About the book
A new acoustic world of bell harmony
Piano Bell Harmony explains a bell harmony system rooted in Dr. Kurt Anton Hueber’s theory and Myung Whan Johann Kim’s work.
About the author
Myung Whan Johann Kim
Composer, educator, and researcher whose work in bell harmony began in Vienna and continued through international teaching, composition, and worship scholarship. His research connects acoustics, faith, and musical practice across cultures.
Why this book
From discovery to devotion
A journey from discovery in Vienna to a lifetime of teaching and composition.
New acoustic world
Pursues a new sound that transcends traditional harmonic boundaries, echoing the innovations of the great composers.
Vienna origins
Born in Vienna through the guidance and research of Dr. Kurt Anton Hueber at the Vienna Musikhochschule.
Living harmony
Explores bell harmony as a living organism with countless tonal and atonal possibilities.
Praise
What experts are saying
Direct words from the book cover.
“I cannot help but recommend this new work by Mr. Prof. Kim wholeheartedly, and ask all Austrian academic and musical funds and the Austrian embassy in Korea to support financially Mr. Prof. Kim for the publication of his book, which documents the radiant power of the Vienna Musikhochschule to Southeast Asia and shows valuable contribution to the cultural exchange between Austria and Korea.”
Austrian composer, mathematician, cellist. From 1980-1993 lecturer for acoustics at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna).
Introduction
A composer’s discovery and calling
Short statements from the introduction.
“Almost every composer yearns for new music… he would pursue a new sound, perhaps even a new acoustic world.”
On the necessity of new sound and the historical evolution of Western music.
“I still remember the mysterious sounds that rang out when Professor Hueber played several bell harmonies on the piano… I had stumbled across the most innovative breakthrough since Zarlino.”
On the formative discovery of bell harmony in Vienna.
“The more I studied how Professor Hueber used bell harmonies in his works, the more I saw their musical value… I could develop a systematic and functional bell harmonic method.”
On developing a systematic approach to bell harmony.
“Part of my motivation for writing this book is to compile my knowledge… I hope that through this process, people will be blessed to deeply thank God and recognize harmony as His creation.”
On teaching, faith, and the purpose of the book.
New Praise Support Society
Praising God, cherishing hymns, forming the next generation
Convictions that shape this edition.
God’s Word
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” (Matthew 21:16)
“Let the peoples praise Thee, O God; Let all the peoples praise Thee.” (Psalms 67:3)
“For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.” (1 Chronicles 16:25)
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalms 69:30–31)
Cherishing hymn tradition
The New Praise Support Society honors the theological depth, poetic beauty, and musical richness of traditional hymns, and encourages arrangements grounded in that heritage.
Educating the next generation
NPSS serves alongside the 4/14 Window Movement, affirming music as a vital path for children to learn biblical truth and be shaped in character and worship.