Yundi Li, the First Prize Winner of the 14th Chopin International Piano Competition
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Articles

THE PRICE OF FAME is often paid with personal freedom. It's something the precocious 19-year-old pianist Li Yundi is learning to cope with since he became the first Chinese to win the gold medal at the prestigious Chopin Competition in Warsaw last year.

Ten minutes before our interview, a record executive calls to postpone our appointment for an hour. Apparently, Li, who was eating breakfast, was suddenly whisked away by his father, Li Chuan, to meet ''someone important''.

The spontaneity of the virtuoso's arrangements set the tone of his recent five-day whirlwind visit to Hong Kong. In back-to-back engagements, Li played for patrons at a $200,000-a-table charity ball at the Grand Hyatt hotel, as well as for children and their parents at Festival Walk and Pacific Place, and then appeared at a private concert sponsored by a telecommunications-network firm. When Li isn't performing he is signing autographs, recording television shows and holding press interviews. It seems everyone wants a piece of the young man who grew up in Sichuan province, the only child of a steel-mill worker and a laboratory technician.

When Li finally materialises in the Music Room of The Peninsula hotel, he comes across as someone who is trying to live inside a goldfish bowl, while attempting to prevent the attention from going to his head.

''I really don't have to do this all the time,'' Li says. ''It's just because I am releasing my first CD that I am taking part in all these activities. I don't expect to have to tour more than twice a year for now. Other than that, life is still pretty normal.''

Reed-thin, his delicate features framed by wavy, jet-black hair, he has the making of a music idol except for a touch of lingering teen-age awkwardness. Li talks eagerly and quickly. He sometimes shifts back and forth on the couch and when he smiles, he reveals braces on his teeth. ''It really hurt in the beginning, I couldn't eat,'' he says. ''In China, you don't really do anything to your teeth unless the problem is very severe, but in the West I discovered that braces are very common-everyone has them.''

The moment Li grabbed first prize at the Chopin Competition, his horizon changed forever. To understand what all the fuss is about, one only needs to know that in the past 15 years, no first prize had been awarded at the prestigious competition, which has been held in Warsaw every five years since 1927 in honour of Frederick Chopin, the Polish composer.

It's a gruelling process for contestants, but winning the competition means a ticket to international concert arenas and recording contracts. Past medalists such as Maurizio Pollini, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Krystian Zimerman have all become extraordinary artists. When Li won over the 23-member jury, among them past-winner Martha Argerich, with his passionate rendition of Concerto No 1, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

In the auditorium was Jan Jacob Bistritzky, 80, a respected figure in the classical-music circle who was instrumental in reviving the Chopin Competition after World War II. ''There was not a better performer that night,'' says Bistritzky, a member of the Chopin Institute and director of the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv. ''He was liked by the public and the jury.''

A personal friend of the late piano virtuoso Rubinstein, Argerich and Ashkenazy, Bistritzky has also helped in the discovery of young performers such as Li.

''There are many musicians who are technically flawless, but in the Chopin Competition the jury is looking for an artist. A great interpreter not only gives music a voice, but beauty,'' he says. ''Artist pianists are very rare.''

Bistritzky met Li in Warsaw last year. ''He is a very nice and talented young man, which is why he is now studying with the best,'' he says. ''He has all the elements to be an artist.''

As China undergoes rapid social and economic development, Li embodies the image of the ''new Chinese'', a people with a strong national identity and worldwide recognition. ''China is changing, it's developing very quickly, people are interested in classical music,'' Li says. ''But I think you need to be politically stable before culture can have a place.''

His experience is far different from that of his musical predecessor, Fu Ts'ong, who was the first Chinese to win third prize at the Chopin Competition in 1957. Fu moved to the West because he found the environment in China was hostile to music and culture. Li faces no such pressure at home. ''I don't plan to move permanently abroad, I want to remain in China,'' he says. ''I can't speak for others because their circumstances are different. For me, it doesn't matter if I have a United States or European passport because people look at me and will see that I am Chinese.'' The pressure, if any, is about making his country proud.


National hero: For Li Yundi, performing offers the chance to mark China's place in the world of classical music. Photo: Antony Dickson




''When I am performing, I am Li Yundi, but I am also performing as a Chinese,'' he says. ''Musically, I want to achieve a place for China.''

