Yubeen Kim Debut Release “Poeme” on SONY CLASSICAL
Where did you get your inspiration to record this album?
I have always admired French music, I chose for my first CD to record pieces where I can express myself best with pieces that I know very well. I always wanted to play the Franck Sonata, but this is my first time to make it public to the audience. I will be playing album release celebration recitals with the same program and the same pianist touring all the big cities in Korea.
A brief history of the album:
The title of the CD is “Poème” in French means poetic pieces or poem itself. I have programmed as a French Flute ‘Classic’ repertoire. I am very happy to have worked with a great sound Engineer, Jin Choi (from Sempre la Musica), and the great pianist, Do-hyun Kim, for this project.
Why did you record this CD?
This is my first ever album and I am very excited to share it with you all. I personally love French Music and I have a great opportunity to present this to the music world. Purchase the album here: https://barowave.com/products/yubeen-kim-poeme Physical albums are available to buy worldwide and as well as online streaming.
ALBUM REVIEW: Yubeen Kim's "Poéme" - A Debut to Remember
In the ever-evolving world of classical music, few moments are as highly anticipated as the debut of a young, prodigious talent. Yubeen Kim, Principal Flutist of the San Francisco Symphony, known for his brilliant performances, steps into the recording studio with his very first album, Poéme, leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of flute music. Accompanied by the equally gifted pianist Do-Hyun Kim, this album is a testament to the artistry and extraordinary technique of two musicians who seem to breathe as one.
From the first note, Yubeen Kim’s flute sings with a voice that is both tender and commanding. His tone is mellifluous, effortlessly flowing, and it carries a power that captivates and holds the listener's attention. Kim's phrasing is exquisite, each note shaped with care, conveying a depth of emotion that speaks directly to the soul. The flute, in his hands, becomes an extension of his voice, each passage resonating with clarity and warmth.
His technical prowess is undeniable, yet it never overshadows the music's lyrical qualities. In works such as Poulenc's Sonata and Sancan’s Sonatine pour Flute et Piano, Kim navigates the virtuosic demands with ease, his fingers dancing across the notes with precision and grace. Yet, what stands out is not just his technical command but his ability to convey the music's inherent poetry. His playing is never mechanical; it breathes, it lives, and it tells a story that draws the listener in.
Equally impressive is Do-Hyun Kim, a pianist of exceptional sensitivity and musicality, offering a dialogue with Yubeen Kim that feels organic and deeply connected. In the more introspective moments, such as in Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, Do-Hyun Kim’s playing provides a shimmering backdrop, a canvas upon which the flute paints its colors. His touch is light, yet every note is imbued with intention, providing a perfect counterpoint to Yubeen Kim’s expressive phrasing.
In more dynamic pieces, the synergy between the two musicians is electric. The rapid exchanges in the Dutilleux Sonatine, and Frank Sonata for Flute and Piano are exemplary in chamber music collaboration, with both performers displaying not only technical brilliance but an intuitive understanding of each other’s musical impulses. Do-Hyun Kim’s ability to match Yubeen’s energy and phrasing is nothing short of remarkable, creating a dialogue that feels spontaneous and alive.
Poéme is not just a debut; it is a tour de force. Yubeen Kim’s extraordinary technique and beautiful tone are matched by a deep musicality that transcends the notes on the page. With Do-Hyun Kim by his side, this album is a celebration of what is possible when two like-minded artists come together in perfect harmony.
