Epilogue
June 15th, 2009Hi, y’all Van Cliburn fans,
The 5 days in Fort Worth following the finals of the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition are now behind me, and I started writing this on the flight home on Tuesday.
I know I should have written this on Monday while in Fort Worth, but I spent most of the day resting in the bed in my room, recovering from the general lack of sleep and all the excitement I experienced.
I read and heard from many how their opinions disagreed with the outcome of the competition. The list of three medalists was different from MY list of three favourites, but after some contemplation, I am very much at peace with the jury’s decision.
First of all, Korea’s Son is an energetic pianist who had much to provoke reactions from the audience. Was her exuberant performance of Prokofiev Concerto No.2 way over the top? Oh, yes, it was indeed. However, I felt it was contextually correct in today’s world of Death Metal and Rap. The interpretation, the energy, and the colours were outrageous, as the piece must have been outrageous in 1913 when it was first premiered. She indeed showed her tremendous Kimchi (Korean spiced pickled cabbage) Power that might seem alien at first. However, like a bowlful of pungent Kimchi Jigae stew, you instantly become enamoured by its richness, the spiciness, and the depth, and you can’t have enough of it. Her stardom can go far.
Then, we have the Michelangeli-like coolness of Zhang. Meticulous but stern, Zhang’s music may not be as visceral as Son’s, but the stern discipline could bring him much success in digital medium. His tremendous technical facility would allow him to record forbidding repertoire like Alkan, Godowsky, and Sorabji in addition to the standard repertoire, and to bring them to jaded ears that are all used to Chopin, Liszt and Brahms.
Then, we have an ambassador: Tsujii. While he may not have the exuberance to successfully launch the late-Romantic repertoires, his delicate and sensitive approach to the classical and early Romantic repertoire would allow him to be the most successful salon concert pianist in the diplomatic circles. I envision him performing at the White House, the United Nation, and important sovereign-level events, in addition to concert halls around the world large and small. He is also a budding composer, and his style ranges well into the pop/rock genre. His life is an inspiration to all, and he touched the heart of everyone through his music.



