Yuja Wang - A top young female pianist

[leonidas]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuja_Wang

Rehearsing and performing HoCarm and the VolTurk

I am struck by her impressive mechanism, and smooth sound, among other things.

[sharon_f]

Jeesh, I really hate responding to these threads, but....who voted disapproved? (Also I don't know why this thread was even set up as a poll except to elicit some sort of controversy, but that's a whole other matter.)

She's a wonderful pianist with a terrific future ahead of her.

[leonidas]

Accidentally clicked to make a poll, then made the topic, and was too lazy to make a new one so I actually filled in a poll.

But I'm shocked at the results...just WTH

[hodi]

ok she can play encores...  and she plays they VERY WELL too.
but can she play well composers like schubert,beethoven,bach,scriabin well too?
that's where real music lies
those encores don't impress me.

[leonidas]

ok she can play encores...  and she plays they VERY WELL too.
but can she play well composers like schubert,beethoven,bach,scriabin well too?
that's where real music lies
those encores don't impress me.

Don't be so infantile.

This is the best performance I have seen of the Turka, it's imaginative and pianistically masterful.

These very same qualities are what it takes to play any music well.

[leonidas]

May I call upon the 4 ludicrous cretins who voted a disapproval to show themselves.

Let your name be known, for it will be added to my black book, darlings.

[faulty_damper]

Um... She practices way too much... Hanon. 

[prongated]

Ahaha 5 disapprovals now...

...just looking at her credentials, she has accomplished a lot that many pianists much older than her would envy. I should really like to hear what those 5 have to say about her.

[pita bread]

please add me to your black book stevie

[thalberg]

I approved.  I loved that Volodos.  That's exactly what Mozart needs.  I wish he would have made a nice similar arrangment of K576.

[elevateme_returns]

WANG HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[dnephi]

Add me to the black book.

And at Thalberg's comment.

[mike_lang]

I approved.  I loved that Volodos.  That's exactly what Mozart needs.  I wish he would have made a nice similar arrangment of K576.

Or K626... 

[quantum]

Actually one of my favorite youtube interpretations of da Turk.  I have approved I have 

[etudes]

Claire Huangci       

[thierry13]

I'd look at that and the rest of the concerto before disapproving ... judging a pianist with her encores is a bit harsh...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwLxvLfUtoQ&mode=related&search=

[thalberg]

Someone on youtube mentioned how he couldn't find that Volodos score anywhere.  Of course, I took it as my personal challenge to find it.  JACKPOT!!!!

https://www.pianorarescores.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9

[matterintospirit]

Her "fab" technical ability could certainly be put to some very good use.

[thalbergmad]

Someone on youtube mentioned how he couldn't find that Volodos score anywhere.  Of course, I took it as my personal challenge to find it.  JACKPOT!!!!

https://www.pianorarescores.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9

That is Marcel Mombeeks site and he is the biggest tosser and ponce in the sheet music world, since he tries to profit from the hard work of others who give their time and scores freely.

I would post the damned thing myself if it were not for forum rules.

He has not got a single score that i have not, and i would give any of it to anybody for nothing.

Thal

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Someone on youtube mentioned how he couldn't find that Volodos score anywhere.  Of course, I took it as my personal challenge to find it.  JACKPOT!!!!

https://www.pianorarescores.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9

That is Marcel Mombeeks site and he is the biggest tosser and ponce in the sheet music world, since he tries to profit from the hard work of others who give their time and scores freely.

I would post the damned thing myself if it were not for forum rules.

He has not got a single score that i have not, and i would give any of it to anybody for nothing.

Thal

I did wonder - he is somewhat notorious, and it had a very familiar looking disclaimer.

"If you need more informations or you think that a score should not be in the list please contact us without hesitation"

and

"It’s important to underline that we make available only old editions that are no longer covered by copyrights, "

Yeah, I'm sure the Volodos and Cziffra scores are out of copyright..

Was he the guy who was selling rare scores on eBay, or was that someone else?

[thalbergmad]

Was he the guy who was selling rare scores on eBay, or was that someone else?

He was one of them, but there are a few and it frustrates the hell out of me for 3 reasons.

