synergy.
After the intermission, the energy in the concert hall intensified as Sohn and Lim tackled Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, with Lim now taking the lead at the first piano.

This piece held special significance for the duo, who had spent countless hours listening to and discussing it together. They often marveled at a historic recording of Rachmaninoff himself improvising at the piano before conductor Eugene Ormandy.

Through Rachmaninoff’s electrifying score, Sohn and Lim continued their musical conversation, this time in a more dynamic and contrasting language that brilliantly showcased both their shared intensity and individual styles.

The performance highlighted the distinct personalities of the two pianists. Lim’s gestures were expansive and expressive, his foot tapping at nearly twice the rate of Sohn’s, his body swaying with intensity. In contrast, Sohn’s demeanor was more contained and grounded. Yet despite these stylistic differences, their sound was remarkably unified – finely balanced, intuitive, and breathing as one.

The recital, presented as part of the “Hyundai Card Culture Project 30: Sohn Min-soo & Lim Yunchan” series, concluded with Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose).
This piece holds special meaning for both pianists. Sohn was first introduced to it by his own teacher, Russell Sherman, and later shared it with Lim. The two-piano arrangement they performed was crafted by young composer Lee Hanurij, whom Lim described as “a musician chosen by God.”

As the final notes of Der Rosenkavalier faded, the audience rose almost in unison for a standing ovation, their applause reflecting the emotional impact of the performance. For their encore, Sohn and Lim treated the crowd to the lively “Quick Waltz” from Der Rosenkavalier Suite.

Drenched in perspiration, the duo raised their hands in gratitude to the enthusiastic audience, bringing a memorable evening of musical mastery to a close.