“...Kim evinced excellent breath control and fine command of his instrument’s full range...”

“Kim gives us lovely tonal nuances and fluidity. In the Adagio movement his control and ability to purvey emotional content come to fore. He plays with a warm, expressive sound and demonstrates masterly control of the instrument’s registers...He concludes with a happy piece that continues to show the agility and fluidity of his exuberant musicianship.”

“...His playing always serves the music first and foremost...A sign of superior musicianship, no doubt...”

“The prominent and challenging clarinet writing is impressively navigated by Kim with apparent ease...Wonkak Kim, here and throughout this release, amply exhibits sensitive playing, a lovely sound and consummate facility.”

“Clarinetist Wonkak Kim wove his sultry, stylized melodies into the fabric...Mr. Kim showed his impressive range in a quasi cadenza-like solo for clarinet...”

“Kim’s virtuosity, tone, and expressiveness made for a very memorable performance...”

“...the way in which this recital brings together music of the very highest quality which is rarely encountered in the concert hall, in performances of probing intensity, is encouraging...”

“...Kim’s playing is flawless, masterful, and as pleasing to the ear as the music itself...world class...”

“...this is Mr. Kim’s show, and he’s a fine advocate for Devienne’s elegant high-Classical music...He produces a clean, attractive sound from top to bottom of his range, injecting Devienne’s tender slow movements with a deeper sentiment...”

“...stirring and virtuosic...the most magnificent performance of the evening...”

“After intermission, Kim returned with an instrument called the Basset clarinet for Mozart’s Clarinet in A Major...It worked in perfect harmony with the Delgani String Quartet. The four movements were magical.”

“He has quickly established himself at the forefront of his generation by playing with astounding precision and power.”

“...Wonkak Kim produces a clarinet tone as buttery smooth as any I’ve heard, beautifully balanced and blended over its entire range...”

“...exquisite performance...technically flawless and very engaging concert...Wonkak Kim’s musical talent and engaging personality will indisputably ensure that he will continue to perform at prestigious venues where he will receive standing ovations...”

“The performances are similarly un-stodgy, expressive and vivacious.”

“...all the more reason to qauire (and treasure) this very fine recording. (Editor’s Pick)”

“Kim renders the Clarinet Quintet with a clear and nicely rounded timbre...with seamless blend and excellent legato.”

“His phrasing and tone are second to none, thereby making the most of some music whose delicate appeal could easily be lost.”

“...with elegance, colour and variety...”

“The playing throughout is sublime...The intensity is real, the sounds gorgeous, the rhythm infectious. In a chamber music series or at a classical music club, the fans would go wild. Enhake plays as if each track were a universe in itself...this version strides proudly alongside the legendary recording by Piazzolla himself. ”

“...a terrific quartet with a keen instinct for exciting programmes...”

“...they’ll be a stellar group...”

“...enhake gets everything out of each piece and roll out each individual composers on the CD the red carpet. The performances are all really excellent!...”

“...enhake is an award-winning quartet which is especially active on the contemporary music circuit. They certainly do the composers proud...their advocacy is impassioned and their playing is more or less exemplary...”

“...Rock solid rhythmic integrity...strength in balance, intonation, and musicality...polished, yet spontaneous performance...impressive soloists and adept chamber musicians...excellent artists and technicians who present thoroughly prepared performance...”

“...some great, tight ensemble sounds and all gifted musicians...”

“...The chamber musicians blend well and manage to have perfect balance and definitive melodic material...I feel that such intimacy of sound within the group demonstrates and exuberant freshness of musical intention. Each player had a distinct sound and yet they seem to vary their sound in relation to the changing contexts of the pieces...”

“...playing of the very highest caliber...the mix of playing that is consistently energetic, polished, and commited...This one can stand up to any of them, sporting lithe, and buoyant tightly focused sound, combined with subtly expressive lyricism...”

“these are musicians who are clearly comfortable with each other as well as with their individual instruments, and there is a relaxed, jazz-ensemble feeling to their performances...”

“The musicianship of the group is outstanding throughout, providing a relaxing, restful and playful hour apart from our anxiety-plagued world.”

“This mixture of familiar and unfamiliar music works unusually well, and the playing is so fine that the disc provides enjoyment not only through what is performed but also because of how the pieces are presented. (**** Four Stars)”

““Child’s Play” is the title of an engaging release by artists from South Korea and the United States who perform together under the name enhakē. By name, they are Wonkak Kim, clarinet; M. Brent Williams, violin; Katherine Decker, cello; and Eun-Hee Park, piano, and they play with a refreshing zest that’s hard to resist. More than that, they give us the distinct impression that music-making can be fun.”

“enhakē captures the hearts of listeners, yet again, with their fourth audio release, Child’s Play. Every aspect of this album is stunning, ranging from the impeccable technical prowess of ensemble members, the selection of repertoire to the album artwork, and even sound production. While this is what listeners have come to expect from enhakē, they not only meet but exceed all previous expectations. Clarinetist Wonkak Kim, violinist M. Brent Williams, cellist Katherine Decker, and pianist Eun-Hee Park have been playing together for over a decade. In that time, they have been able to build an intimate musical bond in which their collective interpretation brings the music to life creating an almost spiritual experience for listeners. The recording is dedicated to all of the current and future “enhakē” kids. This dedication seems to shape the repertoire included, offering some delightful child-friendly pieces sure to keep the attention of adults and little ones..”