Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 2 with Bruce Liu

Bruce Liu, winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, joins the Philharmonia Orchestra and Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Bruce Liu made his UK debut in this performance, recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in London on 10 March 2022.

00:00 Title
00:38 I. Allegro brillante e molto vivace
21:47 II. Andante non troppo
36:54 III. Allegro con fuoco
46:12 Encore: TCHAIKOVSKY Dance of the Four
Swans (trans. Wild)

The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

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[mr.fredericchopin]

I call Bruce Liu "Arturmir Rubowitz". I can't get enough of Bruce's playing! It goes straight to the heart. What an Artist! And that art of his is without a shred of artificiality, eccentricity, or mannerism. What Bruce feels, he plays straight out with the greatest sensitivity with those lightening rod fingers of his! I tell you all that his humble artist is a creative genius! What an impeccable nuanced and soulfully touching performance... Now, a concerto may be thought of as a competition between the soloist and the orchestra. Bruce Liu has his way, yet he always listens carefully and blends perfectly and seamlessly with the orchestra; yes, he projects his unique gifts while in accord with all the other fine music makers. God Bless you Bruce Xiaoyu for an astounding career in the many years to come. What a thrill ride!🎹🎶🤣

[Qumak]

First of all, I'm so happy to see Bruce play this beautiful yet almost completely forgottegn concerto by Tchaikovsky! It shows his extraordinarity.
Secondly his playing of this piece is very nuanced and very spirited! It is hysterical or lyrical just where it needs to be so and his part is always in full accord with the orchestra! Chapeaux bas!

Thirdly, I am happy to see the winner of the Chopin Piano Competition prove that this verdict was so right!

Congratulations, Mr Liu! May I suggest to bring the Dvorak's Piano Concerto back from its unjustified oblivion? Thank you! ❤

[didam]

What I like about Liu is that he can see himself as a part of big picture, a part of music, not above or not in front of it as a soloist. His choice to play this long version including the violin and cello solos show that sensitivity. He completely blend in the orchestra when he needs to. And that made this performance turn into a lovely-articulate CONVERSATION not a meaningless tirade. And that is exactly why/how this concerto works. So for me, that makes him a promising musician not just a pianist! Well done!

[maelenacardenasjuarez]

So wonderful, awesome, so amazing....mmmm Congratulations...

[marcalexandrefontenay]

À chaque concert depuis sa nomination au concours Chopin, Bruce Liu nous refait redécouvrir les œuvres connues ( 1 er concerto Chopin) ou moins connue telle ce 2 e concerto de Tchaikovsky ! Clarté du jeu, précision de l’attaque, toucher exceptionnel ! Il est le prince du piano et rejoint à son jeune âge les plus grands : Rubinstein, Guilles, Richter, Horowitz .

[bh_jeanne]

The royal smiles of the orchestra members speak of his performance. I can't believe it's fresh every time I see it. He is phenomenal!!!

[GuruRasaVonWerder]

The faces of the orchestra as he plays - they are astounded like 'Where does he get these abilities?'

[thestratford]

"Liu was precise to an exceptional degree. And he dashed it off with brilliance...There was a great deal in this performance of Tchaikovsky’s G major Concerto that was memorable and that made it such a compelling one. Liu is interesting because he takes a less overtly virtuoso route and gave us one which was calibrated by detailed touches and deft individual strokes of drama. The rarer view of Tchaikovsky’s piano concertos is that there is a deeper core to the music that can be explored. It was perhaps not surprising that one of the freshest things about this performance was that it had all the hallmarks of the crystalline clarity and jewel-like precision of Chopin with the tempestuous drama and vivid colours of Tchaikovsky to drive it along. We don’t always get Tchaikovsky played this way. Liu plays in a way which strikes a fine balance between the virtuosic Titans and Apollonian humanism with a dash of Dionysian fire and individuality thrown in. In that sense, it was a telling and highly original performance and a UK debut that was very notable." : From "Brilliant Tchaikovsky with the Philharmonia from UK debutant pianist Bruce Liu" (Seen and Heard International, March 15, 2022)

[sylviadromel]

Bonsoir Bruce, Piano délicieusement lyrique, violon émouvant et violoncelle troublant, tour à tour tressent magnifiquement leur mélodie et je n’oublie pas le fin discours de la flûte traversière qui s’invite parfois… Merci pour ce magnifique ballet d’archets dirigé par votre belle gestuelle Santtu, qui rend très beau ces trois mouvements. Dance of the Four Swans, ce petit ‘encore’ : En regardant les petits marteaux du piano se soulever sous votre toucher aussi légèrement que les pas dansés et gracieux des quatre petits cygnes, j’imagine que votre petit sourire tout à fait craquant, est aussi pour saluer le travail, l’élégance, la précision, le timing et aussi le petit bruit du grincement des chaussures de pointe. Mais aussi ce joli sourire pour dire ‘bonsoir’  au public qui rit avec justesse après votre dernière note amusante ! Merci et Bravo à vous Bruce, Santtu et à vous tous les musiciens pour ce moment magique que j’écoute souvent ! 🍎

[nevenkaleban]

Bruce Liu is always the greatest, real genius among pianists, his inspiration is gorgeous.

[adelapark]

I've never seen anyone playing so clean and clearly with adequate pedalling which makes the music more vivid and exhilarating.
Of course his crystal pristine tone and wonderful interpretation of music with sense of amazing rhythm, makes the music invigorating

[haochide]

Since his triumph last Autumn, every performance this dude gave has been a gem.

[bgarri]

Tchaikovsky's spectacular 2nd piano concerto played spectacularly!

[beatrizlejarza]

Este concierto es único, insuperable, imposible dejarlo pasar y no escucharlo.El piano y el violín te llevan a la belleza pura. Toda la orquesta la Conductora...todo es armoníco. Impacta, sobrecoge. Manífico ! Nuevamen5e gracias!!! 🇦🇷

[yvonneyang]

I was there for his London debut. It was a ‘Magical, Exhilarating & Touching’ performance. Well done Bruce Xiaoyu !!! The Philhamonia orchestra is brilliant too. Still watching and listening to this almost everyday. ❤😊

[ronaldbarnett]

For many years, I have wanted to be present at two pno concertos before I die. The Brahms first is one; this is the other. I saw/heard Cherkassky playing the Tchaikovsky pno 2 on black-and-white TV well over 60 years ago and have never forgotten it; and this cto has haunted me since. Am irritated with myself that I didn't know that this very performance was on my doorstep ... Never mind, I have still have Youtube ...

[nicholasstojanoff]

A splendid extrovert showpiece and great vehicle for a budding virtuoso to shine in which Bruce Liu does to great effect. The best version I’ve heard so far.

[conanimaleggieropocoritenuto]

You absolutely rocked the podium again

[benjamink]

I saw Stephen Hough on piano with a symphony in 2011. I went on a whim. They played this.

I'd never heard this concerto before and it just floored me. I'll never forget it my view, seats up a bit almost underneath the balcony. I could see his arms and hands perfectly, I could see his fingers hit the keys. I'd never seen nor heard anything like I it.

I could not fathom how Tchaikovsky or anyone could create such a magnificent sonic tower where once stood nothing.

[watkinder]

What a superb performance all round! How great to hear the Second Movement as Tchaikovsky (not Siloti) intended. It requires both a violinist and cellist at the first desk of the highest order, and this is precisely what was provided. Bruce Liu's playing was everything that the music required and WHEN it was required: virtuosity and precision, but also great tenderness and insight. What in particular was wonderful to see was how everyone, pianist, conductor and orchestra were so utterly committed and ENJOYED themselves!