Yundi
Yundi Li | |
---|---|
李云迪 | |
![]() Yundi in 2019 | |
Born | |
Alma mater |
|
Occupation | Pianist |
Years active | 1994–present |
Awards | First Prize at 14th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition (2000) |
Honours | ![]() ![]() |
Musical career | |
Genres | Classical |
Instrument | Piano |
Labels | |
Website | www |
Yundi Li (simplified Chinese: 李云迪; traditional Chinese: 李雲迪; pinyin: Lǐ Yúndí; born 7 October 1982), also known mononymously as Yundi (stylized as YUNDI), is a Chinese classical concert pianist. Yundi is especially known for his interpretation of Chopin, Liszt and Prokofiev. He is also referred as a Master in Chopin and considered one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of Chopin.
Yundi rose to fame for being the youngest pianist, at the age of eighteen, to win first prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. In 2015, he also served as the competition’s youngest-ever juror. In recognition to his contribution to Chopin pieces, the Polish government awarded Yundi with the world's first Chopin passport (Chopinowskie paszporty). Yundi is also the first Chinese recipient of both Silver (2010) and Gold (2019) Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis issued by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Polish government, in regards to his contribution to both music and Polish culture.
Yundi has promoted Chinese national music worldwide, as well as the development of classical music in China, both by his influence and philanthropy. He has inspired many to learn piano.
Early life and education
Yundi Li was born in Chongqing, Sichuan, China on 7 October 1982.[1][2] Both his father, Li Chuan (李川), and his mother, Zhang Xiaolu (张小鲁), worked for the Chongqing Iron and Steel Company.[3][4] Although his family was not musically-inclined, he began a formal music education at a very young age. At age three, he was so enchanted by an accordion performance at a shopping mall that he refused to leave.[5] His parents subsequently bought him an accordion; he studied with Tan Jianmin, a local music teacher, he learned the instrument so quickly that he won the top prize at the Chongiqing Children's Accordion Competition in March 1987.[6]
Yundi began studying piano with Wu Yong at the age of seven. Two years later, Wu introduced him to Dan Zhaoyi, a well-known piano teacher, with whom he would study for nine years.[7][8] In 1994, Yundi enrolled at the Shenzhen Arts School to join Dan, who had recently taken up a position there, with whom he studied for the next six years.[9] Yundi attracted interest from renowned schools of music, including the Eastman School of Music and Juilliard School,[10] and was invited to study at the latter by Jerome Lowenthal.[11] Later, he studied under Arie Vardi at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover in Hannover, Germany, from 2001 to 2006.[12]
Career
Signing with Deutsche Grammophon
Yundi has gained international recognition since his victory in 2000 XIV International Chopin Piano Competition, as he became the first competitor to be awarded the First Prize in 15 years since Stanislav Bunin won it in 1985,[13] as well as the youngest and first Chinese first-prize winner.[14] Since then, he has collaborated with leading orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra,[15] the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester, Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra.[16]
In 2001, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist signed by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) for which he exclusively recorded until November 2008. On the DG label he released his first album Yundi Li: Chopin released on its label. The CD was first released in Japan and warmly welcomed.[17] In their review of the album, the Gramophone magazine stated that "[…] his unequivocal triumph is faithfully mirrored on his DG début album in performance after performance. Everything is naturally and enviably proportioned (a rare but necessary attribute in the everelusive Chopin)‚ everything fuelled alike by a style and poise way beyond his teenage years […]”[18]
Yundi made his Carnegie Hall debut to great acclaim in June 2003, performing in a concert celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Steinway & Sons. Bernard Holland of The New York Times wrote that: "Yundi Li, a young but seasoned competition gladiator, played Chopin and Liszt with a promising mix of elegance and impetuosity."[1][19] His United States orchestral debut took place the next month, when he played Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Philadelphia Orchestra.[20] He was also honoured at a special reception at the home of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, where he performed for various officials of the US State Department.[21]
Deutsche Grammophon released Yundi's second recording, of Liszt, in August 2003, which was named among the "Best Classical CD's of the Year" by The New York Times.[22] This album also won the German Echo Klassik Solo Recording of the Year Solistische Einspielung des Jahres, the Chinese Gold Record Award, and nominated Edison Award's Instrumental Soloist (Instrumentale Solorecitals).[23][24] Of this recording, Harris Goldsmith of Musical America wrote that it "[...] includes perhaps the finest account of the B-minor Sonata I have ever heard— [it] is, if anything, light years ahead in patrician elegance: exquisite artistry from one of the greatest talents to surface in years—nay, decades."[25] His third recording Chopin: Scherzi/Impromptus, comprising Chopin's four scherzi and three impromptus, was released in late 2004. Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times praised this recording for Yundi's "white-hot virtuosity" and "uncanny clarity".[26] Also in 20014, he gave a recital in the Musikverein, Vienna, performing works by Mozart, Scarlatti, Schumann, and Liszt.[27]
