Chopin 2025: Chopin is one of a kind - Shiori Kuwahara
Japanese pianist Shiori Kuwahara, one of the eleven finalists of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, has said that Chopin is a truly unique composer.
Kuwahara closed the final of the Chopin Competition on Monday evening. After her performance, the pianist confessed to journalists that she felt satisfied and relaxed. She added that it was one of the most beautiful moments of her life.
The pianist noted that Chopin differs methodologically from other composers, and is also technically difficult. Kuwahara said that due to the education obtained in Germany she is accustomed to German composers and their way of thinking about a piece and its creation. Chopin is one of a kind, she said.
The musician further said that the rubato is the hardest thing in Chopin's music. It has to be elegant, song-like and flowing, but you these qualities require time, she explained. Kuwahara confessed that if she only had the opportunity, she would love to hear Chopin himself play.
The final round, held from Saturday through Monday, featured eleven pianists from seven countries. Competitors included Piotr Alexewicz (Poland), Kevin Chen (Canada), David Khrikuli (Georgia), Shiori Kuwahara (Japan), Tianyou Li (China), Eric Lu (USA), Tianyao Lyu (China), Vincent Ong (Malaysia), Miyu Shindo (Japan), Zitong Wang (China), and William Yang (USA).
Each pianist performed Chopin's Polonaise-Fantasy in A-flat major, Op. 61 and one of the two piano concertos, either in E minor, Op. 11, or in F minor, Op. 21, accompanied by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Andrzej Boreyko.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, organised by Poland's Fryderyk Chopin Institute, runs from October 2 to October 23.
The Polish Press Agency is a media partner of the competition. (PAP)
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