Do you know about Stein Hall? It is a cultural art space located on Jeju Island. The head of Stein Hall is Kim Han-dol, who is a very talented pianist and composer. He won many international competitions as well as domestic competitions, including winning 1^st place in Composition at the Heirs of Orpheus International Music Competition, and 1^st place in Piano at the Giovani Promesse International Music Competition. He also gave recitals in various cities in Germany and at diverse halls in Korea. Moreover, he works as a teacher and strives to develop local culture and art. Let’s listen to the story about Kim Han-dol, who majored in Piano at Chung-Ang University.

The Story of Kim Han-dol

Q1. Can you introduce yourself to Chung-Ang University students and people reading this article?

Hello! I am Kim Han-dol, a composer and pianist. I run a small cultural art space named Stein Hall on Jeju Island. I am doing activities like performing piano, educating music, composing, and arranging.

Q2. Since when did you become interested in playing the piano?

Thanks to my father, who loved piano and classical music, I encountered piano at an early age. Since I was young, my father played music and piano performances a lot and taught me. So I had a particularly good hearing ability when distinguishing notes. When I was 7 years old, I listened to my cousin playing the piano at my aunt’s house. I liked that song so much that I played it without the music, only having just listened to the song. My mother was worried about that and made me not play the piano. Later, she told me that she would let me play the piano if I learned how to read music at a piano academy, so I went there. I first started learning piano there. It was fun playing the piano, but back then I didn’t know much about the job of "pianist." Also, the more I learned, the harder it became, so I didn’t think about majoring in Piano. I quit piano when I was in 5^th grade in elementary school. I started it again when I was in my 1^st year of high school. People who major in Piano usually start learning piano at an early age, so I started very late compared to them.

Q3. What was the most memorable experience you had while attending Chung-Ang University?

I think the experience of playing the piano in school was the most memorable. Thankfully, Chung-Ang University gave me a lot of opportunities to perform. For example, I remember experiences including a freshman concert and performance with an orchestra, and when I graduated, I gave a recital at the Chung-Ang University Art Center. They are very precious experiences for me.

Q4. You graduated from Chung-Ang University as the head of the entire College of Music and head of practice. We wonder, what is your secret?

I got discharged from the army and entered Chung-Ang University at the age of 24. So I was older than most other students. I always thought that I should have a different mindset and starting point from students younger than me, so I did my best every moment. Even though I am not a morning person, I woke up early in the morning and went to the practice room when I was in college. I practiced until late at night, and during the exam period, I studied all night while drinking energy drinks. There were a lot of hard times, but afterward, those moments became good memories.

Q5. After graduating from Chung-Ang University, you made a debut performance at the Chosun Ilbo New Artist Concert. You must have been very nervous at that time. How did you calm your mind?

I was so nervous. Each school’s selected students made a debut performance at the Chosun Ilbo New Artist Concert. I thought of myself as a representative of Chung-Ang University’s College of Music. Therefore, I thought that I should do well. I think I controlled my mind by only concentrating on myself, trying not to think about other’s eyes and assessments.

Q6. You earned a master’s degree in Piano at the Graduate School of Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts, a master’s degree in Piano at the Graduate School of State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, and a doctoral degree in Piano at the Graduate School of the University of Music Trossingen. What did you learn while studying in Germany?

The best thing about being in Germany was that I got to live in the home of classical music, the field that I study. I visited a lot of places in Germany and Europe while living abroad for six years. I stepped into places where composers of the music which I was studying actually lived and worked. I also listened to performances of performers that I admired and got their autographs. I felt as if I were in the history of classical music. So I felt more responsible for this field. It also was a time to think about and plan on how to live on as an artist.

About Stein Hall and Recital

Q7. You have been the head of the Stein Hall since 2019. Is there a reason why you made this space?

When I was in Germany, I was impressed by the culture in which music was a part of daily life. For example, when I held a concert, people who didn’t know me came to listen. Musicians always play music on the street, and people enjoy and play music together during Christmas or festivals. Looking at that culture, I thought of things I wanted to do in Korea. When I came back from studying abroad in 2018, my dream came true. I always dreamt of a small space for me to do piano classes and house concerts. Thanks to my mother’s grateful efforts, at the new place that I was moving to, there was the space where I could do those things. My name “Han-dol” is “Einstein” in German, so I named the hall “Stein Hall.” I give lessons there and do regular house concerts.