Yundi completed his North American debut recital tour in April 2004 which included sold-out performances in Boston, Vancouver, San Francisco and New York.[28] He made his New York recital debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on April 24, 2004, performing Chopin scherzos and the Liszt sonata among other pieces. Reviewing this recital, Allan Kozinn of the New York Times wrote: "Mr. Li deals in a more poetic, deeply considered pianism, delivered without extraneous gestures and body language. One thing Mr. Li showed was that thoughtful interpretation can be every bit as virtuosic and exciting as the showier variety."[29] In May of the same year, Yundi had concerts in Warsaw National Museum, representing cultural exchange between China and Poland.[30]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Yundi_Li_2005.jpg/220px-Yundi_Li_2005.jpg)
In 2005, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist to appear on the cover of Wall Street Journal and the Aera magazine.[31][32] He obtained Hong Kong residency in November 2006 and was among the first group of successful applicants under the recently-announced Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.[33]
In 2007, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist to record live with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Seiji Ozawa. Deutsche Grammophon released Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, which garnered positive reviews; it was named Editor’s Choice by Gramophone magazine,[15] and praised by The New York Times as one of the best classical CDs of the year.[34][1] Bryce Morrison of Gramophone reviewed the album: "[...] Indeed, his performance of the Prokofiev, in its prodigious, unflagging power and brilliance, far surpasses any other in the catalogue".[35]
Yundi is the subject of a 2008 feature-length documentary, The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi, directed by Barbara Willis Sweete. This documentary "captures the poetic intensity of this young virtuoso as he works with the great Maestro Seiji Ozawa to prepare for his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra"[36] In 2008, he became the first Chinese pianist to have a wax sculpture by Madame Tussauds.[37] Also in 2008, he appeared as a Pennington Great Performers series artist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.[38]
Signing with EMI Classics
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/The_Memory_Recital_of_Chopin%27s_Birth_200th_Anniversary_Concert%2C_Chopin_Year_%28Chopin_and_his_Europe%29_2010.png/220px-The_Memory_Recital_of_Chopin%27s_Birth_200th_Anniversary_Concert%2C_Chopin_Year_%28Chopin_and_his_Europe%29_2010.png)
In January 2010, Yundi signed an exclusive recording contract with EMI Classics with plans to record Chopin's complete works for solo piano.[39]
In March 2010, Yundi was invited by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute to perform at The Memory Recital of Chopin's Birth 200th Anniversary Concert, in celebration of Fryderyk Chopin's 200th Birthday at Chopin Year.[40][41][42]
Yundi performed a solo recital at the Royal Festival Hall in London on March 16, 2010. He played a repertoire of Chopin pieces in a sold-out concert.[43]
Signing with Deutsche Grammophon again
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Yundi.jpg/220px-Yundi.jpg)
In May 2012, Yundi officially signed with Universal Music Group and collaborated with Deutsche Grammophon once again.[44] Deutsche Grammophon released his recording of Beethoven Sonatas in late 2012.[44] This recording was chosen as one of Classic FM's "Album of the Year 2013" and attained Platinum status in China.[45] Yundi then released recordings of Schumann Fantasie, The Art of Yundi, Chopin prelude, and Chopin ballades, berceuse and mazurkas.[46]
Yundi launched his "Piano Dream" national tour in his hometown Chongqing on August 19, 2013, and brought his music to 30 cities in the next 80 days. Most of those cities were second or third-tier.[47] In response to questions from the media and the public, Yundi remarked that it was not degrading for him to perform in second and third-tier cities and he didn't mind the less ideal conditions of some concert halls; he simply wanted to provide more people with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of classical music.[48]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Yundi_at_204th_anniversary_concert_of_Fryderyk_Chopin%27s_birth%2C_with_First_Lady_Anna_Komorowska.webp/220px-Yundi_at_204th_anniversary_concert_of_Fryderyk_Chopin%27s_birth%2C_with_First_Lady_Anna_Komorowska.webp.png)
On 1 March 2014, Yundi performed a piano recital at the Poland's National Philharmonic, celebrating the 204th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. Anna Komorowska, then First Lady of Poland, listened to the concert.[49]
