Minsoo Sohn

Known for his musical intelligence and elegant virtuosity, Minsoo Sohn plays Book I of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier. Originally conceived as a teaching exercise but now celebrated as a beloved performance masterpiece, these 24 preludes and fugues explore the intricacies of all major and minor keys. The ear and mind are guided through a progression that fascinates, diverts, and exerts a powerful emotional and intellectual effect.

Program

J.S. BACH (1685-1750) The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I – 24 Preludes and Fugues

Minsoo Sohn

Minsoo Sohn is known for his musical intelligence and masterful virtuosity. Described by the New York Times as “a genuine artist, with a thoughtful and poetic interpretation,” and by the Boston Globe as “born to play the piano,” Sohn continues to expand his reputation as one of the foremost pianists of his day. He has toured extensively throughout North and South America, Europe, Israel, and South Korea, appearing at important venues and festivals. 

Sohn is particularly noted for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and the New York Times praised his Honens label recording of the work as a “beautifully articulated, radiant interpretation,” placing it as one of the top classical recordings of 2011. His recordings also received critical acclaim from The New Yorker, Plain Dealer, Gramophone, the Calgary Herald, and the Toronto Star, among others. 

In 2020, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Sohn concluded his four-year immersion in the composer’s music, which included a concert series, recordings, and writings. Over the course of his Beethoven project, Sohn performed and recorded the composer’s 32 sonatas in a series of recitals at the Seoul Arts Centre and recording sessions at Tongyeong Concert Hall. The recital series also included Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Bagatelles. Sony Classical released the highly anticipated nine-album set of Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas in 2020. 

Sohn held positions at Michigan State University and Korean National University of Arts before joining his alma mater, New England Conservatory, in the autumn of 2023. 

He is indebted to Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun for guiding him to follow his bliss.