Li-Wei. Cello. Live!
Tonight, I went to a cello recital by world-renowned prize-winning cellist, Qin Li-Wei. It was a sold-out concert and it was a recital well worth the money.
Li-Wei and his accompanist, Jeremy Young, performed Shostakovich's Cello Sonata in D minor, Op.40, Schumann's Adagio and Allegro in A-flat major, Op.70, and Brahms Cello Sonata No.2 in F major, Op.99. Their bravura, confidence, wonderful stage presence, amazing interpretations and fantastic ensemble work, really took my breath away. Although Li-Wei had the scores in front of him, most of the time, he was so engrossed in the music that he hardly looked at them. In short, he pratically played the entire recital from memory. And his intonation and technique were impeccable. Jeremy was a very good accompanist, giving very strong support (sometimes a little too strong though.) to his partner. The way they weaved musical lines to each other was also very well-done. They looked like they were having fun and enjoying themselves on stage. We, audience, also enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We wouldn't let them go without encores, so in the end, they presented 3 encores, including one from the TV series, "The Simpsons".
Li-Wei is one cellist that I would strongly recommend you guys to listen out for in future. I won't be surprised if he outshines Yo-Yo Ma in future!