1. I have to skip past all their pathetic adverts when searching for originals on e bay.

2. The people who are selling them have probably never scanned a single score in their life and are simply trying to profit from the hard work of others.

3. They have not got a single score that cannot be obtained for free.

I might start a topic on this, as i feel strongly about assholes like them.

Thal

[houseofblackleaves]

Claire Huangci       

Precisely.

Miss Wang's Prok. 2 reminds me of Joyce Yang's.

Of course miss Huangci pwned this concerto (or at least the cadenza) as well.

[viking]

That is, plain and simply, the most horrific attempt to play Prokofiev that I've ever seen.  Sure she can play many notes, but half of them are wrong, and most of them lack phrasing and intent.  Same thing with Ms. Wang.  And the colossale section, what???  Every single note is the exact same dynamic.  God people here are so superficial.

Sam

[leonidas]

And what exactly is better about your performance?

[soliloquy]

I voted approved, but I would have voted "eh... she's alright" if that was available.  I don't really think there is enough material here to judge anything but a small portion of her technique (seeing as how I wasn't all that impressed with her Prok2), so I wouldn't vote a definitive yes or no yet.  Do you have anything else comme?  Maybe some Liszt or Chopin?

[wotgoplunk]

I agree with soliloquy, there needs to be a middle ground.

She's good, but she's not spectacularly good.

She may descend into stereotypical playing: all technique, little emotion.

I'd like to see some more romantic era work before I fully judge.

[viking]

And what exactly is better about your performance?

If your talking about my video, then please, wait a while for me to post the complete piece.  That video was done without a single lesson from anyone worth while, but I still think I have a very good idea of what the concerto means.  My problem is that 99% of performers bang the crap out of the piece, without any significant vision of what the piece should sound like.

Sam

[leonidas]

That's what interpretation is all about.

Her technical ability is superior to yours.

FACT.

Her interpretation is inferior to yours.

Inconsequential subjective opinion.

[leonidas]

I don't really think there is enough material here to judge anything but a small portion of her technique

Is that so?

Explicate please.

[viking]

That's what interpretation is all about.

Her technical ability is superior to yours.

FACT.

Her interpretation is inferior to yours.

Inconsequential subjective opinion.

Whatever, I'm not getting into a debate.  Think what you like, I just find her playing of this one piece rather meaningless and cheap.  But most frustrating is the fact that people actually like Huangci's performance of that piece.  I cant stand to look at her while she plays, let alone actually listen to her?  Whatever... With my own musical studies, I try my best, but I certainly don't claim to be the best by any means.  I have a very long way to go.  I just find it frustrating when people like the most lifeless meaningless playing just because it's fast. 

For example:
Watch the Huangci video at 4:10
Watch me at 3:10
You should be able to conclude that the Huangci video contains absolutely no phrasing whatsoever, and mine does.

FACT

Have fun....

Sam

[mike_lang]

Whatever, I'm not getting into a debate.  Think what you like, I just find her playing of this one piece rather meaningless and cheap.  But most frustrating is the fact that people actually like Huangci's performance of that piece.  I cant stand to look at her while she plays, let alone actually listen to her?  Whatever... With my own musical studies, I try my best, but I certainly don't claim to be the best by any means.  I have a very long way to go.  I just find it frustrating when people like the most lifeless meaningless playing just because it's fast. 

For example:
Watch the Huangci video at 4:10
Watch me at 3:10
You should be able to conclude that the Huangci video contains absolutely no phrasing whatsoever, and mine does.

FACT

Have fun....

Sam

Why don't you let your video speak for itself?

Best,
ML

[viking]

Why don't you let your video speak for itself?

Best,
ML

I'm very sorry if I'm coming across as brash, but if you recall, I was challenged by another member as to if I could play the piece better.  I only wish to point out a few small interprative issues I have with the performances that I do not like, especially since this piece has been a big deal for me over the last few months.  But I agree, I'm now leaving this thread...

Sam

[leonidas]

Indeed, his video speaks for itself.