In July 2015 and as featured guest soloist, Yundi embarked on a nine-concert tour with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States led by celebrated conductor Charles Dutoit. Comprising mainly the orchestra’s debut performances in Asia, the tour started at Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center and ended in Hong Kong. Carnegie Hall was the second stop. The other six concerts were given in Mainland China.[50]
On 30 October of the same year, while performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Korea, Yundi suffered a memory lapse.[51] He subsequently performed the piece smoothly again with conductor David Robertson and the orchestra.[52] Later, Yundi apologised for his mistake on his weibo, and explained it happened because of travel fatigue.[53] Critics stated the overall performance as “The famed Chinese pianist's slip up steals the show, but his Chopin is still stellar”, commented the mistake as “that’s the nature of live music, and perfection is boring” and considered the remedy “[…]But it gave me even greater admiration, on many levels, for everyone involved[…]In the temple to the arts, I was witnessing a moment of pure civility, decency and camaraderie, and was given a reminder that the gods are, in fact, human, and all the more heroic for that.”[52]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Yundi_Li_2016.06.29_ShenZhen.jpg/220px-Yundi_Li_2016.06.29_ShenZhen.jpg)
In 2016, Yundi went on a Chopin world tour, which includes Germany, Russia and the United States.[54] In March, he performed an all-Chopin program in Carnegie Hall, with an encore Ren Guang’s Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon. Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim of the New York Times commented "[…]he showed off a graduated array of colors and moods, including moments of understated simplicity and tenderness light-years removed from his high-decibel image.[…]".[55] On April 21 of the same year, he performed in the National Concert Hall of Dublin.[54]
In May 2017, Yundi attended the opening ceremony of the Yundi Art Museum, located in the Chongqing Huangjueping Piano Museum. It displays several pianos from different stages of Yundi's career, including his first piano, as well as a collection of his awards, albums and photographs, and a high-tech experience pavilion.[56]
From August 29 to September 5 in 2017, Yundi led the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra on a five-city concert tour in China, performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2 as both the pianist and the conductor. It was Yundi's first time picking up the baton.[57] This tour was the first of a series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of Poland's regained independence.[58]
In November 2017, Yundi went on tour playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K 488 with Staatskapelle Dresden in Germany and China.[59] On November 3, Yundi performed at a live concert at Beijing National Aquatics Center celebrating the 2017 League of Legends World Championship.[60]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Yundi_conducting_in_2018_%28cropped%29.jpg/300px-Yundi_conducting_in_2018_%28cropped%29.jpg)
In 2018, Yundi had a successful debut in Australia and New Zealand. In a series of sold-out concerts, Yundi performed with local orchestras Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 both as a soloist and a conductor.[61][62]
Signing with Warner Classics
In December 2019, Yundi signed with Warner Classics.[63] He soon released a new album on its label, Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, in January 2020. In this recording, he not only played the piano, but also conducted the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra from the piano bench.[64] This album was chosen by Donald Vroon of the American Record Guide as one of the "Best of 2020".[65] The International Piano Magazine reviewed this recording, "This is aristocratic Chopin, unfailing in its clarity, elegance and unforced eloquence. Nothing is over-played, everything is expressed. Yundi Li ranks among the finest, his reading of the F minor Concerto’s central love song hauntingly inward looking. The Warsaw Philharmonic offer stout support, and sound and balance are exemplary."[66]
2023-present: YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1 Comeback Tour
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Yundi_at_Musikverein%2C_2024.jpg/220px-Yundi_at_Musikverein%2C_2024.jpg)
Yundi embarked on his comeback tour, 2023 Australia Coming Back Tour: YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1 in 2023, two years after he was blacklisted in China for alleged solicitation of prostitutes.[67] At his performance in Adelaide, Yundi performed Chopin’s Nocturne In E Flat Major as an encore.[67] Yundi’s coming back tour was regarded as excellent and successful. [68]
In the midst of 2024 March-to-May, Yundi has embarked on a European Tour of YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1, visiting cities historically connected with Mozart, which includes Vienna, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Berlin.[69][70][71][72] In align with the tour, he has released his latest album, Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg.[73][74][75][76]
Repertoire, technique and performance style
Regarded by many as a Master in Chopin and one of the finest interpreters of Chopin,[77][78][79][80][81] Yundi is especially known for his interpretations of Chopin, Liszt and Prokofiev.[19][82][83][84] His other repertoires, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel and Schumann, have also received acclaim.
