Kate Liu - Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante in E flat major Op. 22 (second stage) 

Read the chat of the current Chopin Competition, every time someone plays the Andante and Grand Polonaise someone always recall Kate Liu's performance. This marvelous performance has become some sort of standard for this piece.

그냥 손이 마법인것같다.부드러운 터치로 아름다운 세상에 하나뿐인 옥동자(선율)을 탄생시키는것같다.건반을 쓰다듬듯 귀한 보물을 만지듯 그런 한음한음이 탄생되고 있다.경이로움이다..

今まで聴いた中で、一番美しいアンダンテ・スピアナート 出だしから完全に引き込まれた

This pianist is pretty much the definition of tone production. Not a single note is wasted or half sounded. She really trusts herself with the tone production, and it works

あなたの奏でる音楽は世界一です

The best pianist 0:00 Andante Spianato 5:07 Grande Polonaise Brillante op 22

It’s now been seven years since Kate Liu played this masterpiece at the 2015 Chopin Competition, and for me no other performance before or since can touch it-not even close. 👩🏻🎹🙋🏻‍♀️

The best grande polonaise brillante I 've heard in my life.

How perfect this could be, she is unbelievable. What a master in all Chopin pieces. I am happy to watch her again and again and I still feel her spirit and soul of Chopin. Bravo Kate Liu.

What an amazing human being. 🔥🎹✨

one example of her brilliance: 10:18 and 10:20 are the same upward runs; the first is pedaled, forte and so smooth, the second time it is crisp and somehow almost staccato yet piannissimo (can you imagine playing staccato yet pianissimo at that speed???). same for the next two upward runs: 10:22 and 10:24. it evokes such great emotion this way -- memory, nostalgia, acceptance that passed time is done and final.

This Polonaise is a a piece of Chopin music what acts like a nostalgic arrow aimed in the heart of the Polish soul. We can easily start crying listening to this tune... Kate Liu... She performed this essential theme in a virtuoso way but she gave us much more. She found a clue to mystery behind notes. It's everything here: the view of Polish bocage, enthusiasm of live and the sorrow of passage. All embroiled around familiar Polonaise sound what was so frequently performed at gentry's homes during winter evenings. Really - great appearance on the XVII Chopin competition. Congratulations!

Very clean, crisp, lyrical sound, like pearls scattering on the piano board! Love it so much

She plays with the lightness of a butterfly but, I believe that, in addition to talent and sensitivity, there is an iron self-discipline that allows her to achieve these results. All my admiration and esteem. Suona con la leggerezza di una farfalla ma, credo che, oltre al talento e alla sensibilità, ci sia una ferrea autodisciplina che le consente di ottenere questi risultati. Tutta la mia ammirazione e stima.

This was UNREAL. Oh my god

피아노가 타악기가 아니라 건반악기임을 실감케해주는 연주자..오르간같기도 하고..참 아름답게 소리를 내는것같다건반으로 마치 풍경을 그리는 화가같다..너무나 소중한 연주자다..

Her rendition leaves me breathless and hypnotized long after she finished her playing, she makes me cry and shiver all over my body, I wouldn't change a note in her performance, what a sensitivity and perfect understanding of all those emotions behind Chopin's music. She's already the winner, the audience was all hers.

I’ve heard so many great pianists playing this piece, but Kate is the one who makes the moon rise and stars shine in my heart. I’m no music critique but her polonaise is full of nostalgic sensitivity and delicate touches here and there. Her phrasing of those ascending notes starting at 10:00, the second time fading away like an echo of the first…simply amazing. Would love to see Kate perform other delicate pieces like this!

Years later and this is still the best performance I've ever seen

何回ショパンを聴いたなんてわかりませんが、あなたのショパンが私の中で世界一です。 地球の裏側で聴けるなんて、私は良い時代に生まれました。

素晴らしい音色と華麗なテクニックがあり、引きこまれました🏆🏆　3位　マズルカ賞受賞おめでとうございます㊗️㊗️ さすがです！‼️ 彼女こそ　本当のピアニストだと思います😭😭amejing ^_^

Came here after watching chopin comp 2021 2nd round. Kate liu is just an another level on this polonaise. Her touch is soft but powerful, deep but bright. I’d enjoy Bruce’s one too, but felt too rushing.

It's so beautiful it hurts.

She sings with her heart, so sincere. Her playing is not made up. I was pleasantly surprised with her nocturne especially the beginning. I dare to say and to wish that she's going to go far with her talent.

My God, she's sent from heaven. How can she produce that sound. Hypnotic. Rapturous.

2:25 when she layers two melodies so clearly, I am captivated. And she's not rushing, unlike others.

watching again after watching the last of the 2021 prelims, frankly, this is just such a class above. what a breath-taking performance, some brilliant passages, and the yamaha piano is so clear

Never heard anyone play this so perfect … wow … uncle Frederic would be so proud

This girl TRULY has that "Chopin insight" which is sorely lacked by even greatest pianists, not to mention by many competitors in this event. She does not just play notes here; she FATHOMS the meaning, the feeling behind Chopin pieces.

