Kate Liu - Quarterfinal Round Recital 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

[@a.h3448]

She is one of my favourite pianist that I would definitely love rest of my life. I still listening her playing from Chopin comepetition in 2015. Her bass sounds are amazingly beautiful. We all wish your luck waiting for you. Thanks for the real music you established.

[@judynelson5038]

Kate is one of my favorite pianists. I feel sad she didn’t play her best this time. Imo, her repertoire did not show her versatility. I wish her the best in her promising career. Go, Kate!

[@paul55austria51]

I have been listening and playing the piano for over 55 years. I know the Beethoven sonatas very well. This interpretation is extremely beautifully played. I've never heard this before this way. The soul in every note, the beautiful tempi compels me to listen, deeper than I've ever done. Kate is very promising, but I hope she doesn't lose her style of playing under the pressure of competitions and juries.

[@retrocules]

Someone needs to sign Kate so she can create albums already. I'm a forever fan of her outstanding musicality.

[@kyoungpyohong4387]

I just cant wait but probably will forever

[@paolobozano4125]

Dear Kate, I am an old tennis player and in my carreer I won and I lost, but loosing one match gave me more strenght to win the next one. So dont be sad if you did not pass, next time you be a winner! I

[@bpat74]

She will always be the winner in our heart.. A truly unique Artist..!

[@seheo6933]

Kate’s playing is always excellent. I love her performing. When I listen her music, everything is in place. And it has its own color and velocity.

[@wonderful_universe]

The identity of a pianist is not winning the competition but playing to touch people's hearts. From that perspective, Kate Liu is truly the world's best pianist.

[@markdenemark7298]

Следуя Вашим справедливым понятиям, она, несомненно, «одна из пианистических Личностей мира», было бы ещё вернее сказать... , ибо лучших в мире пианистов вообще не бывает... (кроме Горовица, конечно😋)

[@loveispatient0808]

I can agree she’s a good pianist but the best in the world? That I doubt.

[@s.c.1494]

Lovely without losing profundity, bravo Ms. Liu! Was a little surprised when I saw her name in the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Thought she had already made a name for herself but realized perhaps this is a triumph comeback after recovering from her hand injury which took her off the world stage for a couple of years. No matter what happened, best wishes for her well-being and career in the coming years.

[@ismile3201]

Dearest Kate, please know that many of us do (and will always) love and support you no matter what! If I may say so myself, I personally loved the “non-traditional” Beethoven and Franck repertoire 🎶 and of course your unique & profound interpretation! Thanks for sharing your artistry and musicality, as always! Looking forward to more! 🥂🎶🎹❤️

[@marshallartz395]

Sixteenth Van Cliburn Competition Quarterfinal Recital 5 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110 *(1821)* 01:05 I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo 09:15 II. Allegro molto 09:58 _[Trio]_ 10:23 _[l’istesso tempo]_ 11:35 III. Adagio, ma non troppo 13:54 *Arioso dolente* 16:19 *Fuga I* 19:08 *Arioso* 22:07 *Fuga II: L’istesso tempo* *della Fuga* *24:08** Applause* César Franck (1822-1890) Prélude, Choral et Fugue *(1884)* 25:35 Prélude 31:11 Choral 39:24 Fugue 47:16 *Applause* Kate Liu, piano✨ *Van Cliburn Concert Hall at Texas* *Christian University* *Fort Worth, Texas, USA 🇺🇸 June 6, 2022*

[@Charlie-vf8hw]

Thanks king

[@robbc.8183]

Kate is truly outstanding. Her approach to music definitely changed the way I both perceive and listen to it, and the seamlessness by which her authenticity permeates her performance just solidifies her unique artistry into something that is inscrutably beautiful and unfathomable, yet by her own delicate music-making, is still grounded inside the core of what makes us human. Her playing transcends any sort of competition/mistakes/sensationalism and I am glad I have discovered her last 2015. I wonder how we can further support her (be it through online/soc med whatsoever)? [I wish to attend one of her concerts someday, but I am still a student… at the Philippines nonetheless…]

[@aschellerando]

Let’s get TwoSetViolin to collaborate with Kate! She’s Ling Ling after all 🥳

[@marshallartz395]

@@aschellerando: I’d love for Kate to play with violinist Chloe Chua (a fellow Singaporean). They are both highly expressive musicians. Chloe, like Kate, has a warm, friendly personality and is also pals with TwoSet. 😎🎹

[@professionalamateur417]

It was really unfortunate she couldn’t pass, but she will always be the winner in my heart. And I don’t care if you guys think she went over the time limit too much, it was clearly some strange mistake and probably wasn’t even her fault. She deserved a chance. I’m sure she’ll have a great future ahead. Good luck, Kate! We love you! ❤️

[@gabormezofi6667]

More than fantastic ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jkennis9]

At 28 Kate should put competitions behind her. She has thousands of adoring fans and would be most successful in sharing her talents by scheduling recitals wherever. Who among you wouldn’t be thrilled to have the opportunity to see and hear her in NY, LA, SF or elsewhere!