Q8. You gave piano recitals such as “Die Heimat: D-DUR & H-MOLL,” “Flügel der Fantasien,” and “Historical Picture of Prokofiev.” What are the criteria for selecting songs to play at the recital?

The three recitals that have been mentioned are the recitals planned after returning home. I studied and played various works at random until studying abroad. But after returning home, I organize recitals by selecting works that can be made into a story under a common theme. For the first recital, “Die Heimat,” I compiled works with D-Dur and H-moll, D major and B minor, which are related keys. At the second recital, “Flügel der Fantasien,” I played works that are titled “fantasy.” At the recital that I gave last month, “Historical Picture of Prokofiev,” I performed only works made by Russian composer Prokofiev in the 20^th century.

Q9. At the 2020 Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival held at the World Automobile & Piano Jeju Museum, you played the one and only piano in the world carved by sculptor Auguste Rodin. It must have been a very special experience. What kind of mindset did you have while playing the piano?

I heard that the piano was made about 130 years ago. The sculpture was so fancy and delicate. At the bottom of the piano, there are the names of 12 great composers and musicians. One of them was Franz Liszt, a Hungarian composer, so I chose his work. It was an honor and pleasure to play a historically valuable piano. But since the rehearsal, I played it carefully to not damage it because it is old. There was also a chair that was carved with the piano. When I sat down, the chair was too high for me to play the piano. The height of a chair can affect a performer’s performance, so I wanted to adjust the height of the chair. However, I couldn’t. I wanted to change it to another chair because it was uncomfortable. But since the piano and the chair were carved in a set and had to be seen on-air, the organizers didn’t want to change it. With a heart of showing respect for the piano, I played sitting on the high chair.

Q10. Could you tell us how to make piano recitals or classical music concerts more enjoyable for unfamiliar students?

I think the reason why people feel classical music is difficult is because people think classical music is far from life. However, classical music percolates our lives a lot unknowingly. When we listen to K-pop, we just listen to it without thinking. If we like it, we look up the lyrics or artists. I think it's better to listen to classical music with a light-hearted attitude and just enjoy it. As there are different genres of K-pop and artists that you like, there are various genres in classical music. Therefore, by listening to various classical music you can find your favorite piece. Then, as you take note of the song and the composer, and hear it again, you could feel the charm of the piece. Classical music is not aimed at modern society, so it is a genre that permeates a little more slowly. I suggest to enjoy classical music more comfortably and gradually, instead of thinking that you need to know everything from the beginning. I also think that music without lyrics, such as piano music, can be interpreted differently depending on the listener. Everyone has different ideas, and there is no correct answer to music. If you remember that, it will help you enjoy classical music.

Q11. You have written many songs, including "Winter in Trossingen," "For My Father," and "Lunar halo of leodo for Brass Trio and Piano." Which would be the most meaningful songs of yours?

I think all my own songs mean a lot to me. Especially songs, which I composed with my own stories are mean. Thus, it is hard to pick one piece of music. "Winter of Trossingen" describes the winter scenery of the Trossingen village, where I attended university at the end of my international studies. I expressed the quietness of the snowy town, the snowy landscape, the gloomy and long winter of Germany, and the cold snowstorm, and I composed the entire song using only white keys to express the village covered with white snow. This song is meaningful because it premiered last month in Trossingen. I composed "For My Father" thinking of my father with a new melody using Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 13 No. 8 “Pathetique” (2nd Movement) motif, which is a classic work that my father liked when he was alive. It was meaningful work for me because I could play this music remembering my father when I had a solo concert in my hometown on Jeju Island two years ago.

Q12. There were many songs that you composed on Jeju Island, such as Jeju Concerto No. 1, "Jeju Concerto No.1 <En Echo of Seouje Sori>," and "Rhapsody and Fantasy on Jeju Folk Songs for 2 pianos and 8 hands." What inspired you to compose these?

