With Lang Lang.
Ha! Ok, not so 夸张 but I was totally enthralled by his playing.
I had the good fortune of getting seats in the 1st row, and not just that, I was sitting directly in front of him! Initially I was afraid that I would be blocked by the piano, but I was seated just nice, at the "cut-off" point. I could watch his expressions and his fingers, and even hear him breathe at times (my friend and I were holding our breaths for the most part though). This was how close I was (photo taken secretly from my seat during the curtain call after the 2nd encore).
He played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15.
When you watched him play, you are happy, because he is so happy playing the piano, enjoying every moment of it, even singing along to the beats and melody. You know he is also playing the music in his mind.
How does he play his piano? I had the impression he was almost like caressing/serenading the keys, his fingers light and nimble, yet delivering each note clearly and precisely. At points, during the softer moments, he was almost like whispering sweet nothing to the piano. I've not seen someone play with so much love of the piano.
Although most say he's very "showy", but it was an "honesty" show of his passion for playing the piano, less of pride, and when playing the piece, he was like having a conversation with the orchestra. How inspiring. Watching this display, and with his boyish charm, I couldn't help remembering what I read in his biography how he was influenced and inspired by Tom & Jerry, about how he imagined Tom & Jerry running across the keys, and he's like chasing the keys as his fingers fly over them.
I couldn't help but notice his hands too, since I was at close quarters with him. Different from the usual long "bony"/sculptured fingers and hands I've seen, his hands were in fact pretty fleshy. But it also conveyed "flexibility". Maybe that contributed to his nimbleness.
The perfect performance was however, a little tainted by a less than perfect instrument. During an early part of the first movement, one of the Steinway's string snapped when Lang Lang played that particular punctuating note during the piece (how could they let that happen?). Lang Lang even stood up over the piano during one of his "breaks" in the piece to check it out. Nevertheless, the show must go on and he carried on, never missing a beat.
I'm a fan now...need to finish reading his biography (am only halfway through). I'm also inspired to try to play the piano again. :)
"I'm also inspired to try to play the piano again. :)"
ReplyDeleteCool! I would like to see you play the piano. Never seen you play before. Why don't you write a song on a piano and sing it whilst playing the piano? =)
Haha...I said the same thing when I watched Hilary Hahn play the violin a few years back. So far, I've only re-strung my violin. :P
ReplyDeleteI've not really played a proper piece for more than 10 years leh. I can only safely play maybe Fur Elise (although I'm quite rusty with the 2nd section).
Hmm...composing is different lah, I usually get the melody but finding the chords a bit tough. But I'll try...when I have the time.
"But I'll try...when I have the time."
ReplyDeleteYou always say "when I have the time"...but it seems like you never have the time, ha!
(Same goes for your ten-minute play writing, you said the same thing, but it never got done.)
Ditto (not to Jeremy's comment but your blog entry!)!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired too :) THANKS for asking me to take that ticket!
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