"Li is more than just technique. His playing has soul and poetry. The gentle lyricism of the mazurkas (music for a kind of Polish dance) is idiomatic and musical, the phrasing at once elegant and idiomatic."

Comments like the above went to the youngest prizewinner in the history of the Warsaw International Chopin Competition. In 2000, the 18-year-old Chinese pianist Yundi Li took the gold medal at the 14th Warsaw International Chopin Competition, becoming the first pianist in 15 years to be deemed worthy of the top prize. (Chopin was a famous composer born in Poland.)

The Frederick Chopin International Piano Competition is one of the oldest events of its type in the world, and enjoys great prestige and universal renown. Since 1927 when it was first held in the concert hall of the Warsaw Philharmonic, the program has been devoted entirely to passing on Chopin tradition as well as distinguishing those who are adept at interpreting the spirit of Chopin works. The judging is so tough that in 1990 and 1995 no performances were deemed good enough for a gold medal. For this reason, "Genius Pianist" is not an exaggerated praise entitled to Yundi Li.

Given that Li was entirely Chinese-trained, his accomplished performance not only underscores the idea that art is universal, but it also demonstrates that China's educational system has reached a high level in terms of classical music instruction. Actually, it is not a rare event when Chinese names appear on the Chopin winner list. In the 1955 edition, Chinese contestant Fou T'song placed third. And ever since, Western musical circles have heard of from time to time the Chinese piano players like Mingqiang Li, Yifan Liu, Shiqun Liu, Lang Lang, and Sa Chen.

Voice of the Musical Circles

"Li is so concentrated, and gifted with a spiritual affinity with music. His playing gives voice to the profound meanings inherent in the composition. The most striking aspect of Yundi Li's performance is his sensibility combined with a romantic vein, the qualities that Chopin equally possesses…" says professor Dan Zhaoyi who has instructed Yundi Li for nearly 10 years.

"With his intimate readings he brings something fresh to these well-known works. He has a strong sense for both the lyricism as well as the drama in Chopin's works, always drawing the listener's attention to the beauty of the music."

"Yundi Li never cheats in order to get round difficult passages, never smudges them by using the pedal. Every detail is explored to the full, every nuance examined, every phrase immaculately balanced."

Janpoqis, the special commentator of the Warsaw International Chopin Competition, reviews that Li's marvelous blend of prodigious technique, innate musicality, and above all, a poetic soul demonstrates that he is an exceptional genius and masters the spirit of Chopin.

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