[@loveispatient0808]

Wise saying, totally agree, Kate just focus on giving concerts /recitals!

[@conanemily]

Do you know what’s her next scheduled dates like? I can’t find it anywhere except for the Chopin institute will have her this summer again

[@marshallartz395]

At age 28, Kate has almost aged out of the competition circuit. I heard her live in San Jose, CA back in January 2019. The hall was sold out and the audience loved her. I hope she’ll come back soon. 😎🎹

[@trblcleft]

A 28, Kate should do whatever she wants to do

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

That is one comment, that I fully agree on: She really has nothing to gain going to these competitions anymore at all.

[@챱살떡챱쌀떡]

Best in my heart! noble soul

[@lauriek3000]

I’m a big fan of Kate. 🙂 you don’t need the competition to prove anything as you’ve already won secondary in Chopin competition. You are always the best 🙂

[@musicfan3609]

Kate will compete in the Geza Anda Competition end of May!!!

[@parkhs8669]

As a big fan of Kate I still dont understand the result. Kate is a great pianist in this era. Thank you for the beautiful and profound Beethoven sonata. 🙂😍🎁

[@0Ensis0]

I know it's not Kate's style, but if she wants to develop her career, she should be more active on social media. Probably if she hadn't got an injury right after the Chopin Competition, she would have been in a different place today. And I don't care about the result in this competition. Just wanted to hear her interpretation of Mozart. Now we need to wait for her performance of Chopin piano concerto in August.

[@aschellerando]

Where might I find more details on Kate’s performance in August? Thanks!

[@0Ensis0]

@@aschellerando She's going to perform at Chopin and his Europe Festival Aug 25th. Can't wait to hear her live for the 1st time in my life :)

[@aschellerando]

@@0Ensis0 thanks for the info, I certainly hope it’ll be streamed live! Am sure you’d absolutely be floored by her performance then. I was lucky to have attended her concert and recital when she stopped by Singapore earlier this year. Monumental!

[@marshallartz395]

@@aschellerando: Her performance will be live streamed on KZbin. She’ll be playing Chopin’s F Minor Concerto. I’m already looking forward to it. And because the Chopin Institute is involved, we can look forward to an excellent audio and video production, which hasn’t always been the case with the Van Cliburn. 😎🎹

[@piotrzuchowski6884]

Wait, she got an injury?

[@keybawd4023]

Her silent opening, the meditation, the hands hovering in the air, the touching the keyboard, the slow acceptance that the music must emerge was an opening even better than Beethoven's!!!

[@mackiceicukice]

What ???? Get a grip man.

[@IvanGueorguiev]

@@mackiceicukice I think he has a point. Beethoven was known to make mistakes or at least not always play passages super clean although musicality was very important to him nonetheless. This performance of Ms. Kate here is sheer perfection and divine. Have to keep in mind that these are top level pianists who spend all their time perfecting interpretation and technique. Beethoven was a composer who played multiple instruments. He may have been a naturally gifted pianist as well but there’s no way he could spend as much time practicing piano like some of these performers. I think it could be better than Beethoven’s

[@mackiceicukice]

@@IvanGueorguiev Really ? Better than Beethoven ? Because BeethovenMADE MISTAKES ? Music is NOT about (not) making mistakes. Go find a professional piano teacher.

[@IvanGueorguiev]

@@mackiceicukice so you must know how Beethoven sounded. I guess you heard him play before. If you’re not so narrow minded and dense then you’d realize he was also human like all of us. Also, obviously music is more than mistakes but in terms of competition that is considered too. And of course Beethoven had a very high level of musical understanding, but I don’t think he would be the pinnacle of music like some kind of god. I think there is a POSSIBILITY that one of these world class performers could outperform him. So for you again, that doesn’t mean I said for sure Kates performance is better, but it is possible. So go back to teaching your kids hot cross buns

[@mackiceicukice]

@@IvanGueorguiev I am just saying have a bit of a respect and don't compare young upcoming pianists to Beethoven cos you don't know either how Beethoven sounded. Kate is an ok pianist by all means and she also played Hot Cross Buns when she was a child no doubt. I don't upload the ones who play Chopin's sonatas or win competitions- they do it themselves.

[@vermeer9172]

I disagree with many of the comments here that say that she did not play her best. Rather may have been a fault of the repertoire selection. Either way, she played better than most of the candidates who did pass.

