Roman Kim: Upping the ante on Paganini.

Written by Corwin Slack
Published: October 15, 2013 at 8:09 PM [UTC]

Phenomenal! A virtuoso friend called me to tell me that he heard something new that Paganini didn't invent and that I must stop immediately to listen to it. Coming from my friend that is an incredible testimonial:

So here it is; Listen to it all! (Refresh you screen if the embed does not appear.)

or click here: http://youtu.be/t5kzdf8kUeM

The last little bit is something of a gimmick but the mixed artificial harmonics, normal tones and tremolando (did I hear plucking!?) at about 9:00 is spectacular. His fingered octave technique is totally incredible,

From Laurie Niles
Posted on October 15, 2013 at 10:59 PM

And to give credit where credit is due, let's make the credits quite clear: In the video is violinist and composer: Roman Kim; pianist Jure Goruchan. The violin played is made by Alexander Hazin, "CANNONE" 2012,Cologne

From Christian Vachon
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 12:05 AM

Hi,

WOW! That is incredibly impressive! I heard also a couple of Romances that he composed which are absolutely beautiful and I would encourage anyone to hear.

Cheers!

From Charles Cook
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 12:07 AM

@#$%!!!

Nuff said.

From Nairobi Young
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 12:44 AM

Pizz with teeth? What can he not do?

From Nate Robinson
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 1:24 AM

Amazing technique and style! A very original arrangement too. Nice to see performers who also compose/arrange. Thanks for sharing.

From Corwin Slack
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 1:26 AM

Also listen to the mixed double stopping at about 10:40. Am I hearing harmonics and straight bowed notes at the same time? It seems like a hallucination.

From Raphaela Rocha
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 1:30 AM

...hold my beer.

From Mark Roberts
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 2:39 AM

The pic and sound are uncoordinated....Wonder if the sheet music is available or even exists..

From Paul Wood
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 7:59 AM

Amazing! Wonderful sound and musicianship. The technical stuff was good too...

Many thanks for posting.

From Eileen Geriak
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 10:38 AM

OH my GOODNESS ! He's "EAting" his violin !!!

fabulous ! :-D

From Kenny Choy
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 11:16 AM

Should check out his other videos, especially on his playing of God Save the King/Queen (another teeth plucking example), and his own arrangement on Bach's Air for Solo Violin (show the full advantage of his extremely long little finger, not little at all).

From Trevor Jennings
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 4:21 PM

Well, that's Paganini thoroughly out-Paganini'd for us!

The reactions here so far are a fair indication of the effect Paganini must have had on his audiences two centuries ago.

If they ever want to make a real biopic of Paganini, then here's their man - long fingers and all.

On the instrument side, this is also a superb illustration of the heights that can be achieved by a modern violin (2012, so probably in its first tranche of public outings).

I would guess that Roman Kim made this video in a run-through before a concert, judging by the way he and the pianist were dressed.

PS. What flavor rosin does Roman Kim use?

From Randy Walton
Posted on October 16, 2013 at 11:49 PM

I'm blown away................!!

From Jeff Nelson
Posted on October 17, 2013 at 4:43 AM

While very few of us will admit it, most of us were inspired to play the violin by listening to someone play a gorgeous piece you could actually follow the melodic line of. And for me that included every note composed in the height of the romantic movement in the nineteenth century. While bravura technique is worshiped, I still believe the violin's highest form is the beautiful, singing line. I want to hear more from this talented performer/composer. Maybe he can bring romance back to the violin. Bravo!

From Corwin Slack
Posted on October 17, 2013 at 4:58 AM

He wrote some romances available on YouTube and also has a gorgeous arrangement of the Bach Ait. Check them out.

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Roman Kim: Upping the ante on Paganini.

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