BRUCE (XIAOYU) LIU - Sonata in B flat minor, Op. 35 (18th Chopin Competition, third stage)

16.10.2021
Sala Koncertowa Filharmonii Narodowej w Warszawie / Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall
XVIII Międzynarodowy Konkurs Pianistyczny im. Fryderyka Chopina
Sesja 2
The 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
Second session
BRUCE (XIAOYU) LIU (Kanada / Canada)
chopin2020.pl/en/competitors/...
Sonata b-moll op. 35 / Sonata in B flat minor, Op. 35
Grave. Doppio movimento
Scherzo. Molto vivace
Marche funèbre
Finale
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[@cardipiano]

Sonata b-moll op. 35 / Sonata in B flat minor, Op. 35 00:00 Grave. Doppio movimento 7:25 Scherzo. Molto vivace 14:30 Marche funèbre 23:35 Finale

[@seankeel945]

He has outstanding use of the pedal where you hear all of the colors, the sound is never muddled, and remains crystal clear, which in my opinion, is far superior to all the other performers.

[@LC-ig2jm]

When I listen to Bruce play, I discovered new nuances I never knew existed. Not just the sonata, but in every selection in this competition - especially the Concerto!

[@EdoardoSannabicycle]

It is also thanks to the excellent piano in my opinion far superior to a steinway

[@THECUBER2023]

@@EdoardoSannabicycle totally agree

[@floriantomatoman2825]

find yourself better hobby sean keel

[@jeffreypeters395]

This performance of the sonata is pure gold. It doesn’t get as much attention as some of his other pearls, but it’s impossibly good. This music makes weary hearts melt.

[@variszarins]

This is because, at times, this interpretation sounds exactly like Pogorelich's interpretation.

[@LC-ig2jm]

Bruce’s technique is far more secure than Pogorelich's. Additionally, Bruce is more musical. His delicate rubato, his attention to details, his clarity, his incredible dynamic range and his subtle use of pedal makes him an ideal interpreter of Chopin.

[@asalj4014]

@@LC-ig2jm Pogorelich was a beast in his prime. Bruce does not hold an ounce of the excitement and passion Pogorelich had back in the day, this is just good student playing

[@RockinTheDub]

@@asalj4014cringe

[@sawekzgrajek2953]

Mistrzostwo ! Bruce zaczarowane klawiaturę, fortepian śpiewa, tańczy, uśmiecha się. Słucham i ciągle mało i mało... Arcymistrza!

[@JLew-ch8yu]

No words for such a grand performance.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

His inspirational performance is far more awesome when I expected. His magnificent performance has the beauty capable of inspiring poetry

[@kingalou1]

7:15 his left hand ❤👏 7:41 ❤ This performance is a symbiotic relationship between the pianist, the music and the instrument! ❤

[@chimchady3149]

What a wonderful perfomrance! So much passion and meticulousness. You can see sweat dripping down from his chin at 18:29.

[@elisabethgarcia9691]

So emotional and beautiful sonata 😭❤️

[@cody1804]

Worth every tear of sweat.

[@ingridfast6615]

As I listened back through this performance I noticed a few more impressive things in this piece, and certainly in Bruce's playing in general. He is careful to control his LH power - it is tasteful and doesn't become overpowering and harsh, which often happened to others. He is also a fantastic story teller and technically capable of going where the music/story leads. There is a sense of spontaneity and wonder to his playing which creates anticipation. Maybe this is what was felt even more so when people listened to his performances live.

[@floriantomatoman2825]

ok but who cares?

[@BrinaSun]

@@floriantomatoman2825 go cry somewhere else

[@larkspur77]

​@@floriantomatoman2825??

[@kingalou1]

How he builds up tension in the first movement 😳 spectacular dynamics!!! I can't... 💔 😭

[@syzygy2464]

having performed live in a band many times in the past, I can relate to the pouring of sweat under those very, very hot lights. it gets in your eyes, your mouth, soaks your shirt, covers your hands and can really hamper a musician who's less experienced but he of course, played through it like the consummate professional artist he is.

[@yeelinghayden3455]

Truly profound and Herat moving .