[@bpat74]

She was magnificent as always .... Unfortunately this is a competition and in competitions the artistry never wins.. the faster, the better.. ! Really, this is so sad.. There are hundreds and hundreds of amazing pianists nowadays but this girl is so special.. so unique.. i honestly cannot understand how it is possible that this pianist does not have a contract with a major agency company and a major recording label till now.. this is beyond me..

[@yapsun3017]

What a big pity! I really want to hear more pieces she will play in next three rounds.

[@가을시선-h9y]

I like her voice

[@s.c.1494]

Ultimate respect for professional classical pianists! Unlike other classical solo instrumentalists who, among other things, still have the option of auditioning/joining an orchestra if the soloist path did not pan out, classical pianists can't really do that. The competition to make into the world of concertizing pianists (and survive) is so fierce that I admire those pianists and wannabes who stick to their guns and continue to bring their music and love to the world.

[@newcenturypianists3195]

Joining an orchestra is difficult; and for other instruments, carving a solo career is much harder/impossible. How many cello, violin, or clarinet soloists have you heard of? Few. By contrast, we can probably name around a hundred solo pianists with successful careers. The piano IS primarily a solo instrument, and has a bigger repertoire. Thus, there are far more opportunities to make solo careers. There is a bigger solo repertoire.

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

Yeah, you are both wrong: Many pianists has steady jobs as employees for a symphonic orchestra, yet virtually no solo career to mention on their own. Another thing is, many musicians do have a good living teaching too, on all sorts of instruments, by the way. Maybe that does not give them Lang Lang level fame, but who cares: They make a living on doing, what they love! Also, many of the instrumentalists in a symphonic orchestra can rise to have great solo careers. Try for instance to convince Joshua Bell (violin), that he can have no solo career! By the way, a funny thing is, you can not have even read the description to this video, before you wrote that nonsense, both of you: Kate Liu begun her career as a teenager, performing with a local symphonic orchestra, before she had ever performed as a solo artist!

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

One of my favorite pianists is Armands Abols. I don't know, how many have ridiculed that, because he is piano and music theory teacher and not a professional pianist on the tour as such. I do not really care, he is still a great pianist. Anyway, even Franz Liszt ended his career as a piano teacher, and one of his prodiges were by the way a very young Isaac Albeniz. Moving into the world of guitar, one of the greatest classical guitarist last century would have to be Segovia, but he probably had even more impact on the guitar world, by reforming the entire teaching methods completely: His teaching methods for classical guitar is still the gold standard around the world! There is not one way making a living as a musician. Really, need and imagination open many doors, when you have gifts and skills like this.

[@damienheemskerk]

Although this performance isn't flawless in terms of technique and tempo, her voicing is almost unequalled and she knows so well where every voice is going. Especially in the Franck it's not an easy task to play the piece so everything makes sense. Sometimes the tempi are a little extreme for my taste, but whenever Kate plays she is an incredible source of inspiration for all pianists and people alike

[@Fritz_Maisenbacher]

16:18 I do not know if this is right or wrong played, and this is also not interesting; But HOW the girl is playing this ............ the consciousness that this is HOLY LAND, the very summit of western music, and the humility toward it .... this is great.

[@katarinaciceric2522]

This is art ! Inspiring and beautiful performance !

[@TheCitybike]

Music everywhere. So I like very much ❤❤

[@eyalurim]

Brilliant performance brilliant pianist!

[@elmaalto8444]

So beautifully played! Well done!

[@AjLongsPiano]

The Beethoven was probably the best I’ve ever heard. Really amazing artist

[@TitiLatulipe]