[ramseytheii]

I'm very sorry if I'm coming across as brash, but if you recall, I was challenged by another member as to if I could play the piece better.  I only wish to point out a few small interprative issues I have with the performances that I do not like, especially since this piece has been a big deal for me over the last few months.  But I agree, I'm now leaving this thread...

Sam

Way to stay above the fray.  Normally one shouldn't accept such silly challenges, but since you had the evidence ready at hand to back it up, I commend you!

Walter Ramsey

[opus10no2]

Signed to DG

[opus10no2]

[kelly_kelly]

I think she's very talented. She was great when she was younger too: listen to some of the videos on this channel. I think she was 10 or 11 here...

https://www.youtube.com/user/whokowns

[quasimodo]

I'd love to hear that CD, to hear what's she really up to.

[lostinidlewonder]

Shes good but shes not a grandmaster yet.

[opus10no2]

Shes good but shes not a grandmaster yet.

Who ever was a 'grandmaster' at her age?

[claude_debussy]

Ms. Wang's performance of the Prokofiev 2nd Concerto in Los Angeles last February was rapturous and astonishing - as good a performance of this piece as I ever expect to hear, of a composition that is perhaps the greatest piano concerto of the 20th century.   

Just turned 22, Ms. Wang is already an artist of major stature, headed for a giant career.   



 

[arensky]

Who ever was a 'grandmaster' at her age?

 Hofmann

[franzliszt2]

She is the best looking female pianist by miles! 

[retrouvailles]

She is the best looking female pianist by miles! 

Very much agreed, but that doesn't say much. Most female pianists are hideous, if you ask me. I just wish her playing were as remarkable as her looks. She just seems like any other (good) conservatory level pianist to me. There are pianists at my school that I think are more remarkable.

[franzliszt2]

Very much agreed, but that doesn't say much. Most female pianists are hideous, if you ask me. I just wish her playing were as remarkable as her looks. She just seems like any other (good) conservatory level pianist to me. There are pianists at my school that I think are more remarkable.

I agree. Helene Grimaud is stunning though...apart from that I can think of very few.

I don't see what the fuss is all about, she just seems to be another fast fingered pianist from Curtis.

Of all the people at the moment who are that age and famous the best I have heard has been Rafal Blechacz. I seen him play Chopin 1st concerto and it was wonderful. Very musical and very personal. I have not watched his chopin competition video's so I don't know how he played then, but when I seen him a few months ago I was really impressed. All the other young famous pianists just annoy me becasue I know a lot of pianists who are much much better and not as famous.

[opus10no2]

You don't understand why some pianists achieve fame and others don't?

It's about popularity, something that strikes a chord with the masses.

[Petter]

How many gorgeous male pianists can you think of 

[franzliszt2]

You don't understand why some pianists achieve fame and others don't?

It's about popularity, something that strikes a chord with the masses.

I agree. I know some amazing pianists, who can play everything and anything, but don't have any personality at all, and becasue of that they will never strike that chord with the masses.

Look at Lang Lang....no doubt that the guy has massive talent. Just look at some of the things he does in his Carnegie Hall recital, for a 19 (or howveer old he was, he was aroudn that age) it really is impressive. But now look at him, he just doesn't play musically or anything, he just play for effect. He has an amazing abilty to connect with an audience, but what sort of audience? He seems to be hated by the vast majority of serious musicians....except Barenboim :-ssss but he still says that LL has to develop more as an artist on other aspects of life if he is to be really great.


Yuja Wang so far seems to specialise in encores that we have all heard before. At least Volodos is actually mindblowing.

I might go to her recital in May at Queen Elizabeth hall and ;isten. At least if I get bored listening I can just stick some ear plugs in and enjoy the view 

[opus10no2]

Yuja Wang so far seems to specialise in encores that we have all heard before. At least Volodos is actually mindblowing.

It's about the whole package, being pretty makes her marketable.

I must disagree with regard to her technical facility though, it does seem to be exceptional, among the most impressive around.

Technical stunts, physically exceptional feats, they all add to her marketability.

Youtube is the true test of a pianist's popularity, any student with access to a decent camera should put their playing up there and let the world decide.

Excellence will always find an audience this way.