Romanian piano legend Radu Lupu’s concerts in Seoul are the talk of the town.

Lupu’s recital on Nov. 17 and concert with the Korean Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 19 at Seoul Arts Center are regarded as the “crme de la crme” of the Korean classical scene this year as the master pianist who rarely exposes himself to the public outside of a limited number of concerts will be performing for the first time in Korea. Lupu had previously planned to perform in Seoul in 2010 but canceled at the last minute due to food poisoning he suffered in Japan.

Lupu topped the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; George Enescu International; Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and has been awarded Abbiati; Edison Ward for Schumann, Grammy and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli prizes to become an international figure.

He is regarded as the last heir to Russian-style piano playing, who can hit each key with power and strength. But at the same time he is known to stroke the keys gently, earning him the title of a Schubert specialist.

“You listen to him play and can draw a very clear image in your head. Unlike his appearance, with the bushy hair and moustache, he can be the most sensitive player out there,” music critic Park Jae-sung said.

And to demonstrate his strength, Lupu chose to fill his program with Schubert on the first day with 16 German Dances D. 783, Op. 33; 4 Impromptus D. 935, Op. posth. 142; and Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major D. 960, Op. posth. On the second day, Lupu will analyze Beethoven with Piano Concerto Nos. 3 and 4. Lupu is expected to deliver quintessential Schubert since he won a Grammy in 1996 for his Schubert recording. He has also been keen to interpret Beethoven lately, elevating concertgoers’ expectations.

The clavier master is also notorious for his “requirements.” He is known to demand office chairs instead of the standard piano seats. He has reportedly demanded Steinway’s grand piano with the first three digits of the six-digit serial number not exceeding 578 ― luckily, the Seoul Arts Center has three.

He also has reportedly asked for individual keys to weigh no more than 53 grams and that there should be a tuner waiting to scale them whenever Lupu asks for it.

Lupu’s mysterious concert style has no doubt contributed to his fame. He never talks to the press and doesn’t allow video recording or broadcasting of his concerts, hence the relatively low awareness of the pianist in Korea.

“If he comes, it will be a pivotal moment of the year for classical music fans. He will not let anyone down,” Park said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)