[@robertcentobene4375]

I have to admit that I over listened to these works in the first and second rounds. When it came down to this composition and op54 and the polonaise in E Flat, I simply overlooked them, until later when Bruce, (here) won the top prize. At that point I started seriously listening to all of his rounds and found he made sense of all works where others couldn't. Especially this composition. Chopin totally had a sort of monopoly on music and in the years in which he lived roving bands of circuses, gypsies and music such as this were peoples entertainment. He had carte blanche with anything he dreamed up musically. Fortunately for us he stayed within good musically acoustical works wherein he poured his heart out to make them trimmed to a perfection. And this was not made in any way for anything other than a need to pour love from his heart in order to survive from day to day; and of course, what ever he wrote sustained him and his family. A lot of it will make sense when such a pianist as the one here performs them. Otherwise you are listening to just so much noise.

[@robertcentobene4375]

I include, espcially the rondo!

[@kazimierzwielki2349]

Agree

[@trifonovfan9819]

His Scherzo, the Concerto and the Variations are among the best I’ve ever heard.

[@maryari3132]

Meraviglioso!!! 💓

[@chenchen8065]

完美地 撥動我心靈深處

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

"17:04" is where I'm completely absorbed. I so deeply adore beautiful melodic lullaby phrases - Awe - I melt - ❤ it, ❤ it, ❤ it!

[@syzygy2464]

I don't know if I'd call the Funeral March a lullaby but it certainly is a beautiful and underappreciated gem of a composition.

[@timspiano5054]

Never underestimate the power of slow pieces.

[@sergiochiacchio9611]

super super talented young pianist 👏👏

[@junemidori09]

It’s a really great performance….Bruce Liu is with Chopin’s heart💓 Chopin, who died without returning to Poland. Now, the polish people are encouraging and helping the Ukrainians. I play from Tokyo.

[@nevenkaleban6763]

Phenomenal Sonata, the best Finale I ever had heard.

[@tonytony8747]

What’s impressive is the clarity. It sounds as if he didn’t use the pedal. Every other pianist over pedal this movement except Bruce!

[@tkrpiano]

you should listen to rachmaninoff playing the finale!

[@user-fj4wn4ur6j]

Вы прямо с языка сняли. Лучший финал, который я когда-либо слышал!!!

[@nicolehourcade]

The movement starting at the 8’57 is so moving, it touches my heart deeply🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nicolehourcade]

This sonata , it is the best interpretation i have heard. Breathtaking, stunning, sensitive play.Le touché léger, fort en même temps, incroyable vélocité, j’ai l impression de ne pas connaitre cette sonate entendue tant de fois et de la découvrir.Amazing.Unmatched in this interpretation🙌🎵💝🎵❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@maryari3132]

Completamente d'accordo!!! Questo giovane musicista è molto molto dotato! Gli auguro grandissima carriera sfolgorante di soddisfazioni! 👏👏👏🎵🎶❤️

[@nicolehourcade]

@@maryari3132 l ho ascoltato 5 volte, magico, strappa le lacrime!

[@ingridfast6615]

Agree:)

[@loveispatient0808]

@@nicolehourcade me more than 5 times and not tired of hearing him play!!He’s so good!

[@donaldallen1771]

To Nicole Reding-Hourcade and those who replied: do you know the recording of this work by Sergei Rachmaninoff?

[@dawidwalega4726]

I adore Liu's performance of this piece, I used to listen to this piece during the time when I was studying this piece and I finally recorded this piece on my KZbin channel. Thank you for sharing Chopin Institute, Dawid

[@leaberenice1024]

Bruce você é maravilhoso ! Parabéns!!!!!!!

[@nicolereding7234]

The scherzo is one of my favorite moment in this stunning sonata, i listened to it by BX Liu more than12 times😮❤️‍🩹😇🙏

[@joannaj.9020]

my soul feels like heaven when he plays. sensitivity and energy, great accents and timing! the best performance of a sonata, mazurkas and a concert. wonderful! I am Polish and I am amazed by your game!

[@nicolehourcade]

Me too, i am not Polish, from Luxemburg but my piano professor was Polish🙌🌺💝🎵🎶

[@loveispatient0808]

@@nicolehourcade me too , I am not Polish but my piano professor was American!🙌💕🥀

[@Dan1418]

Are you JJ Lei Bui？

[@timothyhoang]

my soul feels like ur mom

[@pianoman551000]

There's nothin worse than to get beads of sweat in the eyes. It stings like hell! Yet, his performance was astounding! Congrats!!

[@floragutierrez538]

Una verdadera revelación! La riqueza dinámica, la concepción de la obra,el respeto por el estilo sin dureza ni languideces, elegante y fluido pero firme y sólido me ha impactado mucho Le auguro una gran carrera pianística

[@nicolehourcade]

The 20th time i listent it.Amazing, breathtaking 😮😮😮😮

[@user-fj4wn4ur6j]

Лучший финал Второй сонаты, который я когда-либо слышал!!!