Li is well on his way to doing just that. His first CD, Yundi Li: Chopin, released by Deutsche Grammophon, sold more than 10,000 copies in Hong Kong alone on its first day of release last week. His television advertisement for the mobile-phone network 1010 has housewives and Canto-pop-fed teenagers alike humming Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu.

Li blushes when he is asked about his decision to go on television. ''I don't really enjoy doing advertising, but it was all right because I was being myself; I was just playing the piano,'' he says. The temptation of stardom, with its materialistic rewards, is great. But Li wants to maintain a solid foundation.

''Yes, you go around the world and see new things, nice things,'' he says. ''But ultimately, it's your attitude. I don't come from a wealthy family, and my parents are very strict, and you can't let [material goods] get to you.'' Money is not a concern. Li commands six-figure fees for official concert appearances.

The virtuoso is wearing a luxuriously tailored, two-button black suit and a snazzy cotton poplin shirt, which was given to him during his promotional stop in Japan, before Hong Kong. ''I have no idea where this comes from. When I was in Japan, people just came to my room and took my measurements and then presented me with the suit,'' he says. I remark on its fine cut and how it flatters his 1.78-metre frame. ''Really?'' Li replies, his eyes lighting up.

He is, admittedly, a ''showman''. Thanks to that, shoppers at Pacific Place and Festival Walk were treated to a free show when Li performed a few pieces at the malls last weekend. Li doesn't think it's bad taste. ''This is my style and I want to follow my heart. What I enjoy most is to play for people-they come to see me and I want to give back to them. I hope to break the mould of classical music; I am young and I don't want to emulate other mature performers.''

This philosophy is perhaps shaped by Li's non-musical family background. Li's first encounter with music came via an accordion when he was four. He switched to piano when he was seven, but it wasn't until he met his mentor, Dan Zhaoyi, in 1991 that he took the instrument seriously. Dan was an uncompromising teacher, strict and stern, never afraid to raise his voice at the once-timid teenager.

''I believe that strict teachers ultimately want the best for their students. I believe my teacher disciplined me out of love,'' he says.

When Dan was transferred to the Shenzhen Art School, Li and his family moved with him. His schooling was supported by the state and his father started his own business to support the family. Li practised up to 10 hours a day on his upright piano at home or at rehearsals at the school every day. The vice of Shenzhen's karaoke bars, restaurants and women had no effect on him, however. ''I used to just play ping-pong with my friends to relax,'' he says.

Li loves Chopin's music because, he says, it is so emotional, deep and elegant. ''He [Chopin] had a tragic life, he died very young,'' the virtuoso says. ''But I think because of his difficult life he was able to compose with so much emotion.''

His own idols are Zimerman and Rubinstein. ''They also endured a lot of ups and downs; I think you need that to enrich your music. I really believe there will be ups and downs for me too. Even now, when I am performing, sometimes my mood is not there, and it upsets me.''

Musically, Li wants to explore other composers such as Beet-hoven and more immediately, Liszt. ''You can't play Chopin all the time.''

For now, at least, normality resumes when Li flies back to Hanover, Germany. He has been there for two months, leaving Dan in Shenzhen, to study under the master Arie Vardi. ''Hanover is so different from Shenzhen; it's very quiet and I can concentrate on my practising,'' he says. Li works on the piano for about six hours each day and spends time reading and walking around the city. He is improving his English, but is not tackling German yet. ''It's a very difficult language,'' he admits.

Li isn't homesick but notes there are not many good Chinese restaurants in the area. ''I love all kinds of Cantonese food. But there are some Asian food stores in Hanover and I buy stuff to cook at home.'' Is he eating a lot of instant noodles, as many Chinese college students do when they are overseas? ''No, it's not good for you.''

The schedule doesn't permit time for a girlfriend, either. ''I haven't had the chance to stay still in one place yet,'' he says shyly. ''No, no girls in my life right now.''

Li entertains my request to play something on the piano. As soon as he sits at the Steinway baby grand and his slender fingers hit the keyboard, he becomes a different person. Even with a photographer flashing away, Li loses himself completely and fearlessly as he releases the romance of Chopin's Scherzo No 2. His eyes are closed as he immerses himself in his communication with the piano. When he finishes, the virtuoso snaps out of his deep concentration and Li Yundi-the teenager-reappears. ''I just play according to my own feelings and understanding,'' he says.

Gossip

Here I'll include some of the juicy stuff I hear about Yundi. I personally like them. I'm happy to know so many people are caring about Yundi and want him better and better. Thank You!

