Sonic youth

Korean pianist Yunchan Lim's extraordinary Chopin studio debut offers just a taste of his dazzling musicianship,

- Jessica Duchen

Recording of the Year, Newcomer & Instrumental

Yunchan Lim

Chopin

Études, Opp 10 & 25 Yunchan Lim (piano) Decca 487 0122

The BBC Music Magazine Recording of the Year typically goes to a grand-scale affair - a giant symphony, perhaps, or an all-star opera. This year, however, it is the remarkable debut on Decca by Yunchan Lim, whose recording of the Chopin Études Opp. 10 and 25, made when he was only 19, has swept all competition aside. 'Given that 2024 saw the release of many outstanding albums, I did not expect this outcome at all,' the South Korean pianist comments. 'I am so grateful for it. It is truly an honour.'

When I interviewed Lim for the album's booklet notes last year, the great eye-opener was the sheer scale of concept that he seemed to apply to these magically poetic pieces. Many of us, listening to the two sets of 12 études each, might quietly invent a scenario, but Lim's personal narrative for the music travelled all the way from the Big Bang of creation at the opening of Op. 10 to the end of the world at the conclusion of Op. 25 – and he says that the images he dreams up change every time.

Among his strongest influences are the 'golden age' recordings of pianists such as Alfred Cortot, Ignaz Friedman and Vladimir Horowitz. 'I believe it was their very spirit that captivated me – not merely specific details of how they played certain passages,' he says. The playing of Evgeny Kissin has also left a powerful impact: 'As a child, I was a great admirer of Kissin, and over time I became deeply drawn to musicians from the old Russian music school. Looking back, I believe that rather than focusing solely on practice, I spent countless hours listening to various interpretations by great musicians, and that, in itself, was immensely valuable.'