Felix Hell Concerts Celebrating 130 Years of Korea-Germany Amity
2013-11-19 15:21
A great journey has begun: the performance, for the first time in Asia, of all 250 solo compositions by “Father of Music” Johann Sebastian Bach. On the afternoon of November 16, world-renowned pipe organist Felix Hell (28) performed “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” (BWV 565), the most famous music in organ history, at Youngsan Art Hall in Yeoeuido-dong, Seoul. Powerful chords like crashing thunder and sweeping rain filled the hall in magnificent, reverent harmony. As the concert finished with the final notes of “Prelude and Fugue in D major” (BWV 532), the hushed audience broke into thunderous applause.
This concert was held to commemorate 130 years of amity between Korea and Germany. German Ambassador to Korea Rolf Mafael, speaking from the stage before the event, greeted the audience in Korean, “Respected guests, good afternoon. With this solo recital by the eminent Felix Hell, today will mark a milepost in Korean-German relations.”
Up to December 7, Hell will play all 250 of Bach’s solo compositions through a series of 10 recitals. This will be the fourth time in his career to perform all 250. His next recital will be at Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary (November 18th), then he will perform at Kyungdong Church (21st~23rd), Seoul Theological University (28th~30th), Ewha Woman’s University (December 6th), and will return to Youngsan Hall (December 7th) for the finale. Before coming to Korea, he had already performed more than 1,000 times in 20 some countries.
Born in Pfalz, Germany, Hell began learning organ at the age of seven, and from age nine was serving as church organist. At 14 he entered Curtis Institute of Music, at 18 becoming its youngest-ever graduate. He completed his Master’s degree at Peabody Institute. Having grown up in the Lutheran Church, he now is employed as resident organist at the Lutheran Theological College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He also is a professor at Gettysburg’s Sunderman Conservatory.
Felix Hell has a special connection with Korea. He is the son-in-law of Kim Sung-Soo (64), president of Koshin University. In 2010 he married President Kim’s daughter Eun-Hye (31). Just before going on stage for his concert on the 16th, he said?blushing a little?“I’m very happy and thankful that I can perform in my wife’s country.”
