AIMI KOBAYASHI – final round (18th Chopin Competition, Warsaw)

20.10.2021
Sala Koncertowa Filharmonii Narodowej w Warszawie / Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall

XVIII Międzynarodowy Konkurs Pianistyczny im. Fryderyka Chopina
The 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition

Finał / Final round

AIMI KOBAYASHI (Japonia / Japan)

ORKIESTRA SYMFONICZNA FILHARMONII NARODOWEJ / THE WARSAW PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

ANDRZEJ BOREYKO dyrygent / conductor

Koncert e-moll op. 11 / Concerto in E minor, Op. 11
Allegro maestoso (0:50)
Romance. Larghetto (22:53)
Rondo. Vivace (33:28)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Oficjalna strona Konkursu/ The official Competition website:

Oficjalna aplikacja / The official app:

[liamneels]

As someone who has studied performance and classical music, I have heard tons of music. I don't say that to put my nose up in the air, but you get almost numb to music. Analyzing it, practicing day in and day out in the practice room, being tested on it, reading about it, cramming it. The focus shifts from listening to it out of pleasure to listening to it by necessity. You are forced to go to concerts you don't care about, rehearsals for groups you'd rather not be in. Amidst the chaos of trying to perfect your craft and soak up everything you know, you begin to make music for granted. This performance, for me, is breathtaking. I hovered my hand over the mouse, not wanting to end the performance. It is rare to see so much musicality, so much emotion. In an age where everything can be replicated perfectly in the sonic realm, nothing can quite capture the exuberance and delicate nature of this playing. How beautiful, how stunning, how evoking of feelings. Music like this stands the test of time, allows for audiences to continue to be moved centuries later. That is the test of the music itself and the performers who dare try and showcase it. Naturally, music is an elitist institution. It takes time for ideas to change, so bold is the artist who commits to true artistry. Bravo, bravo, bravo!

[marcinratajewski]

She brought tears in my eyes. The conductor said in the studio that Aimi's playing impressed him and the orchestra the most. That everyone was moved. I completely agree with him. This is the best performance of this concerto I have ever heard in my life. So many emotions, sorrow intertwined with joy of playing. Something wonderful. 4th place is a joke to me. She should have won.

[flowerpower]

Whenever I watch a skilled pianist, I am always sucked into the fantasy of being able to play. This was such an amazing performance

[stellad.]

The competition is over and the days have passed. I found myself listening to her concerto more than any other of the finalists.
One night, a little warm for autumn and reminiscent of a moonlit night in spring, I was listening to her soft piano tones and suddenly burst into tears, imagining that I was miraculously born and kept alive in the vastness of the universe.
This is probably due to the fact that this year, my only daughter, whom I have raised alone, got married and gave birth to a grandchild. The older I get, the more miraculous my encounters seem, and the more gratitude I feel.
The beautiful sound played by Aimi is one of those wonderful encounters.
I don't know how many more times I will be able to enjoy the Chopin Competition, which is held once every five years, but I hope to spend the rest of my life surrounded by beautiful music.

[k]

4位入賞おめでとうございます。
いつもいつも鳥肌の立つ演奏
宇宙に突き抜けて行くような
美しく凛とした音色。
どんな言葉でも表現できないほど素晴らしい演奏です。
順位は誰かがつけたものですが、私にとっては
愛実さんのピアノが1番です。
12月の反田さんとのコンサートも楽しみにしています。
愛実さんの人生が素晴らしいものとなりますように。
お祈りしています。
本当に素晴らしいピアノを
ありがとう😊

[jacquieviegas]

I don't know, it seems the judges don't like her or don't get her, I think her interpretation of Chopin is just too intelligent for them to comprehend. This was absolutely beautiful, the right tempo throughout and oh so sensitive. When the announcements were made it was written all over her face what she thought of her placement, and I felt so disappointed for her, she deserved much, much better.

[amesakurako]

So interesting how different pianists interpret this piece vastly differently. Aimi’s version is overflowing with emotion - I am on the verge of tears at times. Whereas Bruce’s is light and optimistic. This is what makes masterpieces so wonderful to listen to - they sound different each time they’re played, the musician’s feelings at the time plays a big role.

[johnsweeney]

4th place??!! The travesty of all time. By far the most gifted and what a stellar interpretation

[mildredkrisik]

Chopin would be very pleased with her interpretation of his great music.

[メアリーさくら]

Aimi's performance was dramatic from the very first note. Her poetic and emotional interpretation was beautiful. I felt her inner passion in her all-out performance.

[javierjuarez]

Even she won 4th place, it was the E minor concerto I enjoyed the most. Not everything is speed, she is the winner for me!

[Redman]

I got glossy eyed as soon as she started playing. I've never heard Chopin played in this manner. It was amazing. It almost sounded like a completely different person than the traditional Chopin I am used to hearing. Just amazing. If this was 4th place, then I'm at a dead end in life musically.

[sp-mbqe]

I'm not a musician, I love classical music . When she started playing, it was so emotional, I realized that I was crying . Thanks for great performance .

[deliverspresence]

Aimi, you win. I love that you play with your heart and bring me to tears. I listen and watch you over and over. Your music moves me to my soul. Thank you.

[VictorMarinescu-dm]

I have never seen in my life of 76 years any one to show so much passion and emotion, Piano is your Destini through life !

[ruben]

Yes! She gets her whole body and face engaged with the music, you can tell she is FEELING the music when she plays. And when shes just sitting there she looks so elegant and graceful!

[kenichitanaka]

In my opinion, Aimi expressed the subtlety and sensitivity of Chopin's works best.

[ISEEKSPACE]

4th?! No! This was a masterpiece! Good on her for keeping to how she felt it should be played. Sometimes, the placement doesn't matter--just that everyone remembers it, and well--this is quite extraordinary...I'll never forget it!

[xingxing._.]

As small hands pianist, I totally respect her😭❤️

[TJRDoss]

One can say, that she played a slower version that resulted in 4th place. It's her interpretation of Chopin. The competition diminished its credibility by being averse to the sorrow Aimi created in her interpretation. The 4th place is no reflection of her ability and flow but the collective competition's conscience. Aimi has the quality to slow down Chopin... just consider that for a second. A rebel against convention...