Chopin
Yundi's versions of Chopin are referred "artistically serious, poetic, romantic, light-touch, harmonious, and uplifting",[86] as well as "authentic and impeccable".[78] The Telegraph praised his performance as "beautifully polished and unfailingly elegant",[87] while BBC Music Magazine noted that his “technically precise considered" approach to the music was heightened with "virtuosic flair".[88]
Yundi's technique in Chopin's pieces is described as "He has all that’s needed in poetry and sensitivity. His touch is perfect—never heavy, as Biret can be—and yet there is joy, zest, technical aplomb, healthy drama, and unerring tempos and rhythms."[89] and "Every passage is woven so smoothly and naturally that not even a grain of sound is felt, and this, combined with Chopin's pale romanticism, heightens the listener's sense of immersion."[78]
Liszt
Yundi's interpretations of Liszt are described "dazzling, daredevil renderings, sheer, heart-stopping beauty".[22] His versions are believed to have "a smooth playing, with its flowing, impassioned rhythms, and full, rich tone, is a complete and dynamic interpretation of the score, without loss of style or form".[83]
Beethoven
Jed Distler of Gramophone reviewed Yundi's ‘Moonlight’ Sonata "There’s more swing and edge to the Allegretto than I gave him credit for, while the unflappable security behind the finale’s sheen and sparkle does not preclude nervous energy. Yundi’s Moonlight may not be the deepest in the catalogue but it wears well over repeated hearings and will not steer collectors wrong."[90]
Mozart and Ravel
Yundi's Mozart interpretations are described "very graceful, extremely delicate and charming, refined and aristocratic".[91] His versions of Ravel are regarded "a tart, exuberant and (in the Adagio assai) dreamy account of the Ravel concerto."[92]
Schumann and Prokofiev
Yundi's interpretations of Schumann are "tempered by good taste and that rare ability to hit upon just the right tempos" and "brought a wider range of dynamics and dramatic characterization to the music".[93] Yundi "excels in Prokofiev’s volatile, technically daunting Piano Concerto No. 2." and "plays with expansive lyricism, surging power and, when called for, incisive attack."[92]
Achievements
Competitions
Yundi has received top awards at various competitions. He won the Children's Piano Competition in Beijing in 1994.[6] In 1995, he was awarded third place at the Stravinsky International Youth Competition.[13][94] In 1996, he won the third prize in the tenth Hong Kong - Asia Piano Open Competition.[94] In 1998, he was awarded the third place at the 1998 Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (Junior Division).[94] The next year, he took third prize at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition of Utrecht, as well as being a first-prize winner in the China International Piano Competition.[94] In 1999, he won first place at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition.[94][95][96]
In October 2000, selected by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China to represent the country, Yundi participated in the XIV International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Yundi was the first competitor to be awarded the First Prize (the gold medal) in 15 years since Stanislav Bunin won it in 1985.[13] At 18 years of age, Yundi was the youngest and the first Chinese first prize winner in the competition's history.[14] Yundi was also given a Special Prize for the "Best Performance of a Polonaise" by the Chopin Society.[6][97]
Awards and Honours
In 2003, Yundi’s release album "Liszt" received the German Echo Klassik Solo Recording of the Year Solistische Einspielung des Jahres and China Gold Record Awards,[98] additionally named an “Best CD of the Year” by The New York Times.[82][99][22] "Liszt" was also nominated Edison Award's Instrumental Soloist (Instrumentale Solorecitals) in 2004.[24]
In 2005, Yundi won “Best New Classical Artist” of XM Satellite Radio's First Annual XM Nation Music Awards.[100]
In 2006, Yundi won the Nord/LB Artist Award.[101]
In May 2010, in recognition of his contribution to music, the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage presented Yundi with a Silver Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis.[102][103]
The same year, in recognition to his contribution to Chopin pieces, the Polish government presented Yundi with the world's first Chopin passport (Chopinowskie paszporty).[104][105][106]
In 2015, at the age of 33, Yundi served as the juror of XVII International Chopin Piano Competition, making him the youngest-ever juror of International Chopin Piano Competition .[107][108]
In October 2019, Yundi was awarded a Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis by the Polish government, in recognition to his contribution to Polish culture.[102][109]
In 2022, Yundi was selected as the Honorary Board of Summa Cum Laude Festival.[110][111]
Impact
I'm inspiring a new generation who are hungry to learn music. I think that's my responsibility and it's my dream.
