This new release from DUX presents the world premiere recording of Jeajoon Ryu's Symphony No. 2, performed here by Seoul International Music Festival Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Ralf Gothoni. Also performing are Sunhae Im (soprano), Myungjoo Lee (soprano), Jungmi Kim (mezzo-soprano), Oliver Kook (tenor), Samuel Youn (bass-baritione), The National Chorus of Korea, and Suwon City Choir.
As COVID-19 spread out throughout the world in 2019, the World Health Organization announced the outbreak of a third pandemic in history on March 11, 2020. The spread of COVID-19 caused countless casualties as well as long-term suffering and sadness around the world by preventing us from living our daily lives.
During this time, Jeajoon Ryu created his Symphony No. 2; a piece comprised of four movements. It starts with the gloominess of our present situation ? suffering through COVID-19; then it moves to other phases, such as longing for the liberated times, suggesting a new path for our humanity to walk through, and finally, a sense of hope for the future.
Ryu set texts from Shakespeare's sonnets, which the Shakespeare himself wrote in isolation as a result of the plague. Ryu used the sound of school bells for the theme of music, which was inspired by watching his nephews not being able to go to school. This grand piece of 75 minutes was composed to bring courage and joy to the audience, who were going through those difficult times. Ryu hopes to share a moment of healing and hoping for a brighter future again through his music.
Symphony No. 2 premiered on 22 October 2021 at the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center. Jeajoon Ryu recreated the relevant social issues of 2021 with his musical imagination.
"The tune of Ryu's tongue is strongly tangible, anchored, non-romantic, and fine. Moods such as melancholy, despair, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and tranquillity are transmitted unhindered. Ryu's thoughts were conveyed with a focused, intense, and incredible curiosity." - Aija Haapalainen, Turun Sanomat, Finland, June 19, 2018
