Recital Review – Singapore Conference Hall, 3 November

Liu Ziyu’s “Triumph Spirit Over Adversity” recital on 3 November 2024 was a truly captivating exploration of emotional and technical mastery. With a program featuring Scarlatti, Beethoven, Liszt, and Ravel, Liu’s thoughtful interpretations and impressive technique created an immersive concert experience. Performing on the beautifully resonant C. Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano with its crystalline highs and warm, balanced and pure mid and low ranges, Liu found an ideal partner for his wide dynamic palette, allowing the piano to sing and shine across each piece’s unique textures.

The program opened with Scarlatti’s Sonata in F Minor, K. 466, a piece that Liu infused with breath-like phrasing, allowing each phrase to ebb and flow with a captivating delicacy. His control over the pedal notes and clarity in balancing voices hinted at a performer deeply immersed in his craft. Contrasting this was the spirited Sonata in E Major, K. 135, which conjured images of a playful ballet, dancers full of life, and Liu leaned into its vibrant energy with ease. His performance here channeled the joy and vivacity of Scarlatti’s Spanish-influenced style, drawing listeners into a world both exuberant and lighthearted.

The performance of Ravel’s La Valse was an unforgettable journey through layers of elegance interspersed tension, capturing an air of opulence tinged with a sense of foreboding. Liu’s interpretation felt almost cinematic as he moved between the moments of clarity and dissonance, subtly conveying a waltz that was perhaps clinging to an illusion of joy — only for darker undercurrents to emerge. His handling of the sudden, bold chords gave an impression of something sinister, almost like bombs dropping amid the whirling skirts of ballroom dancers. The energy built towards a frenetic crescendo, leaving an impression of opulence and subtle distress — a kind of masked exhilaration that hinted at an underlying unease in the music’s narrative.

Beethoven’s Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111, a monumental work for sure, provided Liu a canvas to explore profound contrasts of struggle and transcendence. His performance brought out a fierce clarity in the powerful opening movement, which, while intense, still felt reflective of a personal journey rather than purely virtuosic display. The depth of his engagement with the music was undeniable, underscored when a premature round of applause was met with a light-hearted “shh” gesture. This brought an added layer of intimacy between performer and audience, and reflected Liu’s deep connection to the piece. The second movement offered an entirely different side, with Liu conveying the movement’s serene acceptance and almost jazzy rhythmic nuances with grace. His handling of the delicate trill passages evoked an enchanting, fantasy-world-like soundscape, adding  warmth and a touch of modern relatability, subtly inviting younger listeners to engage with its beauty.

Liszt’s Sonata demanded immense technical command, and Liu met it with a determined approach, embracing its shifts from introspection to triumphant boldness. He adeptly navigated the transitions between moods, from tranquil to grand, leaning into the drama without ever feeling contrived. His natural ease in the most technically demanding sections underscored his ability to connect with the music on a personal level, and the audience felt the impact as he delivered the sonata’s emotionally charged passages with great conviction.

Liu’s encores rounded out the evening with a personal touch. Debussy’s Clair de Lune was delivered with a soft, reverent touch, though the slightly slower tempo added a lingering quality that felt contemplative. For his second encore, Liu chose Zhang Zhao’s Numa Ame, ending the concert on a note of contemporary resonance that brought modern “epic” qualities into the evening’s classic themes. Liu expressed his gratitude to the audience and shared his enjoyment of his first performance in Singapore, a touching moment that captured his sincere engagement with the listeners.

Ultimately, Liu Ziyu’s recital was an inspiring journey through the beauty and power of classical music, inviting us to witness his artistry as he brought each work’s spirit to life. This performance highlighted his skill in balancing technical mastery with emotional depth, showcasing Liu’s gift for blending triumph and transformation into an unforgettable evening.

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