—Yundi during his interview with Irish Independent, 2016[54]
Yundi is a notable example of China’s piano art development in the multifaceted development of the pianist's personality.[77]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Yundi%27s_Monument_at_Shenzhen_Arts_School.jpg/220px-Yundi%27s_Monument_at_Shenzhen_Arts_School.jpg)
Additionally, Yundi has promoted the development of classical music in China.[112] Since 2008, Yundi is sponsored by Rolex, only under the condition that they subsidise music teaching in rural China.[113] Yundi is the role model to millions of young musicians in his home country,[112] and has inspired many to learn piano.[54][114] He has also given masterclasses at the Royal College of Music, University of Cambridge and Qinghua University.[16]
Yundi has promoted Chinese traditional music worldwide. He recorded traditional Chinese folk melodies but also world-premiere songs, aiming to promote Chinese keyboard music.[112]
Discography
Yundi’s discography contains 16 studio albums. He has also made five contributions to compilation albums with Deutsche Grammophon not under his name and featured in three video items, his 2005 and 2010 concert, as well as his documentary The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi.
Yundi signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon in 2001 and released his first album Chopin in early 2002, which contains the works of Chopin. In 2003, the year of Yundi's Carnegie Hall debut, Deutsche Grammophon released his second album Liszt, an all-Liszt CD. It was given the title "Best CD of the Year" by The New York Times, which also referred to his 2008 release of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major as one of the best classical CDs of the year. Yundi continued to record for Deutsche Grammophon until October 2008, releasing a total of 6 studio albums with the label.
In 2010, Yundi began to record with EMI Classics, with whom he signed an exclusive recording contract to record Chopin’s complete solo piano works. His first EMI release, Chopin: Nocturnes, was released in March 2010. He subsequently released Live In Beijing and Red Piano, releasing a total of 3 studio albums with the label.
In May 2012, Yundi officially signed with Universal Music Group and cooperated with Deutsche Grammophon once again. He then released recordings of Beethoven, The art of YUNDI, Emperor Fantasy, Chopin Preludes and Chopin Ballades Berceuse Mazurkas, a total of five studio albums.
In December 2019, Yundi signed with Warner Classics. He soon released a new album on its label, Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, in January 2020. In this recording, he not only played the piano, but also conducted the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra from the piano bench. Yundi released his latest album Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg on 5 April 2024, with Warner Classics.
Yundi has achieved considerable commercial and critical success. His albums have ranked on Billboard charts, including the Top Classical Albums.
Personal life
Yundi owns a cat named Musigny.[115] His hobbies are listening to Verdi accompanied by good red wine, and drinking tea while listening to jazz.[113] His role-model is Chopin.[116]
Foodie
“In fact, food can also bring out the feeling of music. For example, in French composer Ravel's classic piece Jeux d'eau, the last line is just like the disappearance of champagne bubbles.”