To this day, this is the best rendition of this piece I have ever heard. The subtleties, the intonation, the pace, the softness, the inner channeling, the command. All facets are genuine and perfect. I've heard this piece played by most other current piano greats and STILL, this version is best. She will go very far in her career. She has "it".

This 15 minutes was the best moment for today

this may be the most beautiful thing i've heard in my life -- her fingers are floating across the keys ...

I think she is channeling Chopin's spirit. She is absolutely amazing. She seems like she's in a trance and the music is just flowing through her.

This is such a marvelous and brilliant performance. Brought tears into my eyes. I'm listening to this polonaise for the first time ever and I can't even express how shocked I am. My mind is spinning and perhaps it's because I'm ill but this performance is beautiful in so many ways.

Kate Liu has an enormous talent and her playing is indescribably beautiful! This Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante, I never heard it better, not even from the greatest pianists! It has everything in immense quantity: force, poetry, clearness and her technical skills are of a stupendous perfectness. I'm completely speechless.

Thank you God for giving us Kate Liu.

The dissonance that creeps in right around 1:52 is possibly my favorite moment in all of Chopin’s works. A little taste of what’s to come. A cold spirit about to collide with the beauty of the theme. It’s just incredible.

Chopin is such a master at creating beautiful, relaxing and peaceful melodies that Kate amazingly brings to life, she really lets the sound flow out and it is just wonderful. Wow

Simply amazing. I usually smile seeing comments like "the best performance ever" BUT listening to this I have to say that it is truly the best performance ever.

I never could imagine that someone can one day re-invent this piece ... but the miracle occured.

Perfection. I haven't heard such originality and distinction of craft since Zimerman burst onto the scene at age 19.

That ending is just mesmerizing o.O Apart from that, I like the way she plays every single note. I haven't felt like this for a long time. Makes me sad because I stopped following my dreams as a classical pianist, but I am happy knowing that she made me feel motivated to play more and to embrace life as it is, full of wonderful people like her that inspire us to move on and create a better version of ourselves. Thank you for your wonderful performance Kate Liu.

The section 10:00-10:30 will always be my favorite part. Whenever I listen to Kate's playing on that part, I associate the sound to nostalgia and melancholy. I feel like I'm taken back to my happy days but reality is reminding me that those are the old days that I can't go back anymore. Whenever I listen to other pianists, I always anticipate how are they gonna play it and Kate's playing on this part would always take me back here at this video.

Masterful performance! Just wonderful in every way.

This is my favorite music of Chopin, especially the “Andante Spianato”, as if from heaven, incredibly beautiful, pearl-like rounded clear tone, she played Chopin true spirit!!

Good thing this was her final piece for this stage. Can you imagine hearing that and NOT applauding?

One of my favourites to win.

never gets old- Kate, it's so incredibly beautiful.

Chopin to najpiękniejsza spuścizna dla ludzkości.

주로 키신이나 짐머만 버전을 들어왔는데, 케이트의 스타일은 완전히 다르네요. 더 감미롭고 부드러운 느낌이라 아예 다른 곡을 듣는듯해요,, 너무 좋아서 하루에도 몇번씩 듣게되요

The way she plays the middle part of the Spianato is just amazing. The sweet, calming sound she is able to produce, I give her my total respect :)

extraordinary charisma and most beautiful pianist hands ever! :)

어떻게 피아노에서 구슬 굴러가는 소리가 들릴까 어쩜 이렇게 맑고 예쁘게 연주할까 너무 좋다 진짜로ㅠㅠㅠ

Unsurpassable clarity, delicacy and voice control.

She sounds like an angel. I can't stop listening.

The soft touch, the ability to make that piano so human in nature and sounds, this is where Kate is amazing. Soft and powerful - Steel wrapped in silk.

liu는 몽환적이며 감성 증폭기 같은 연주를 한다. 꿈 많은 소녀의 감성

Kate’s playing is just wonderful. Her phrasing is superb, which is from her understanding of Chopin.

I cannot stop listening to this piece of Kate’s beautiful Chopin even it passed 2 years from this competition. I cannot find better andante spianato. She makes me feel comfortable and passion at the same time through listening to this. She is the best pianist ever in my whole life.

It's now 2021. WHERE is this truly superb pianist now? She should be world-famous.

I think this is most hypnotized beautiful andante spinato I’ve ever listened.

This is truly a world class performance! She really makes the piano sing. You can tell from her hands and fingers, so similar to those of some other world class pianists. They are built to conquer.

This is the best Chopin performance I've ever seen. She is an angel.

Father, give us this day our daily bread, and Chopin's music performed by Kate Liu.