[@arturgarski6171]

Pure gold..❤️‍🔥

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und fehlerlose Aufführung dieser romantischen und perfekt komponierten Klaviersonate im gut analysierten Tempo mit klarem doch elegantem Anschlag und mit perfekt kontrollierter Dynamik. Der dritte Satz klingt besonders schön und echt tiefempfunden. Wahrlich intelligenter und genialer Pianist!

[@sulimabarba2935]

Congratulations to the new winner! Great performance. 🌹❤🌹

[@user-hk8ti8po4b]

Chopin Sonata No. 2 by BRUCE is really the best. It was a great performance that was overwhelming all the way through. His unique style of playing added to the fun of listening. Thank you for playing so well Bruce!

[@tatjanasiljeg2429]

No. Pogorelich is THE BEST! 👍

[@sylwiapaszek70]

To wykonanie to istne arcydzieło !! Ale nie zagrałby tego ktoś, kto nie ma w sobie prawdziwych uczuć i emocji. Brawo,brawo!! Kocham Chopina❤️

[@joannapudalik1542]

Kocham muzykę Chopina ,uspakaja mnie ,pozwala zapominać o wszelkich troskach tego świata . Joanna

[@user-ze6xn1cx5n]

What a wonderful play! You are so Great

[@henrithellier7684]

Admirablement Joué-- Un jeu viril robuste... des notes plein clavier strcture clarté..Forte Personnalité engagée dans ce qu´il interprète avec compétences et sensibilité... nous le suivons dans toutes se flexibilités attachantes... Il nous émeut et nous lui en sommes reconnaissants. ! Bravo !

[@australiaholguin-veras4665]

Cuanto virtuosismo Dios mío. Manos benditas y melodías!

[@leberinaa]

О мой бог, как экспрессивно

[@januszp2072]

Rewelacyjny,absolutnie najlepszy z najlepszych zwycięzca ostatniego Konkursu Chopinowskiego!

[@ryszardmirski8557]

doskonały!... piękny i doskonały...

[@emptynestingdad1]

Stunning and mesmerizing. Faultless.

[@user-pb5is4lb6s]

Прекрасно исполняет Сонату : Мастерски и самое главное ОДУХОТВОРЕНно .Играет , как говорится --Душой и Сердцем Браво !! ВЕЛИКОЛЕПНОЕ И П О Л Н Е Н И Е!!

[@loveispatient0808]

Yes SPIRITUALLY! That’s what God created music for His glory and to feed our souls and spirits! And Bruce Liu has demonstrated that spiritual quality in his playing that sets him apart from all the other contestants. No wonder he is the winner!🙌❤️🙏✝️

[@helenkurdin]

У Вас это исполнение вызывает такие эмоции? И похоронный марш тоже?

[@user-xt4ur6cv9f]

@@helenkurdin Да, хорошее исполнение

[@mihi4719]

Congrats!!!

[@terrybu435]

Happy new year，Bruce！

[@cbgirl8547]

funeral march ❤️

[@hannastaszak1684]

BRAWO !!!

[@lucianoiovino304]

Bravissimo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@malinaluft5066]

"Idzie na pola, idzie na bory, na łąki i na sady, na siwe wody, na śnieżne góry, na miesiąc idzie blady. Idzie w niezmierną otchłań wszechświata, skąd blask dróg mlecznych prószy. Idzie błękitna, cicha, skrzydlata, muzyka mojej duszy" K.Przerwa-Tetmajer

[@mariatheresiapapert-kantha1958]

Thank you for this wonderful comment!! Bruce takes us with himself on a heavenly journey through universe, and makes us feel so thankful being parts of it. Love his playing of the sonata very very much!! Thea music lover by passion …. 💕🙋🏼‍♀️

[@malinaluft5066]

@@mariatheresiapapert-kantha1958 thanks, the pleasure is mine🌷

[@elenacanade3246]

Increible ejecucion de una obra tan compleja. Emocina profundamente.Una joya.

[@user-76mpdgjt2]

Bravoooooo💕

[@nicolehourcade]

Very late in the night i listen tot is second movement , forme this nigh. Dedicated to the young amazing Belgian soprano J Devos my compatriot

[@rosesoriedem1106]

Tirou meu sono ao olhar suas mãos, incrível, perfeição, me apaixonei 😍

[@nazarenoorefice2104]

The first movement it s really a milestone in piano music, a romantic sonata that has very few to share with the classic predecessors. The piano writing and the technique so new and different from the classics. Very professional interpretation ,everythink is always under control.I am missing the romantic drive, especially in the first movement where he could have risked more in terms of contrasts so in the funeral march ,A matter of taste ,He is beautifully playing compliments. Probably in piano competitions they have to play this way,better do not risk too much .Right notes are objective things , feelings not.