—Yundi in a 2016 interview[117]
Yundi enjoys cuisine across the globe, as he believes that music styles of places can be found from food.[117] He particularly likes crabs.[118] He is also good at cooking, especially Sichuan cuisine twice-cooked pork.[117]
Philanthropy
In 2001, Yundi donated a portion of the sales revenue of his first CD “Yundi Li: Chopin” to United Nations Children's Fund, aiming to benefit children living in China’s economically disadvantaged areas.[17]
Soon after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, Yundi cancelled his European concerts[119] to perform in a fundraising concert in Beijing, along with several other famous musicians of Sichuan origin. Funds raised at the concert were donated to helping rebuild schools in Wenchuan County and providing mental healing services for children affected by the earthquake.[120] On November 29, 2008, right before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Yundi headlined a charity concert held in the Bird’s Nest Stadium to support people disabled by the earthquake.[121]
On January 11, 2011, before a charity piano recital in Beijing, Yundi told reporters that "Charity is just like music which comes from deep inside my heart. I can express my love for society and my country through my fingers, just like Chopin did." This recital was for the individuals and companies that had contributed to the efforts of the Red Cross Society of China in 2010. During the recital, Yundi was honored as the Music Ambassador of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation.[122]
Joining forces with I DO Fund of China Charity Federation [123] in 2016, Yundi helped build the first music classroom and library for Puma Jiangtang Elementary School, the school with the highest altitude (5373 meters) in Tibet. The music classroom was named after Yundi. At the opening ceremony on September 1, also the first day of the new school year, Yundi taught the Tibetan children to play the piano hoping to help them open the door to music exploration.[124][125]
Arrest for alleged solicitation of prostitutes
On 21 October 2021, after a tip-off by public informants referred to as the Chaoyang masses,[126] Yundi was detained by Beijing police for allegedly hiring a prostitute. Under Chinese law, Yundi could be detained for up to 15 days and fined up to 5000 yuan ($782) for illegally soliciting a sex worker. The Chinese Musicians' Association subsequently declared that it would revoke Yundi's membership.[127] Jerome A. Cohen, a New York University law professor specializing in the Chinese law, called the "lack of transparency" about his case "concerning", noting that prostitution is a "time-honored Communist Party claim against political opponents".[128] According to The Guardian, there has thus far been no evidence that indicates the detention is politically motivated.[129]
On 16 March 2022, the United States Department of Justice released a document[130][131] that includes a detail suggesting "the derogatory information regarding the Pianist may have been manufactured". Multiple news sources[132][133] reported that "the Pianist" is an apparent reference to Yundi.
References
- ^ a b c Cummings, Robert. "Yundi Li". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ Lee, Alan (18 January 2001). "Champion pianist inspires students at exchange forum". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 5 May 2024. (subscription required)
- ^ "李云迪的铁腕母亲张小鲁:"家长的毅力就是孩子的动力。"" [Zhang Xiaolu, Li Yundi’s iron-fisted mother: “The perseverance of parents is the motivation of their children.”] (in Chinese). Sohu. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ Chan, Vivien Pik-Kwan (21 October 2000). "Shenzhen pianist shows forte". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. p. 5.
- ^ Bargreen, Melinda (10 April 2005). "Piano prodigy loves what he is doing, as his brilliance attests". Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Kishinami, Yukiko (3 May 2001). "Piano prodigy restores luster to Chopin competition". Daily Yomiuri. p. 1.
- ^ Eatock, Colin (13 February 2008). "Pianist as pop star. Is Yundi Li better than Lang Lang? He says he doesn't care". Globe and Mail. Canada. p. R1. Archived from the original on 1 August 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
- ^ "Artistic Director". CSIPCC Organizing Committee Office. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "特写:"钢琴神童"李云迪震惊世界的背后" [Close-up: Behind the scenes of "piano prodigy" Yundi Li who shocked the world]. 新浪网 (in Chinese). 生活时报. 12 February 2001. Archived from the original on 23 February 2001.
- ^ "Piano Prodigy To Visit". The Oklahoman. 28 June 1999. Archived from the original on 2 April 2024.
- ^ 但昭义钢琴艺术人生 [Dan Zhaoyi's Life for the Art of Piano] (in Chinese). 上海音乐出版社. 1 November 2011. p. 153. ISBN 9787807518730.
- ^ "Arie Vardi: An artist's only competition is against himself". Shenzhen Daily. 3 November 2011. Archived from the original on 27 July 2012.
- ^ a b c "Teen's Golden Note". CNN. AsianWeek. 3 November 2000. Archived from the original on 31 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Winner of Chopin Competition 2000: Yundi Li - first time in California". Polish Music Center. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ a b "EditorsChoice: Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 2, Op 16 Ravel Piano Concerto". Gramophone. May 2008. Archived from the original on 25 January 2010.