Demie - finale | Kate Liu, Singapour, Chine, USA, 28 ans | Programme Kate Liu - Quarterfinal Round Recital 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition - KZbin BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, op. 110 La Sonate pour piano n° 31 en la♭ majeur, opus 110, de Ludwig van Beethoven a été composé en 1821 et publié en 1822. C’est la sonate pour piano moyen du groupe de trois (Opp. 109, 110 et 111), qu’il a écrite entre 1820 et 1822, et la trente et unième et avant-dernière de ses sonates pour piano. Bien que la sonate ait été commandée en 1820, Beethoven n’a commencé à travailler sur l’opus 110 que dans la seconde moitié de 1821, et les révisions finales ont été achevées au début de 1822. Le retard était dû à des facteurs tels que le travail de Beethoven sur la Missa solemnis et sa santé, qui se détériorait. L’édition originale a été publiée par Schlesinger à Paris et à Berlin en 1822 sans dédicace, et une édition anglaise a été publiée par Muzio Clementi en 1823. L’œuvre est en trois mouvements. Le premier mouvement moderato suit une forme sonate typique avec un thème d’ouverture expressif et cantabile. Le deuxième mouvement Allegro commence par un scherzo laconique mais humoristique, qui, selon Martin Cooper, est basé sur deux chansons folkloriques, suivies d’une section en trio. Le dernier mouvement comprend de multiples sections contrastées : un récitatif introductif lent, un arioso dolente, une fugue, un retour de l’arioso, et une seconde fugue qui se construit jusqu’à une conclusion passionnée et héroïque. William Kinderman trouve des parallèles entre la fugue du dernier mouvement et d’autres œuvres tardives de Beethoven, telles que la fughetta dans les Variations Diabelli et des sections de la Missa solemnis, et Adolf Bernhard Marx compare favorablement la fugue à celles de Bach et de Haendel. La sonate fait l’objet d’analyses musicales dont des études de Donald Tovey, Denis Matthews, Heinrich Schenker et Charles Rosen. Il a été enregistré par des pianistes tels qu’Artur Schnabel, Glenn Gould et Alfred Brendel. 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo | 01:06 2. Allegro molto | 09:16 3. Adagio ma non troppo | 11:36 - Allegro ma non troppo | 16:19 FRANCK| Prélude, choral et fugue, pour piano Le Prélude, choral et fugue FWV 21 est une œuvre pour piano de César Franck composée en 1884. Ce triptyque fut édité en 1884 dans la collection Litolff, chez Enoch frères et Cosatalla, et exécuté pour la première fois à la Société nationale de musique le 25 janvier 1885 par Marie Poitevin, sa dédicataire. Ce fut un triomphe. La partition tire son nom de ses trois mouvements, inspirés des œuvres de Jean-Sébastien Bach : un prélude, un choral et une fugue. Franck se consacre à des formes typiquement classiques, abandonnant ainsi le diptyque "prélude et fugue" que Bach avait porté à un haut degré de perfection. Le Prélude, choral et fugue est un parfait exemple de forme cyclique chez Franck. Le thème cyclique réapparaît dans les trois mouvements : sous forme de récitatif dans le prélude, puis dans le passage de transition qui précède l'énoncé du choral, enfin dans le sujet même de la fugue. Son exécution dure entre dix-sept et vingt minutes. 1. Prélude | 25:36 2. Choral | 31:12 3. Fugue | 37:33

[@mrsnegy6001]

If Wikipedia is correct, and if I am reading it correctly, this sonata was written when Beethoven was 51, in failing health, and of course, very very deaf. I read it all in this sonata created by a deeply sorrowful soul. There is no joy, maybe a touch of serenity, but definitely profound sadness. Kate conveys the feeling impeccably with her tender touch, and absolute musicality. The so-called jury may have seen all this, how could they not? but were looking for what they consider perfection.

[@raffigorski6850]

As a classical pianist, I agree that Kate is extremely artistic. But she was not playing her best this week, therefore she did not advance. I feel she has a great future though. She doesn’t need this competition.

[@mrsnegy6001]

@@raffigorski6850 I trust you are right. In fact, I based my opinion on that one piece. At that point, I did not know about the rest of her performance. Anyway, thanks.

[@Dodecatone]

My favorite of Beethoven's sonatas. Such an introspective and often misunderstood work. Bravo Kate.

[@lflagr]

It seems like a random program, I wish she had done Chopin in the 2nd half of this instead of the Franck, that would have really played to her strengths

[@낙산바다아이]

쇼팽콩크르에서 봤던분인데 반갑네요

[@katbullar]

I didn't get why she did not pass. Great performance.

[@alchimie78]

really?? I know exactly!

[@bpat74]

I am a huge fan of Kate Liu, but when i saw her program at theCliburn site about month ago and with the exception of Prok 8 and Prok 2nd piano concerto, i told myself.. "This is not a program to win this thing.." .. Don't get me wrong.. these are some monumental works (Brahms' 3rd sonata in the semis, op.110 in the quarter-finals) but not works to win a competition.. Whether we like it or not, competitions are horse races nowadays. Everybody (jurors, audience) is impressed with some flashy pieces with grand finales.. i know she wanted to make a more rounded program, not Chopin again, but she should make some changes.. Something like Gaspard de la nuit would be great for the quarter-finals (she played it since she was 14 years old), or Chopin again (ballades, scherzi, the 3rd sonata etc.. ).. she chose works with which she was familiar and played in recent recitals but i don't know if this was a wise choice.

[@marshallartz395]

bpat: I completely agree with you. With so many other more colorful works in her repertoire, which we’ve all marveled at on KZbin, I was also surprised that she chose these somber programs. Her Ravel, Bach, Handel, Liszt, Chopin (of course!), even Ligeti, are magnificent. What she played was better suited for an audition to study with someone like Rudolf Serkin, not for a worldwide competition audience. When she opened with the Schubert piece, I said to myself “Uh, oh!” I’m looking forward to her Chopin F Minor Concerto in August. 🎹💁🏻‍♀️🎹

[@polina5918]

She had a injury so probably it affected her choice of repertoire

[@bpat74]

@@polina5918 I don't think it has to do with her injury.. She prepared Prok 2nd concerto for the finals, so I think (and hope) this injury is behind her.. I believe she was more familiar with these pieces since she has played them in recent recitals.

