[On Stage] A More Serious Bruce Liu: "The Piano Is Part of My Existence... The Essence of My Life"

Second Solo Recital at Seoul Arts Center on May 11
Performing Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, and Prokofiev
"Piano Remains a Joy... Now Aware of Responsibility and Privilege"

"The piano is now a part of my existence. It has become not just a hobby, but the essence of my life and my mission."

Bruce Liu, a Paris-born Chinese-Canadian pianist, said in a written interview with Asia Economy that his approach to the piano has become more serious. Four years ago, he won the Chopin Competition, the world's most prestigious international piano competition held every five years. Due to a one-year delay caused by COVID-19, he became the first winner in six years since Cho Seongjin in 2015. Right after his victory, ahead of his first performance in Korea, he told the Korean media that playing the piano was not a job but a hobby.

Liu explained that the reason he mentioned "hobby" in that interview was to emphasize that piano playing should remain a source of joy and a means of free self-expression. Now, he says his perspective has changed significantly, mentioning responsibility and privilege.

"I still cherish the joy and freedom of playing the piano. At the same time, I have come to realize the responsibility and privilege I have in sharing music. Music has opened a path for me to communicate with people and to grow continuously, both as a performer and as an individual. The piano has become more meaningful than ever, and my relationship with it has deepened."

Bruce Liu
Photo by Mastmedia, (c)Christoph Koestlin

Unlike most previous Chopin Competition winners who chose Steinway or Yamaha, Liu won the competition with a Fazioli.

"The Fazioli piano is like a first love to me. When I played the Fazioli at the Chopin Competition, I found it incredibly attractive because it could produce a very rich and clear dynamic sound. Especially at the Chopin Competition, the Fazioli's light touch and broad expressive tone reminded me of the Pleyel piano (the brand Chopin loved) from Chopin's era, which made it even better. It allowed me to express everything naturally, from the most delicate pianissimo to the most powerful forte. The warm and profound sound inside was also very appealing."

Liu is about to hold his second solo recital in Korea. On May 11, at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall, he will perform Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons," Scriabin's "Piano Sonata No. 4," and Prokofiev's "Piano Sonata No. 7," among others. All of these works are by Russian composers.

Liu said he is very much looking forward to exploring the unique individuality of each Russian composer.

"Tchaikovsky's music is mostly very lyrical and emotional, sometimes deeply conveying weakness and longing. In contrast, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev display intense contrasts and bold expressions with a more modern sensibility. These composers are fascinating in that each captures the essence of humanity in their own way. Whether it's vast melodies, intense emotions, or complex rhythms, their music embodies the Russian spirit in various ways."

Liu added, "Russian music is known for its deep emotion and dramatic intensity. It is combined with rich melodies, complex harmonies, and rhythms. The works often reveal a grand scale and a strong sense of national identity. This reflects Russia's vast cultural and historical background."

Bruce Liu
Photo by Mastmedia, (c)Christoph Koestlin

Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons" is a collection of twelve piano pieces, each representing a month of the year. Liu said that performing "The Seasons" always brings him excitement.

Usually, the pieces are played consecutively from January to December, but in this recital, Liu will uniquely divide them into January to June and July to December. He will perform the first half (January to June) as the opening piece, then play "Dance of the Little Swans" from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and Scriabin's Piano Sonata No. 4, and finally, in the second half, begin with July to December from "The Seasons."

"The reason for dividing the performance into two parts is that I believe it can help the audience better feel the emotional journey of this piece."

The most famous piece from "The Seasons" is June's "Barcarolle." However, Liu said his favorite is November's "Troika."

"November has always been one of my favorite encore pieces. The beauty and sadness that come from a melancholic feeling are portrayed softly and delicately. I truly love the sparkle and poetic lyricism this piece offers."

Liu's recital comes about two years after his first solo recital in March 2023. He recalled the passionate Korean audience and expressed his anticipation for the second recital.

"I feel that Korean audiences do not simply applaud out of courtesy, but express genuine respect. They make me feel as if we are breathing together throughout the performance and give a deep sense of connection by sharing the space together. I can sense that they are truly enthusiastic. I believe Korea has a tradition of seriously loving music, truly understanding the artistry in the performance, and respecting classical music."