- ^ a b "Yundi Biography". Deutsche Grammophon. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Prize Winning Pianist Releases CD". China.org.cn. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Chopin Piano Works". Gramophone. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ a b "MUSIC REVIEW; A Tribute Not to Artists But to the Piano They Play". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
- ^ "Li Yundi". Washington, D.C.: The Kennedy Center. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "美国名流感受中国"钢琴王子"李云迪风采" [American gentry experience the style of China's "Piano Prince" Li Yundi] (in Chinese). 中国新闻网. 20 July 2003. Archived from the original on 1 August 2003.
- ^ a b c Allan Kozinn (21 December 2003). "The Best Classical CD's of 2003; Liszt: Piano Sonata In B Minor; Other Works". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 November 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "My first choice is Steinway". Steinway & Sons. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ a b "Nominaties Edison Classical Music Awards 2004". OpusKlassiek (in Dutch). 24 March 2004. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016.
- ^ "Young Artists: The Thrill of Discovery". MusicalAmerica. Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ Tommasini, Anthony (16 January 2005). "Classical Music: Classical Recordings". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ 赵蕾 (13 January 2004). "首次安排完整世界巡演计划 李云迪:从上海启程" [Arranging a complete world tour plan for the first time, Yundi Li: Starting from Shanghai] (in Chinese). 中國新聞網. Archived from the original on 17 January 2004.
- ^ "Li Yundi". The Kennedy Center. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "Music Review; Pianism at the Poetic End, Not the Physical". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ "Wizyta oficjalna Przewodniczącego Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej z Małżonką - oficjalny obiad" [Official visit of the Chairman of the People's Republic of China with his wife - official dinner] (in Polish). Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. 8 June 2004.
- ^ Santini, Laura. "A Classical Movement In China Gives Pianist Rock-Star Status". WSJ. The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ "Yundi". Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024.
- ^ "Pianist Li Yundi becomes a Hong Kong resident". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. 16 January 2007. p. 2.
- ^ "Pianist Yundi". medici.tv. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ Bryce Morrison (May 2008). "Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 2; Ravel Piano Concerto". Gramophone. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016.
- ^ "The Young Romantic - A Portrait of Yundi". Presto Classical. Archived from the original on 9 January 2017.
- ^ "李云迪蜡像揭幕 中国钢琴家进驻"杜莎夫人" [Li Yundi wax figure unveiled, Chinese pianist stationed at Madame Tussauds]. sohu. 26 April 2008. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ "Superstar Pianist Shares Stage With Baton Rouge Symphony". 225 Magazine. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "EMI Classics Signs Chinese Pianist Yundi". LSM Newswire. 22 March 2010. Archived from the original on 31 July 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
- ^ "Galowy koncert symfoniczny z okazji 200. rocznicy urodzin Fryderyka Chopina" [Gala symphonic concert on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth] (in Polish). Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. 1 March 2010.
- ^ "Poland Sales Manual Chopin Year 2010" (PDF). Poland Travel (EN) PROD. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2015.
- ^ MICHAEL MORAN (4 March 2010). "Fryderyk Chopin's 200th Birthday". Classical Music in Poland and the Europe of Chopin - From the Reviewer's Notebook. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ "Review: Piano Maestro Li Yundi, Royal Festival Hall". The London Insider. 16 March 2010. Archived from the original on 27 March 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
- ^ a b "Pianist Yundi is back with Deutsche Grammophon" Archived 9 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Gramophone, May 4, 2012
- ^ "Yundi Returns with New Album". MusicalAmerica. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "Yundi Discography" Archived 6 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine, Deutsche Grammophon
- ^ "Li Yundi launches national tour in Chongqing". China.org.cn. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Li Yundi: It is not degrading to perform in second and third tier cities (in Chinese)". Sina.com.cn. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Pierwsza Dama na koncercie z okazji 204. rocznicy urodzin Fryderyka Chopina" [The First Lady at a concert celebrating the 204th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth] (in Polish). Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. 1 March 2014.
- ^ "NYO-USA China Tour 2015". Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ "李雲迪為演奏失誤致歉" [Yundi Li apologizes for performance mistake] (in Chinese). 澳門日報. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024.
- ^ a b Leta Keens (4 November 2015). "Yundi plays Chopin (Sydney Symphony Orchestra)". Limelight. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024.
- ^ "윤디, 한국공연 실수 "매우 죄송"…"여행 피로에 지쳐 실수"" [Yundi, "I'm very sorry" for mistakes in Korean performance... “A mistake due to travel fatigue”] (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. 2 November 2015. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d "The making of a genius, China-style". Irish Independent. 4 April 2016. Archived from the original on 12 June 2023.