[@nevenkaleban6763]

Earned award 💥🌞🌟

[@clailai7865]

He certainly worked hard! Look at him dripping in sweat!

[@loveispatient0808]

Bruce Lui and Daniil Trifonov are the only 2 pianists that I see play with sweating! No wonder, they are both great pianists of the highest order!!

[@Sitbon08]

I wonder if using deodorant around the hairline/forehead may be a solution?

[@javascriptkiddie2718]

@@Sitbon08 🧠🧠🧠

[@m.moonsie]

@@loveispatient0808 didn't watch Kyohei Sorita?

[@danielmandrioni1746]

thanks!

[@celinaturek7154]

Great!!!

[@marinegrasselli2779]

great !!!!!!

[@user-nf2fd4lh6w]

ブルースリュウ様京都市コンサートホールのステージも、良い音響仕様です。是非マネジメントして下さい♥️♥️♥️🎵

[@gerardbedecarter]

Beautiful playing.

[@ilovemycatrussell9298]

Fazioli is actually not bad for Chopin. I personally like them better than I used to. I guess it depends on the pianist, but Steinway is my personal favorite, but Fazioli suites Bruce Liu well. Either way, congratulations.

[@socorronunes8896]

Que maravilha ! Quanta leveza!

[@mauriciopocon7796]

Una de mis favoritas y que algún día deseo tocar al 100%

[@leaberenice1024]

Você toca com a alma e sentimento ❤️

[@user-om9sx5yw7f]

貴方様はどなたにも出せない音の調べをお持ちでございまう。どうぞどうぞ生涯大切にして下さいますように。

[@HoYanPiano]

Love the intensity of this song 🔥

[@anaradan1923]

Predictor Lao da sam Chopin Scots bravo

[@negan556]

Bruce Lee of pianism

[@user-pj3lz7sp8k]

奏嗎曲第二樂章弹的氣氛非常好!

[@herveverbaert254]

il aurait du avoir le prix de la meilleure interprétation de la sonate en plus de remporter le concours...

[@Calmchopin]

👍👍👍

[@BADRUBULDURA]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@user-fg9wr1bv2n]

よく弾けてますね✨感情が込み上げてきますね。

[@siuhhonkeung]

Three pianists of Chinese descent have won in these prestigious events. Fou T'song won third price in 1955, second place was Vladimir Ashkenazy. Li Yundi won the first price in 2000, and now Bruce XiaoYu Liu in 2021(2020). Maurizio Pollini won first price in 1960 and Martha Argerich in 1965. There were no first price winner in 1990 and 1995. Wonder how these Chinese artists have achieved a connection with Chopin or music is truly universal.

[@thestratford51]

Bruce was born in Paris, France and raised in Montreal, Canada - a French-Canadian City. He is a Canadian. He is completely fluent in French, among other languages. He studied classical music in Montreal, graduated from the Montreal Conservatoire under Richard Raymond. and further his piano studies under Dang Thai Son. He is also the 2021 Oberlin-Como Fellow -- the prestigious faculty at Oberlin-Como includes Yefim Bronfman, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Dang Thai Son, William Grant Naboré, and Robert Spano.

[@siuhhonkeung]

@@thestratford51 I know. I said "Chinese descent".

[@thestratford51]

@@siuhhonkeung I wrote all that to say that (1) Bruce is not what you referred to as "these Chinese artists" - he is raised in the Western traditions and culture (French-Canadian in Montreal since age 4, prior to that in Paris, France) , and (2) his teachers and music education are all also steeped in Western traditions and culture. Therefore, I am saying it is not hard to understand at all how Bruce has achieved the deep connection with Chopin.

[@obiwan88]

@@thestratford51 So? That doesn't change the fact he is of a person of Chinese descent, which is what Mr Hon Siu is saying. Or is it you are those people who can only talk and cannot listen or read properly? You sounded like a ridiculously angry person who is defending Bruce Liu, when he himself isn't asking for it, nor is as nearly as narrow minded as you.

[@thestratford51]

@@obiwan88 LOL

[@retrogamerdave362]

Until now, I didn't understand why Bruce won. Now, I do. I like his interpretation of this sonata even more than Seong-jin Cho, and I am a big fan of his. Bravo

[@ChollieD]

That finale is hilariously virtuosic, and parts of it sound like Ligeti helped out with the composition. Weird music for the Romantic Period.

