Contrary to many clichés, even impressionistic music, often mentioned in the same breath as composers Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy, is supposed to sound clear and transparent, rather than resembling blurry watercolor hues. Seong-Jin Cho makes this clarity audible in a fascinating way. Cho is distinguished by his keen sense of hearing and precise observation. He speaks calmly and thoughtfully, a bit shyly, with a touch of self-irony. When he sits at the piano, his mind takes a break. Cho says he forgets everything while playing. He listens. Tries to perceive the music objectively. Immersed and alert at the same time, he looks as if he is in a trance at times, or as if he has unveiled a new, small secret.

Seong-Jin Cho not only imparts clarity to Ravel’s music in every tone color and volume but also benefits the romantic repertoire, such as that of Franz Liszt, wonderfully from this purification treatment. Because one thing is never lacking in his playing: a touch of golden warmth that truly makes the purity shimmer.