[@gugendir]

I could understand why she might participate in when I saw the prizes but I hope she moves on from competition circles and find her way. She is still very young but she has been in competitions long enough, that takes a toll on someone and definitely harm the creativity. With her talent and Chopin competition third place prize, she can find an agent and maybe work on her social media presence more. She has many fans-audience apparently, just needs a medium/platform to gather them around maybe. Of course, I don’t know her conditions and thoughts so I wish her all the best whatever path she chooses to go.

[@허준서-n3z]

Her programme was quite unattractive in competition.. but I think that's not meaning her level is lower than participants who passed. Actually, she showed great aspects of music that can not be rated or measured.

[@손정연-b2j]

순위랑 관계없이 연주가 맑고 영혼을 정화시켜 주는거 같아 들으러 왔습니다. 케이트는 연주를 고요한 명상을 하듯 하네요.

[@페리-j3s]

I don't know classical music well, but I feel like she is playing beethoven like Chopin. But I liked it very much.

[@wuyipiano]

The volume is too low compared to other YT performance videos.

[@asalj4014]

I LOVE her playing but she had multiple memory lapses in Franck..she should have played her Chopin Sonata or Ballade and she would have passed, wish she played safer repertoire

[@angelinemapiano2543]

safe is not her style, she gives it her all. that is just part of her unique personality, she doesn't play to win competitions which may be unfortunate, but at the end of the day she is authentic to herself and that is what matters most.

[@bobbywilburn7465]

Such a brilliant artist. Her playing of the Chopin G minor Ballade , fantastic. Not a big fan of the repertoire she chose for this. Also was surprised to see she chose the Chopin 2 got Concerto. Yo win you gotta play the Rach 3 or T-1

[@Damon_Mah]

The Cliburn changed the Final Round format this time, now 2 concertos (1 from each of 2 lists) instead of 1 concerto and 1 solo recital like the last Cliburn. Kate chose both Chopin PC2 and Prokofiev PC2 if she had reached the Final Round

[@neversayneveragain3748]

The reason why she didn't even pass semifinal is... there are so many pianists who can play the piano like her without "it" factor. Yunchan Lim, the winner, is a clear example of great pianist with that "wow genius" factor.

[@jiyoungpark9736]

I usually like her playing, but beethoven had way too many rubatos to the point that they sounded like pauses. The notes were rarely played in time, she took time/stopped basically every other bars.

[@thierryjung5953]

So what ?? If you are not pleased with this, go back to Scarlatti.

[@johannsebastienbach]

Played so well but some small.mistakes 34.19

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

I almost get curious, how great the winners performed then, when this did not get Kate Liu unto next level. Maybe she did not pick a repertoire with enough difficulty and charisma, but she sure played extremely beautiful, as always. But, that is also the problem here: Competitions are geared to elect technical excellent perfectionists, who has not made their name yet, and Kate Liu is not a perfectionist, but an artist at the piano and she already has made her name as such. She really has nothing to gain anymore going to these competitions, but should maybe just focus on her own growth and career as an already established soloist instead.

[@bpat74]

She is a living miracle, so unique, a true Artist... I also hope she will not participate in any other competition and focus on her career as a concert pianist..

[@StephenGottPianist]

Love her op 110. So moving.

[@choieric4187]

케이트리우? 15년도 쇼팽콩쿨3위아닌가? 와... 그때 에튀드5번이 아직도 귀에 생생한데 피아니스트는 3대콩쿨 3위로도 수상경력이 부족하구나 다른사람 볼것도없이 나역시 1위를 가장많이 기억한다는 사실이 참 잔인하다....

[@user_dkanr_jskgka]

1위는 아니라곤 해도 쇼팽 콩쿠르 3위할 정도면 콩쿠르 경력이 꼭 필수는 아닐 거예요(3위 안에 들었어도 그 이후에도 다른 콩쿠르 나간 케이스들이 케이트 말고도 꽤 있지만요 우리나라 임동혁만 해도 그랬고 트리포노프처럼 3위하고 또 차이콥스키 나가서 우승한 케이스도 있고...) 콩쿠르에서 몇 등을 하든 좋은 매니지먼트에 음반사랑 계약만 하면 더 나갈 필요가 없는데 케이트는 여러 가지 이유로 나왔을 것으로 생각됩니다 이전에 부상 이슈도 있었던 거 같고....

[@stevennorsworthy2191]

Kate, the rubato is a bit excessive and the slow tempo combined with the excess rubato causes the piece to loose momentum and line continuity.