[@sanfordpress54]

I would kiss his feet

[@rag481]

People who cough during a performance should be fined heavily!! What a disrespectful and selfish thing to distract the performer and the performance and those listening with intent.

[@Chomikmk]

Warsaw Phil's concert hall had very dry air. I agree some people push it, but whenever I go there, even if I am not sick at all, I need to take cough drops just in case. The air honestly makes you wanna cough

[@gggio1976]

Calcolare il momento giusto per disfarsi di una goccia di sudore 12:37

[@negan556]

Best interpretation

[@user-zn8dd6ys6l]

17:05

[@lovecamellia4360]

What happened at 2:15 ???

[@asistivideos]

I'm wondering the same thing. Why is he starting again?

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

If you look at the score, there is an indication for a repeat....it's in the music....🙄

[@lovecamellia4360]

@@Bruce.-Wayne but except him, the others not repeat again

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

@@lovecamellia4360 ....I've seen many other pianists who chose not to repeat, but others do.....there were performances of Vladimir Horowitz where he repeats that movement and other time, he omits it....

[@asistivideos]

@@Bruce.-Wayne Bearing in mind that the original score requires repetition, how is it possible that seong jin cho, the last winner, has passed the phase. (I love it, I'm just curious)

[@DellDreamer]

He was sweating. Just wonder if the room temperature was too warm!

[@klangfirmament7338]

Being a concert pianist myself I can tell you that this is quite normal for most pianists during a recital. A lot of people cannot imagine what it takes to play a concert... after a concert you're totally exhausted because (hopefully) you gave everything in.

[@jjbloyber]

@@klangfirmament7338 Sweating and/or crying

[@loveispatient0808]

@@jjbloyber I think in some pieces, he was moved to tears which moved me with emotion too! Such a wonderful, young pianist!🙌😀

[@JerryLiaoPiano]

5:11

[@audreyschorr2020]

5y

[@TimothyTakemoto]

I thought he'd be playing it backwards.

[@joannapudalik1542]

TVN vb

[@dragmio]

Hm, isn't the first movement a bit too fast?

[@hi_julia]

He make a mistake here 3:55

[@hi_julia]

Some notes

[@malinaluft5066]

Funeral march - Tiananmen and Polish rising against german/ hitlerite occupation - in memory of them

[@nicolehourcade]

Sensitive he is playing, his game sorry

[@seilgu]

People are interpreting this wrong, the best version I've heard is the midi version where the speed is maintained in the middle section.

[@jamesyang1891]

I prefer Yundi Li's better although Mr. Li will be gone for a while😀

[@thestratford51]

lol check out the youtube channel 'Evil Yundi' - Yundi has messed up his piano performances so terribly bad for decades now it seems - very sad

[@jamesyang1891]

@@thestratford51 I know. I think he properly has not practiced any piano for a very very long time.

[@TheDublord21]

For me nothing gets better than 2000-2004 yundi, but he a chinese influencer now or what ever

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

Is he in jail?

[@jungwirthmartin]

Little strange style for this sonata, i would say that his style fits more for Liszt, i mean in term of musicality he is pretty good, still far away from Seong-jin Cho and his dream interpretation

[@raffamineiro1711]

Liszt style? Hahaha. Funny comment .

[@jungwirthmartin]

@@raffamineiro1711 nope, find his interpretation of Spanish rapshody from Rubinstein competition, it is great

[@tonytony8747]

Bruce is far more artistic and emotional than Cho. If you don't like this, why are you here? Stop posting nasty comments everywhere trying to hate on Bruce! Jeez!

[@judynelson5038]

I like Bruce better. Cho is one dimensional.

[@raffamineiro1711]

@@jungwirthmartin Well here I am listening to Chopin? Or do you hear Liszt? And stop comparing Cho and Liu. Both are great. Writing that someone is far away from another interpretation is completely nonsense because everyone has his own interpretation, and no one reaches out for a same “dream” interpretation like you call it . Though I prefer Liu, he is very unique in his interpretations, delicate and surprising…

[@TheElementFive]

I think Hyuk Lee’s version was the best of the competition

[@user-ir7ur1sn1d]

Сонату играет не осени хорошо,не понимает 1 часть

[@revelation1215]

Too many notes.

[@hemasuresh2040]

Bruh! It Freaking Chopin!

[@Jayantan846]

@@hemasuresh2040 hi