피아노의 '시인'이라는 쇼팽의 칭호는 어쩌면 케이트리우에게 가장 잘 어울릴지도 모른다.정말 위대한 피아니스트다

Most beautiful hands I’ve ever seen

彼女の選んだ曲目は全て、そのジャンルの最高難度。 このコンクールに全てを賭けてきたという思いが音に表れている。 ペダルを多用せず、クリアな音を繰り広げていて、聴き心地がいい。 最高の腕を持っているソリストだと思う。 日本人に長らくこういう女性が現れてないのが残念でならない。

I personally think that Kate plays the best Chopin polonaise op 22 ever, just so perfect, beautiful and amazing control!

❤️❤️❤️ Am I the only one who can hear Katie’s voice in 3:10-3:20 ? She is singing together with righ hand part very delicately…..! (Headphones) Unbealivable performance !

Her touch and voice control are incredible.

Close the eyes on the girl , forget the modern recording quality of today , and just get her tone ................... this is marvelous . There are very , very little pianists with this quality of softness , phrasing and flavour . Perhaps Von Sauer , Lhevinne , sometimes Friedman , and the very late Horowitz . Welcome in piano history , Mrs. Liu .

Miss Liu is a genius, or an angel, avatar, or who knows what she is. But i beg humanity to give her all the space and support to express her divine nature.

As I am pushing the age of 70, I am constantly amazed at the volume of material that these youngsters are able to memorize. It was easier in my teens, but it is virtually impossible now. I am blown away by Kate's performance.

my blood chilled at listening to this performance. IMHO, this is the best performance of this piece in this competition.

My favorite pianist of the recent Chopin competitions ❤ I hope I get to see someone that even gets close to her level of grace and touch.

Kate with the Golden Hands. I just can not get enough of her playing this piece. Chopin himself should have heard this...

Her touches are so soft and delicate... I am closing my eyes while listening to this, and it makes me feel as if I am in a vast, peaceful spring field in the quiet mountains.

Since I heard Kate Liu for the first time some days ago, I couldn't stop listening to her. She is amazing!

A most gifted young woman with tremendous talent. Kate has the technique that allows her to challenge the most difficult passages with ease producing wonderful artistry. She has a bright future!

Grande pianista grande sensibilita', grande interprete di Chopin! Suona la sua musica con delicatezza econ forza come lui la suonerebbe . Un talento eccezzionale che è gia' tra i grandi pianisti classici. E poi elegante, bella, con classe.

9:59 perfection (beginning of a miracle) 10:17 the miracle. Kate, I don't know if you hear me or not, but believe me, and I am very serious, these some bars by you will stay in history. You made at these very seconds a constellation between Lhevinne, Friedman and Lipatti. Who, who on earth is able to such a miracle ? Tell me, please ....

How could someone have ever written such a piece o music? This is absolutely incredible, gives me so much hope in the humankind

Still not over at how brilliant this performance is. Kate is a revelation.

I have listened to Kate playing this more than 20 times in recent days I think, I can not stop it...

I am polish and not proud of Chopin. I am proud of beauty. Chopin as God touch and Kate as touch of him. She touch my soul so deeply !!

Best chopin piece, Best pianist!

I am totally speechless. Have heard this played many many times over my lifetime and never heard such a beautiful rendition. The piano is crystal clear and sh has made the right choice . Wonder how she would have faired if she had played the FAZIOLI concert grand ???????

your playing is perfection.

I'm absolutely enthralled by her playing. I can't count the number of times that I've stayed up way too late in the evening listening to her. She is just brilliant on so many levels.

Another winner for Curtis institute. Insane precision and beauty all in one.

Kate’s performance sets the benchmark! I listen to some of the most famous pianists in the world play this piece - and come back to Kate’s magical rendition, time and time again!

Does anybody else not tear up when they hear this?

One of Chopins most sublime pieces. It moves your soul, like waves in an ocean. And this performance always gets my heart soaring, amazing

언제 들어도 편안하고 부드러워요 흘러가는 구름처럼 ~튜티부분 격정적이지만 과하지않은 내면적 표현 어쩌면 저런 연주 가능 할까요?

She is so magnificent playing this. I could listen to it over and over.

I can't stop listening this gorgeous performance....

女の子でこの迫力！！すごいです！Amazing！！❤ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

I obviously respect experienced musicians, as well as competition juries, who track down the slightest infidelity to the score; but, for my part, I am above all looking for emotion, which the ''live'', in classical music, almost always brings, and so I really need the personal touch of the interpreter, his mood of the day, of his personal emotion, especially when it comes to personalities as strong as Kate, whose playing is obviously ''mannered'', but never distorts the work of Chopin. Clearly, I prefer there to be a few discreet differences (sometimes voluntary), rather than having to deal with an ultra-slick and smooth disc, or the perfect execution of a score by a robot? In this respect, I find the present interpretation of the Andante Spianato by Kate Liu incomparable.

The Grande Polonaise Brillante op 22's reference, so much musicality in so much technique

9:51 thirty seconds of supreme delicacy .............. and in front of one thousand persons and a jury , this is an incredible victory , much more dangerous and fragile than any mechanical virtuosity of the "First Price" .... .... But this is Mrs. Liu , ... the Princess