I've heard his Grande Polonaise, and it still sounds good....but sometimes the tempo is a bit slower....that's a bit unnatural. Not as good as the feeling he has when having the competition. But still I can hear his voice there....his voice sung by his heart.....I could be sure he still loves Chopin and still loves the Polonaise.
And, I've also some comments about his nocturnes Op 9 nos. 1 and 2. I think it's great! Very great....it sounds very good.....A nice dream....a dream that happens in every people's heart in the night....a romantic night....I love them. And I also love the Fantasie Impromptu....it's nice too....could imagine and feel the 'fantasie' of Chopin and also of him. Very nice, indeed.
I think he's tired somehow, being bored with the piano pieces he played everywhere in concerts, in TV, including the sonata, the etudes and many more. I think maybe he needs some rests now. And Germany would be a quiet and nice place for him to think....or to feel music in another way... and hope he is going well with his piano teacher and likes Germany too!

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I hold a different attitdue. I think it's good to read those criticism in Jing's page. Yundi is a normal person, he is not "perfect" and therefore, having criticism is no exception. And most of all, different people have different taste, different preference. We can't expect everyone likes his playing or new CD. But I think the main point is, those so called criticisms are not really criticisms, they are come from our sincere "support" to Yundi. We made those opinions because we love Yundi, and we really into his music. We made those opinions because we want Yundi to become even better. We made those opinions because we concern about his music. Lastly, I always believe that one can improve itself if one accepts criticisms. Accepting criticisms implys a person knows itself is not perfect, knows itself needs improvements and I regard this person as "humble". I am rather conservative whether this will generate a bad publicity. Well, you may not agree with me, but that is my thoughts.

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for the notes you made, I have the following response:

1. First of all, I still don't understand why giving criticisms( personally I don't consider those messages appear in Jing's homepage as really criticisms, rather they are more like remarks. There are differences between the two. But juz forget it for the time being) do more harm than good? As I have mentioned, no one is perfect, so receiving criticisms is by no means avoidable. Even other great pianists will receive criticisms, but they are still admirable. Don't you feel a person is very unreal if he/she receives only praises but no criticisms? As the page is own by Jing, I am sure she will or maybe she has sent our opinions to Yundi. The most important is I think Jing knows Yundi and she knows how far she can go.

2. I want to clarify that we are not making a fuss about his music in his new CD. Why you have to think in such a negative way? What we are doing is merely some discussions about his new CDs! The same old words, I have heard other pianists playing some pieces which are not so good, like when Rubinstein played Beethoven, I think he was not so good. And I saw criticisms about that. But this did not create bad publicity to him! He is still one of my favourite pianist. Well, for me, I think it is nice to know there are dissatisfactions because this in fact implies we have expectations from him!

3. Actually Jing copied those remarks from another discussion forum where there ARE names attached to each piece. I am also sure that Jing will only copy those CONSTRUCTIVE ones to her homepage.

4. I doubt if there is any relation between gossiping about Yundi and treating him like a pop star. I think the point is what we are gossiping about. Yes, if we are always gossiping about his appearance, clothes, then we are treating him like a pop star. But now, we are gossiping about his music. That makes a difference. And why we are hurting his musical career?

These are my views, and I think treating criticisms in a more positive way is somehow a way to improve oneself. Please kindly give me some comments, as different people will have different ways of thinking the same matter. ^.^

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I think maybe we have different attitudes, therefore we have different opinion. I don't deny your opinion but I think mine are also correct. Well, as usual, I think there are no absolute right or absolute wrong in this matter. But I am for sure that we are "debating" about this because we both support Yundi, and I think this is good enough. So maybe let's close the "debate", as both our attitudes will not be changed easily right? But I do really enjoy this discussion with you, which I get a lot from it indeed. Knowing how others think are good as this can help me to consider a matter in different ways.

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With classical music artist, we're talking about substance, class, depth and hopefully someday become a true maestro. Things are happening too fast for Li and I'm a little worried about that he could get carried away with the present fame.
Sure, Li gets his big popularity being a superstar this week in HK but what we hope to see is a genuine classical pianist with class not just another entertainer running around for shows in shopping mall for commerical purpose!

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Yundi is classical pianist,not a pop star! I also think that fame came to him too soon and too fast! He's still young,he should learn,study and improve his style and so on.I'm afraid also that he's got too much concerts,and his level could be not so high, then before(last year).It will be BIG LOSS,because he could be the greatest,but not so FAST! He played only Chopin all the time and maybe he is a little bit tired with this programm(his works).Maybe when he will play now Liszt, his play will be "fresh" and more natural. Just give him some time...

