The complete solo piano music of Quentin Kim: a performer's edition

Dr. Quentin Kim, currently Professor of Piano in Korea’s Pusan National University, has composed ten exceptional works for piano. None of these is currently published or collected. This edition represents a substantial contribution to the pianist’s performing repertoire by presenting the ten works all engraved in an industry standard and one house style. Kim’s music is immersed in the culture and aesthetic of what might be called a late- Romantic ethos, but filled with musical originality and ingenious pianism. His works generally adhere to canonical Classical forms, but the particular details are invested with acute personal feeling. Two sets of variations include traditional Korean music, and also music unique to the Korean Catholic Church, re-cast for concert performance.

No art is created in a vacuum. In order to aid understanding, the edition also collects the composer’s written and spoken commentary on each piece. My long relationship with Kim as friend and collaborator, as well as an extensive interview I conducted with him on his biography and aesthetics, offers some idea of the inspirations and motivations behind his compositions and adds another dimension to the experience of hearing his music. Moreover, performers and listeners will hopefully find that the music is compelling and memorable even as a thing in itself.