Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor | George Li, piano + NEC Philharmonia

Since winning the Silver Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, pianist George Li '18 MM Harvard/NEC, '21 AD has rapidly established a major international reputation and performs regularly with some of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. He has been praised by the Washington Post for combining “staggering technical prowess, a sense of command and depth of expression.”
This performance took place during the NEC Philharmonia concert on September 29, 2021. To read more about George Li and this performance and concert, visit: necmusic.edu/events/nec-philh...
More about Brahms Piano Concert No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15:
In 1853, the twenty year-old Johannes Brahms’ growing reputation earned him introductions to Joseph Joachim and Franz Liszt. Joachim in turn suggested Brahms meet Robert Schumann, so in September 1853, Brahms visited Robert and Clara Schumann at their home in Düsseldorf. Schumann was tremendously impressed with Brahms, hailing him as “the new hope for the future of music.” Brahms began work on his Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor shortly after the meeting, but in the intervening months tragedy had struck. Schumann, who struggled with mental and physical illness throughout his life, attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge into the Rhine. Concerned for his own family, Schumann voluntarily confined himself to a mental asylum. The passionate, fist-shaking opening of the concerto can be heard as a musical response to that tragic event. Brahms originally conceived it as a sonata for two pianos, then reworked it as a symphony. Ultimately, the piece became a concerto for piano and orchestra, finished in 1859. The first performances, in Hanover and Leipzig, were not well received, but the concerto soon earned a well-deserved place in the standard repertoire. The rich symphonic character of the work distinguishes it from many virtuoso concerti of its time. The orchestra does not simply accompany the soloist but serves a vital role in shaping the work’s structure. A giant first movement full of both sturm und drang and lyric pathos is answered by a deeply contemplative Adagio. A passionate Hungarian dance Rondo finally brings the work into the sunlight. - David Yi and Hugh Wolff
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[@johnlowe2010]

I've still got the chills from Mr. Li's performance. He magnificently brought out the overwhelming one-two combo of the young Brahms: power laced with sweet wistfulness.

[@natashadimitrovagyaurova4855]

Bravo George Li!! 🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@sotirisandreou3228]

Bravo at maestro,Jeorge Li, and all members of Orchestra!!💐👏👏. This Concert is my loving!! Sotiris Andreou.(Guitarist).

[@allandelacruz2589]

Bravissimo!

[@PianoPsych]

Such extraordinarily sensitive playing from George Li! His phrasing is so lush and beautifully drawn. I love the expansive tempo in the first and second movements. The piece unfolds so naturally. The jaunty third movement is played so compellingly and with so much panache. Li totally draws me into this performance and completely delivers. Very capable and sensitive support from the NEC Philharmonia and Maestro Wolff. Bravo!

[@corneliugrigorescu8181]

Mare sensibilitate ,bravo!!!

[@rogerturner1542]

Indeed, and such a wonderfully powerful and majestic performance. I'm thinking that George might be about Brahms' age when he wrote it and obviously has deep insight into how you play this concerto. And so lovely that we are equally blessed by performances by his younger brother Andrew. We'll done both of you and please keep it up. Could you come to UK one day? There would be a warm and loving welcome here for you.

[@natashadimitrovagyaurova4855]

Bravo!!! ❤❤❤

[@akrishnaa]

Bravo, George - marvelous

[@corneliugrigorescu8181]

Bravo, interpretare superba !

[@syb7239]

👏👏👏bravo lee~~

[@bergeronscores605]

37:27 final movement