Although I don't have that good sense of music, I believe it's not a suitable way a pianist should go(just concerts and concerts...)
It may harm his skills, and as you say, freshness may no longer exists. The feeling presented from his performance is changing.
But I don't think that there is a difference on being famous Fast or Slowly. The point is, does Yundi enjoy fame or not? Have you think about why he is doing that there?
If he don't like what he does now, no one can force him. But he didn't refuse it. We all know chances go away easily...so he may just want to cherish this moment. For no regret in future. As you know,it is not everybody who can enjoy this kind of fame.
Of course the most important thing to a pianist should not be Fame, but I would say, jut let him do what he want to do.
He is not "another entertainer running around for shows in shopping mall" but if he doesn't perform publicly for once, I really can't get a chance to listen, to feel his music live.
You know, these days he just performed before the rich,the stuffed shirt. How about small potatoes like me?

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his new CD is too commercial. I prefer a pianist rather than a artist. However, most Hong Kong people treat him as an artist rather than a pianist. And a sad news is most of his fans in Hong Kong like his appearance but not really his music. How can a pianist improve himself if most of his fans do not know what is good music??

I haven't heard his new CD yet.But I know that when HE WANTS,he could play really great,beautiful on his own style.I heard him "live" in the Chopin Competition and he was "the best" and he really deserved first prize..I prefer a pianist too.And I believe him, because when he really WANTS, he has high piano level.Don't worry!

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I totally agree with you guys, and yesterday I was really disapointed when I saw that most of the people were all packed up just becasue they wanted to see him, as if he was a pop star. Fame is the most important problem because it can change everything, that's what I think. The HK press should leave him alone, coz I was surprised when the questions that were always coming were "do u have a girlfriend ? "If no, what kind of gf do u want ? " and these kind of stuffs.. SO stupid, and like they always considered him as the "chinese Takuya" and it's no fair, because he's really different him ! Yundi is a very talented pianist and Takuya is a guy that do movies. Two different things, right??
Hope Yundi can rest for some time, because he looked so tired, and he has so much concerts to do..

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You know I juz heard his recital in Polu U. He was too tired and too hurry I suppose. Actually, how can he handle so many functions? Right after the recital, he went to a function of TVB... yesterday he attended a function of the girl guides and a press conference...I really think Yundi is very talented. But if he lose his direction, he talent will be buried...I hope that after this visit to HK, he can have a rest and rethink which way he should go. I am sure if he choose the right path, he can be a great musician, pianist. For those who really love Yundi, I think you all have the same feelings rite?

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Agree with you guys. Asia media going to ruin him. Hope he conduct himself well. I think we all don't want to loss a such a talent.

I haven't heard his concert or CD, but I personally play piano for ten years. I think the major difference about the "refreshness" component is that listening performance in a concert hall, the sound is definitely different from listening from your stereo system. Also, there are lots of restrictions in recording, so don't expect too much from the CD. Just imagine you go to a singer's concert and listening to his/her CD~ I think he is very talented since winning an international competition is way beyond you could imagine, especially in piano.

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Fame and art
Such great comments from everybody on this serious and tough topic. Sometimes life is not fair for a young classical star, especially a case like Yundi Li's. He is very handsome and talented, and he also won the Chopin competition. That's why the media likes to go after him...If any of you had won the Chopin competition, what would you do? Sitting at home for being humble? Li is young, God knows how hard he has worked to achieve today's success. It's not fair to criticize Yundi Li when you allow all the pop stars hollering in the crowd. Plus, his popularity does a great job at promoting classical music.
But for a young artist, especially a young artist who wants to be a great artist, modesty is very important.

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Fame is really a strange thing, it can change everything. Do you think it can also change a person, change his nature, his temperament, his attitude? I don't know what Yundi thinks exactely about all this, about this situation, about what people say. But when I was reading, especially your long message, I suddenly realized something. I realized that all of us are expecting him to be absolutely perfect. He gave us sech a perfect image when he won the prize, that is why we get easily disappointed, why we are so harsh, so demanding. We konw he is the piano prince, but we have forgotten he is just a young boy, a 19 year old young boy. Inside he may be fragile as anyone else. What would I do if I were him? maybe the same thing.

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Text are from Yundi's Fans Discussion Board. 2001
Photos are from HK Magazines. 2002