Amy J. Yang performs Bach and Schumann
Ok, classical piano music fans in the peanut gallery, here’s a place holder for your discussions. Enjoy.
As we enter the last day of the preliminary recitals, I am absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent we have heard thus far. There is no doubt that each one of the 29 competitors are world-class pianists in their own right, and I’d eagerly pay to go hear each one of them. I wouldn’t even say that about some of the so-called “world-class” pianists who make world circuit.
However, one (almost unfortunate, but not) aspect of these 17 days is that it is a competition, and at the end of the day, 17 of the competitors will not advance. It means that, unless I attend the “Piano Marathon” in Fort Worth, I will not get to hear the interesting programmes that were prepared. I am thinking of Amy Yang’s Berg Sonata, Op.1 in the semi-final, and Ning Zhou’s Kapustin Sonata No.1, for example. I hope I will get to hear them only because I love these pieces, and I played the said Berg Sonata and a concert etude by Kapustin in the semi-final at the 2007 IPCOA. The riches of the programme we are enjoying is absolutely staggering and, indeed, the most unfortunate aspect of the event being a competition is that we won’t be able to listen to everything.
Yang is now presenting a bold interpretation of French Overture in B minor, BWV 831 on a New York Steinway. The sound is bold and rich, and Yang performs it as a piano transcription rather than trying to imitate a harpsichord. The sustain pedal is much in use, but stops short of being overly Romanticised.
In Davidsbündlertänze, Yang brings out the contrasting two characters, Florestan and Eusebius well. However, I feel that lyricism in Eusebisu could have been brought out, especially at the end of No. 7: Nicht schnell in G minor. A bit more clarity in Florestan would also help bring out the heightened emotions, as well. I want more, more and more.
Yet, I have become aware that the piano currently in use, the non-Cliburn New York Steinway is actually my least favourite. It is also the piano with which I am not familiar. It appears to possesses the narrowest gamut of colours compared to the other two. The Cliburn Hamburg instrument has a bright, assertive personality, but is capable of whispering tenderly, while the Clibun New York has lush, rich colours that really works well with late-Romantic works like Rachmaninoff.
Perhaps, the choice of the piano might correlate with my perception of the performers. During the dinner break, I will correlate my impression of the performance with the pianos chosen.
She is now singing through No.14: Zart und Singend in E-flat major, and it is loving reading. I was just a little jarred by the uncertainty that existed in No.13: Wild und lustig, but she really redeemed herself. It truly appears that slower, loving lyrical lines are Yang’s special gift. No.18: Nicht Schnell is a fine example. Although I would have liked to hear some brass in the repeated left-hand Ds, the atmosphere is very loving, and brings and end to the magical 45 minutes.
The audience is silent after the last note, as Yang keeps her hands on the keyboard. Perfect. At last, the audience gives a warm applause. There aren’t too many works for which a moment of silence is the best form of applause, and this is one of them, along with Beethoven Op.111, and Berg Op.1.
Ken Iisaka
May 26th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I agree, Ken - the overall quality of the pianists is amazing. And, yes, most are more interesting to listen to than the world-circuit pianists (perhaps because they are practicing eight or ten hours a day for this competition, and are not playing the same recital program > 100 times per year).
Amy Yang is a true standout. As I listen to the Schumann, I realize this is the most artistic playing I have heard. An interesting facet of her program is she is perhaps the only competitor who has not programmed a technical “show piece” for her recital. She is my favorite so far.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Most inspired, musicaly inclined Asian candidate so far?? That’s the way I feel. Thoughts??
May 26th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Um, my comments above were made irrespective of race…
May 26th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I think very highly of Amy’s playing. I have had the honor of going to school with her. She is both a wonderful musician and a humble person. (This is indeed a rare combination.) I find her playing to be incredibly lyrical.
May 26th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Ah, the beauty and artistry in the Schumann has me near tears. So introspective and deeply moving. She plays so very beautifully in every way! I was totally captivated!
May 26th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
What a breathtaking artist! One of the best long-form musicians so far. A very courageous program; I hope to see & hear much more.
May 26th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Ken, I’ve been keeping track of the pianos and reading your reviews too, and it does seem like you’re a bit harsher on those who chose the non-Cliburn NY Steinway.
May 26th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Ms. Yang is one of my favorite competitors in this competition. She began with her Bach. Although I didn’t hear the entire piece due to the sound and picture quality, I was impressed by her technicality and her accuracy. Her fingers were so neat to watch as she lifted each finger high above the keys and gave off a beautiful tone. You can tell that she loves this piece, as she is completely concentrated. Then she moved on to her Schumann. When I first read her repertoire, I was a little unsure why she didn’t choose to play a technical piece in the preliminary round. But I see why she wouldn’t need to do that. Her melodies are so clear and lyrical. I think I truly misjudged her repertoire and I really enjoyed listening to the Schumann. At the end, her melodies were so soft and beautiful, that while closing my eyes, I hadn’t realized she had finished. The silence at the end as Mr. Iisaka said, was true brilliance and profound maturity in programming. I really hope to see Ms. Yang in the next round. Meeting her was something I will always remember as her kindness and humility truly showed the wonderful person she is. Good luck!
May 26th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Amy plays with her distinctive personality - her play is arts and poetry in melody. Overall, she plays MUSIC, not technique! The Bach piece is truly Bach; but unfortunately, the streaming is messed up for the Schumann piece (pauses every a few seconds, both sound and image). I’ll have to watch the DVD - or hear Amy play it in person later on.
You go, girl!
May 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I’m not a musician and classical music often makes me nervous but I could listen to Amy Yang play piano all day long. I have had the joy of hearing Amy play live several times and find that her music constantly helps me understand the notes. Both her playing and her life remind me to look for the depth of beauty in living.
May 26th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I meant to say: she plays MUSIC, no merely technique.
May 26th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Shirley, Amy’s performance from this morning is in the Preliminary Archives on this web site along with the others who have performed, so you can watch her actual playing from earlier today if you want. I’m doing so now.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
In my opinion this artist had the makings of not just a medalist but someone who could actually have a major career (unlike so many of the Cliburn winners, for whatever reason). I can’t fathom how she didn’t make it into the semifinals. Perhaps Feux Follets needed to replace the Bach and she needed to play the Carnaval instead of the Davidsbundler? Very disappointing indeed.