[@Radiatoron88]

I totally disagree, but cheers just the same!

[@stevennorsworthy2191]

@@Radiatoron88 Just listen to the great old masters: Schnabel, Serkin, Brendel. That tells the story. Clear lines, no excess rubato, no loss of momentum. Youngsters today think they can outsmart the grand old geniuses of the past.

[@Radiatoron88]

@@stevennorsworthy2191 I guess that I often don't mind and in fact prefer a "smelling the flowers along the way" approach in music, and in life. And I also almost always prefer slower and more contemplative tempos--in music and in life! Though I must admit that I love a lot of what I've heard Brendel do, particularly in Schubert and Beethoven. But for me, clarity is not what's most important in music. For Schiff I think clarity is what he most values. He's always talking about how use of the pedal can make a pianist sound like they're talking with a mouth full of food. But for me beauty of sound is what is most important and what moves me the most in music. The way Kate Liu plays the opening of the Franck and much of the piece as a whole really appeals to me. She plays it very soulfully, and that's what I love. I can't speak for anyone besides myself though. I realize that many people prefer a "no-nonsense" approach to music interpretation. I believe that the elder Serkin typifies that approach. My dad and I heard him a few times at what was then called Orchestra Hall in Chicago, but that was so many years ago, and I was just being introduced to "the canon" at the time. But I think that Rudolf Serkin was a fan of Horowitz's playing, and for me Horowitz is often staggeringly great. I got to hear him just once, and that was at Orchestra Hall in the early 1980s, I think. It was a bad day for him and he had numerous memory lapses and missed notes. But it was still the most incredible piano sound I've ever heard, bar none! His dynamic range and "coloristic" sound were truly magical. Listening to parts of Schumann's "Carnival," it was sort of like a kind of fireworks for the ears. I can only imagine the impact that Horowitz must have had on audiences in his prime. Even in his declining years in that recital, his sound was utterly unique and utterly unlike any other pianist that I've heard in my soon to be 63 years of life. Well, I'm no intellectual at all, and music's appeal for me has nothing to do, I freely admit, with intellectual concerns, "architecture" and "structure." Of course music has to have some structure, but when I listen to a pianist, I want to hear what moves them in a piece of music, not a "selfless" "urtext" performance that they say is just to represent just what the composer would want. Thank goodness we don't have tape recordings of Beethoven, Chopin, etc., playing their own music! If we do, I suppose "correctness" would demand that all performers would be morally obliged to imitate as closely as possible exactly how they played their own music. Though, having said that, it seems that many pianists do not try to imitate Rachmaninoff's way of playing his own music, for better or worse. Often for better, in my feelings. Anyway, listening to Kate Liu's performance of the Franck, I am moved by the beauty of the music and her way of expressing it. I don't hold the score in front of me, though I'm pretty familiar with the piece. Then again, as an amateur musician, my involvement with music is for the pleasure it brings me, not for analyzing it in any formal way. In any case, for me, I'm glad that there's probably no escaping performers' performances reflecting something of themselves. It would be pretty dull if all we got were truly "urtext" performances that were literally nothing more than dictation. Sorry for this long speech! One final note: I really believe in the value of "dropping the needle" when it comes to listening to pianists. I can't tell you how many times I'd turned on the radio when driving and caught some piece of music in the middle, found it very beautiful and wondered who the pianist was, only to find out that it was Alfred Brendel. I should explain that his visual image/persona weren't appealing to me--a stern and rather stiff professorial sort of demeanor. But not knowing it was A.B., I was free to just hear the music without any prejudgment. I had to admit--and do admit--that he is quite a wonderful musician. I also once heard Schnabel on the radio in the second movement of Beethoven's op. 111, and it was extraordinarily beautiful. But beyond that I'm actually not so familiar with his playing, though I've often read of how great he was.

[@stevennorsworthy2191]

@@Radiatoron88 Individualistic playing that is a strong departure from the no-nonsense (as you put it) approach is very risky in a competition. One really looses line and momentum with Kate's playing. I have heard other recitals of hers. Some things work out great, others are too off base of tradition. The judges probably did not knock her out over technique, but interpretation.