I had been away from Jeju since my early twenties, but most of my childhood memories are related to Jeju Island. My parents were busy, so I stayed at my grandmother's house in the countryside when I was very young. My longing for the native appearance of Jeju Island is in line with my childhood longing. The Stonewall Walkway of Jeju Island, the smells of the tangerine orchards, grass, and ponds, the wrinkled touch of my grandmother, and the colored sea and sky that I can only see on Jeju Island. These are the inspiration for my Jeju-themed works. Even now, the sea and sky seen at Stein Hall are different every day, so I always get inspiration from it. I also have a sense of duty as an artist from Jeju Island, so I will continue to write songs on Jeju Island, and using Jeju folk songs.

Q13. Is there any part of this composition experience that affects piano performance?

I wrote songs since I was young, so my experience in composing music has naturally continued with my musical life. The composers of the piano masterpieces that I played as a child were all remarkable at both composition and playing, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. Naturally, I wanted to be a composer who played the piano well since childhood. These days, many pianists do not compose because compositions and play are divided. However, when I compose songs, I feel closer to those composers as a person who does the same work. Therefore, when I play the piano, I look for the story of the composer. I felt that an interest in composers also leads to an affection for the composer and his work. Which is why I think the experience of composing has a positive effect.

A New Departure of Kim Han-dol

Q14. You are producing various content such as "Stein's Attic," "Improvision," "Compositions," and "Piano Cover" on your YouTube channel (PIANIST EINSTEIN). What was your favorite content on YouTube?

My favorite content is "Stein's Attic," a recently launched live broadcast. I was lonely when I did international studies, and I spent a lot of time at home, so I watched YouTube a lot. When I saw live broadcasts, I thought, "I want to try it, too." Since early this year, I have tried live broadcasting. When I first broadcast, I remember I was so happy with my friend who helped me with the broadcast. It feels like I attained my long-cherished desire.

Q15. You are also uploading Piano Cover videos of various genres of music. What are you focusing on when you arrange these songs?

To convey the feeling that I was impressed with the music, I am arranging it with the thought of carefully realizing all the notes on the piano without missing the details of the original song. Depending on the purpose, sometimes I arranged the songs differently from the original, but I try to show the feeling of the original music because playing the song on the piano makes it unique. I think that is a way that I could respect the original song. As I am a pianist, I try my best to make a perfect arrangement as a solo piano piece.

Q16. It was impressive to see you playing music off the cuff with dice. Is there a special way for you to perform an improvisation? How do you express the inspiration that comes to mind in your daily life with music?

I believe that inspirations that come to mind are very precious to me. When a melody or idea comes to mind, I try to write it down, or else they quickly disappear. Then, I use them for later compositions or arrangements. I also constantly make music in my head and play it from my imagination when I am alone. An impromptu performance with the note of the dice is an extension of such creative activities. I practiced it when I was in Germany to present such content at the house concert. I practiced by making a song with random notes and playing it instantly. It was not difficult because it was something I used to do in my mind. I have never lost and failed the performance.

Q17. Do you have any goals you want to achieve in the future?

I was asked the same question in an interview when my debut concert in 2013. At that time, I said, "I simply want to be a musician who can inspire others who love music rather than any great ambition." Even now, my mind is unchanged, and I think it is a little more specific than then. I want to expand the contents of the house concert or YouTube to meet more people who are in places where they are not able to receive cultural benefits. In addition, I want to help the local cultural arts of Jeju Island prosper and contribute to society as an artist from there. I want to be a good teacher who can teach students who have dreams tenderly and warmly. After this interview, I also think I should work harder with responsibility.

Q18. Do you have anything you want to say to students at Chung-Ang University?

It was so good to meet you all. I wonder how you are doing while reading this interview and how you will grow and change in the future. Recently, I have been thinking about writing songs and playing until I become a gray-haired grandfather. I am so curious about what kind of artist I will be at that time. I hope you will believe in the accumulation of time of now and future. I will cheer for your future! Thank you.

In an interview with CAH, Kim Han-dol showed his passion and love for composing and playing the piano. Currently, he is playing his music for more people through house concerts and his YouTube channel (Pianist Einstein). CAH hopes that his beautiful songs will be heard by more people, as his desire to prosper the local culture and art of Jeju Island and contribute to society. House concerts are held on the first Saturday of each month at Stein Hall, and you can find more information on the "Stein hall" blog (https://bit.ly/3tmeMDo). CAH also cheers for his future moves.