In classical music, China has no shortage of keyboard
wonder-kids. Lang Lang and Li Yundi come immediately to mind. While
Lang Lang is off touring the world in flamboyant style, Li Yundi
positions himself as the more contemplative of the two. The prodigy
is now back in his home country after three years overseas.
From the first note of Mozart's Piano Sonata in C
Major, a solemn, serious expression overtook his face. He was
one with the music.
Li Yundi brought a moving resonance to Century Theater on Sunday
night. Though known for playing Chopin, he chose a repertoire of
Mozart, Schumann and Liszt.
He plays with the rare combination of virtuoso technique and
poetic sensibility. Each note was a reminder of why, in 2000, the
International Chopin Competition handed him first prize. At 18, Li
was the youngest contestant, and the first Chinese, ever to claim
the trophy. What's more, the competition broke its trend of
dividing the prizes, declaring an individual winner for the first
time in 15 years.
In an era full of Asian musicians, Li Yundi stands out for
another remarkable reason - he is the first and only superstar
world pianist trained exclusively in China.
A spectator said: "She's been learning piano for a couple of
years. And her teacher said we have to listen to Li Yundi. I want
her to hear a more expressive use of the instrument. And this is a
great chance to see a world-known pianist."
Li has already developed a distinct musical personality. He
doesn't strive for brilliance, he seems to just have it. As the
Washington Post commented, he starts to play and those
qualities are simply there -- part of a world of sound in which he
immerses his listeners.
Li Yundi is now enrolled at Hanover Conservatory of Music, in
Germany. Next year, he will tour Asia and the United States with
the Berlin Philharmonic.
(CCTV December 5, 2006)