[@Radiatoron88]

@@stevennorsworthy2191 I've often read what you wrote about individualistic playing in competitions being a bad thing in terms of pianists being able to advance. We all know the famous stories of some pianists who didn't win but were nonetheless considered to be such wonderful musicians that they went on to celebrated careers. I can't recall if Cyprien Katsaris ever got involved in the competition circuit, but he is wonderful and often fascinating pianist, often highlighting inner voices that delight me but perhaps cause competition judges to frown. It has been said that Horowitz could never have won a competition due to his highly personalized interpretations. It's hard to believe that's true since there are so many pieces for which my favorite recording is Horowitz's. Getting back to Kate Liu, I just listened to her in the 4th movement of Chopin's B minor Sonata, and it is, "in my book," an absolutely wonderful performance! Stunning, in fact. I'll link it for you here if you are curious to hear it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWkpHiMfpZ_fLs That is such a hard movement! I spent a couple years trying to get on top of it, but my hands weren't exactly obliging. Right thumb focal dystonia didn't/doesn't help matters either. Anyway, I am crazy about that movement and have listened to countless recordings of it. I love Kate Liu's passionate approach to it. It's not a "note perfect" performance, but it's full of guts, and I love it! In some ways, maybe many ways, I'm glad that I'm just an amateur musician. I'm not obliged to think of thinks like "architecture" and "design" in music. Theoretical matters and discussion in music tend to make me glaze over and/or nod off "irregardless." Which leaves me to my no doubt unsatisfactory response to your note. I can only really say that I find Kate Liu's luscious tone and "voice" in the Franck to be deeply compelling. It is deeply felt playing that moves me deeply. Having said that, I've only heard her in a few things. But if they are at all like the Franck and the Chopin, I'm definitely going to be her "fanboy." How I envy all of these competition pianists--or any pianists, for that matter. To be able to play so well must be an indescribable joy!

[@YamadaKaonashi]

This competition missed out her. Not she missed this chance. Competition miss out the chance to finding her. Still I can’t understand why they didn’t allow pass

[@bowserpianist]

Just my two cents' worth: I don't think Kate was penalized for being over the time limit, as a lot of people here are suggesting. The jury members are all professional musicians, so they don't think like accountants, where every minute has to be accounted for. I don't think they minded that she went over 40 minutes. However, she played some of the Beethoven and Franck way too slow, as in painfully and deliberately slow, as if she was trying to show that she had something profound to say. The music ceased to flow naturally in those instances, which is the opposite of what music should be doing all the time - to flow, to evolve, to move in some kind of forward direction. Another danger of playing too slowly on the piano is that the percussive characteristics of the instrument start to show up, and then it starts to sound vertical and heavy, which is what I thought happened in Kate's programme.

[@ronfland]

It's almost like she's trying to "prove" she's not Yuja Wang - and of course, there's no comparison.

[@miamargareta9997]

@@ronfland So glad she s not Yuja...She s herself with one hundred prosents, hope she ll do the long term work developing her unique artistry, her open ,singing and completely free tone s truly something she ll be never mixed with anyone else. Music s such a cruel sports ,,only sky s the limit . Hope she continues her path growing together with her interpretations , I m sure there are thousands of fans who can see and hear her values and are ready to go for them ❤️❤️❤️

[@bpat74]

@@ronfland Kate is an Artist with capital A, not an athlete..

[@ronfland]

@@bpat74 that's what everyone says about a pianist who can't play the big fingerbusters - oh, they're an Artist, oh they're Contempletive! One can have bravura, and still be an artist with a capital A.

[@bpat74]

@@ronfland well, I don't doubt that a great artist can also play bravura pieces (horowitz for example).. But Kate doesn't want and doesn't need to play those pieces.. Why should she play something like the Carmen Variations..but dispite that, she has great technique.. You can check here on youTube her renditions on the 3rd movement of Chopin 1st piano concerto, the coda from the second movement of Schumann's fantasy op. 17, the coda of Chopin's 4th ballade etc.

[@YamadaKaonashi]

케이트리우 같은 천재 피아니스트를 놓치다니 … 난 이 대회가 참 싫다.. 그냥 음표를 최고속도로 문제없이 치는게 다가 아니거늘, Kate Liu is one of prize winner in our heart.

[@kateliufan]

너무 충격적임 ㅠㅠ..

[@YamadaKaonashi]

@@kateliufan 오죽 화가나면 토니랑 애릭루가 인스타 덧글 달겠습니까 ㅋㅋㅋ

[@손정연-b2j]

음표 속도 문제 였나요? 제 직관적으론 영혼을 울리는 맑은 연주라 좋아 듣게 되네요.

[@YamadaKaonashi]

@@손정연-b2j 글쎄요… 심사위원이 아니라고 생각했겠지만 전 도저히 납득할수없네요..

[@sss-fe7gx]

@@YamadaKaonashi 어디서 볼 수 있나요?! 뭐라고 달았는지 궁금해요!

[@anastasiaelfimova1004]

Музыка так и льёт браво уровень Гилельса Рихтера но увы жури не дают победу так и Кабаяше истина всегда прикрыта сомнением и страданием мир тебя любит без конкурсов ты истинная музыка в тебе живая

[@bpat74]

This is joke.. not a competition.. i don't care about the result i don't want to watch it anymore.. as always.. showmanship over musicianship.. Kate is a living miracle, out of this world.. she will always be the winner in our heart..!

