Press
Gramophone Magazine
by Jed Distler
The 34-year-old pianist Julian Jaeyoung Kim keeps a vice-like grip on the dotted rhythms in the first movement of Brahms’s F minor Sonata, with a martellato definition of inner voices and counterlines.
Julian Jaeyoung Kim Takes the First Steps on His Beethoven Sonatas Journey
by Frances Wilson September 17th, 2024
Klassik Heute
by Antje Roessler
Julian Jaeyoung Kim approaches the early work with a lot of verve and enthusiasm. Kim plays very emotionally, brilliantly and with a love of detail. He creates a variety of nuances, but loses sight of the larger dimensions of the five-movement sonata. This applies above all to the stormy, urgent, almost symphonic outer movements. One could imagine the Allegro maestoso at the beginning to be even more thunderous. The pianist, on the other hand, approaches the lyrical secondary theme very calmly; the music almost stands still.
December 12th, 2024
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Sonograma Magazine
by Josep Bosch
Julian Jaeyoung Kim, sempre inspirat, interpreta amb una sorprenent naturalitat les complexes textures de la Sonata i atorga una gran importància a les Variacions, amb una claredat irrefutable. En alguna variació el pianista sud-coreà dona a l’oient motius d’alegria gràcies als passatges de gran efusió lírica i de tècnica pianística.
“Julian’s immaculate touch and clear appreciation of the structure and many nuances of Beethoven’s writing make this album a joy to listen to. The music sparkles, suggesting the pianist’s pleasure in playing it coupled with warm affection.”
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Meet the Artist
by The Cross-eyed Pianist
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career? Like many musicians, the biggest influence on me was my parents. Especially because of my mother’s interest in classical music, I had many opportunities to listen to it. My dream started in a small music academy I happened to visit when I was six years old. I got a chance to play a very short piece at a concert held by the academy at the end of the year.
“Julian plays delicately and with a sure technique, very light, very colorful. The virtuosity is always present, but remains in the background with a wink.”
Interlude Magazine
by Frances Wilson
Young South Korean pianist Julian Jaeyoung Kim makes a bold statement with his debut CD, Brahms Resonances, featuring Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 5, and the Variations on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 35.
“Julian Jaeyoung Kim highlights Beethoven’s virtuosity without excess, offering a refined and compelling interpretation.”
Fanfare Magazine
by Jerry Dubins
Julian Jaeyoung Kim's debut recording is a showcase of superior artistry, blending technical prowess and deep musicality in his interpretations of Brahm's Piano Sonata No.3 and Paganini Variations. His performance transcends mere technical skill, achieving a remarkable synthesis of Classical form and Romantic expression.
"With striking clarity, commanding technique, and expressive depth, Julian Jaeyoung Kim’s Beethoven sonatas highlight the composer’s structural brilliance and emotional breadth. A must-have for both connoisseurs and fresh ears alike."
Classical Music Sentinel
by Jean-Yves Duperron
A bold and daring choice for a debut recording, but South-Korean pianist Julian Jaeyoung Kim delivers forceful and incisive readings of these two intricately thorny works by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897).