[@rafaelgabrilli5846]

It was a risky interpretation of Beethoven - and I loved it! Unfortunately, in competitions, only mainstream wins...

[@thierryjung5953]

Exactly.

[@fars1d3s]

Kate Liu's strength is Chopin, not Beethoven. At this level, the repertoire largely determines who advances, and who doesn't. If she had played Chopin Ballade 4 or Polonaise-Fantaisie instead of this Beethoven Sonata, she would have advanced. Even in the Chopin Sonata 2 or Grande Polonaise Op. 22 she would have been outstanding. This Beethoven is good but not outstanding.

[@bpat74]

Kate wanted to make a more rounded program, not Chopin again.. Her Beethoven was magnificent imho, the Arioso Dolente was just spellbinding.. Kate captures the souls of the listeners like no other pianist.

[@marvintorrejas767]

When you heard the Beethoven Sonata Others: Beautiful Me: Nodameeeeee 🥺

[@Fritz_Maisenbacher]

18:20 this is too dry Kate, please ........

[@neweast5991]

Probably Beethoven also could not pass to the next round. ☹️😪😭 Kate is such a genius interpreter ☀️🥇🎆 For me: 1.Kate Liu 2.Masaya Kamei 3.Yunchan Lim

[@yssimon9058]

Her deep sincerety was very impressive but to transform the energy into attractive music is another issue. And a little too many wrong notes. Anyway I hope Kate become a great pianist and expect to listen to her other great performances.

[@carlhopkinson]

Wow, Beethoven was going crazy off the deep end there.

[@matttam646]

If you think Beethoven in this sonata was going off the deep end, you should listen to No. 32, op. 111!

[@tongbunsing]

Sometimes I like your Frank and somtimes i don't like Frank

[@javiertrabajo9438]

the fact that a superlative artist like Kate Liu has been eliminated from this competition makes me totally disbelieve in them, already in the last Chopin competition the results were highly questionable, clearly there is a predilection of the juries for pianists who only show great mastery of the instrument but there is a clear lack of interest in finding a great interpreter, and I say interpreter in the broad and complete sense of the word, it is not just about playing all the notes without errors and at maximum speed, which is the only thing that seems to have value. the last winner I saw come out of the recent competitions and who is a complete artist is Kantorov after Tchaikovsky, the rest are really forgettable.

[@Karlinberlin1]

Kate was the worst transgression but there were others such as Smit who are great interpreters but were eliminated. All you have to do is look at the probable final round with 6 Rach 3's to understand the judging - fast/loud boys to the fore. My 1st and last time following this 2nd class competition.

[@tonytony8747]

The musical world is pretty happy with the emergence of Bruce Liu. So I disagree with you.

[@trifonovfan9819]

As a concert pianist, I disagree with you. Bruce Liu, the winner of the Chopin Competition, is outstanding. He is the most talented winner to come out of a major piano competition in a long time. I agree Kantorov being excellent too. But Liu is more musical and plays with far more dynamic range and clarity.

[@bobbarns4516]

I’m enjoying this competition a lot. At least it’s not totally biased as the Tchaikovsky competition. There’re several competitors worthy of the top prizes. I think Kate would be rooting for them.

[@patrickbellini8286]

Stop analyzing! You sound like my 70 year old music 101 teacher. Just enjoy whoever you like, and let us enjoying who we like. Historically, every older generation have criticize the younger generation. My granddad think all the pianists after Horowitz and Rubinstein are clueless. And we think everyone before Kissin are boring.

[@Cyclically]

,

[@andrewwilson5882]

She plays great but Im not a fan of when someone has their mouth open the entire time they are playing…

[@tonytony8747]

That’s ridiculous..,

[@andrewwilson5882]

@@tonytony8747 sorry you feel that way.

[@professionalamateur417]

@@andrewwilson5882 Well, if it bothers you, just don’t look at her, it’s simple. That’s just the way she is, it’s her habit, but that does not make her any less impressive of a musician.

[@trifonovfan9819]

I’m sick of jealous people attacking an immensely gifted artist with petty insults. Some of the greatest musicians in history grimaced or make faces while they perform. She’s insightful. I believe she’ll have a long and successful career.

[@andrewwilson5882]

@@trifonovfan9819 I never attacked her I said she played great. And faces are okay, I just don’t enjoy seeing the open mouth all the time. But I don’t need to watch her, there are plenty of others who don’t leave their mouths open.

[@syb7239]

She is good at chopin 's music but not contemporary music that is why could not pass this competition also too boring to listen

[@professionalamateur417]

Well, she didn’t play any contemporary works at this competition except for the commissioned Hough (which I thought was played impressively anyway)? I don’t really know what you’re talking about.

[@syb7239]

So bored to hear her performance since 3rd win chopin competition also she needs more energenic contemporary music