- ^ Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim (24 March 2016). "Review: Yundi Plays Chopin at Carnegie Hall". New York Times. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016.
- ^ ""Li Yundi Art Museum opened"". Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
- ^ "Taking the baton". China Daily. Archived from the original on 6 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Yundi and Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra In-concert". EYESHENZHEN. Archived from the original on 6 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Dresden/ Semperoper: Alain Gilbert Und Yundi I 3. Symphoniekonzert Der Sächsischen Staatskapelle Dresden" [Dresden/Semperoper: Alan Gilbert and Yundi LI 3rd Symphony Concert of the Saxon Staatskapelle Dresden]. Online Merker (in German). Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
- ^ "Listen to your favorite League songs at League of Legends Live in Beijing". The Rift Herald. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
- ^ "Yundi Li Sonata World Tour Sydney". events.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Yundi Li in Concert". Classic Melbourne. 29 October 2018. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "News | YUNDI | Warner Classics". www.warnerclassics.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ "Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 | Warner Classics". www.warnerclassics.com. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ Critics' Choice: Best of 2020 Over 375 CDs Reviewed. American Record Guide. January–February 2021. p. 10.
- ^ "Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2". prestomusic. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b Lim Ruey Yan (31 October 2023). "Chinese pianist Li Yundi holds Australian comeback tour two years after getting blacklisted". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023.
- ^ "Chinese pianist Li Yundi made a successful comeback in Australia". Pizzicato & Remy Franck‘s Journal About Classical Music. 8 November 2023. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Gramophone". Gramophone (April 2024 Issue ed.). p. Inside Front Cover.
- ^ "Concerti". Concerti (in German) (March 2024 Issue ed.). p. 15.
- ^ "Yundi plays Mozart". Yundi Music (in German). Archived from the original on 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Rondo". Rondo Magazin (in German) (2024 Second Issue ed.). pp. 2, 12–13.
- ^ "Gramophone". Gramophone (April 2024 Issue ed.). p. Outside Back Cover.
- ^ "Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg". Warner Classics. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Entwicklung mit Mozart" [Development with Mozart]. Concerti (in German) (April 2024 Issue ed.). p. 25.
- ^ "Rondo". Rondo Magazin (in German) (2024 Second Issue ed.). pp. 12–13.
- ^ a b Fu, Xi; Cherevko, Kateryna; Pysmenna, Oksana (2021). "Performing skills of Li Yundi in the context of China's leading trends in the piano art development". Amazonia Investiga. 10 (46): 42–50. doi:10.34069/AI/2021.46.10.4.
- ^ a b c "ユンディ・リ(Yundi Li)&ワルシャワ・フィルハーモニー管弦楽団『ショパン:ピアノ協奏曲第1番&第2番』正統かつ非の打ち所がない表現力が見事" [Yundi Li & Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra “Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 & No. 2” Authentic and impeccable expressiveness is superb]. Mikiki (in Japanese). Intoxicate Magazine. February 2020. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024.
- ^ Jean Lacroix (23 February 2020). "Le Chopin jubilatoire de Yundi" [Yundi’s jubilant Chopin] (in French). Crescendo Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024.
- ^ Thomas Michelsen (1 April 2016). "To pianister beviser, at tangenter ikke bare er sorte og hvide" [Pianists prove that piano keys are not just black and white] (in Danish). Politiken. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024.
- ^ Overview : Chopin. American Record Guide. July–August 2011. pp. 52, 99.
- ^ a b "Echo Classic 2003". Polish Music Center. 26 October 2003. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ a b Thomas Michelsen (31 May 2006). "Fodretid for klaverløver" [Feeding time for piano lions] (in Danish). Politiken. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024.
- ^ Anthony Tommasini (12 July 2015). "Review: National Youth Orchestra Impresses With 'Symphonie Fantastique' at Carnegie Hall". New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 July 2015.
- ^ Axel Engels (14 July 2002). "Ein sensibler Künstler stellt sich vor" [A sensitive artist introduces himself]. Klassik magazine (in German). Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Alt URL
- ^ Guido Fischer (2004). "Chopin Als Lebenselixier" [Chopin as the elixir of life] (PDF) (in German). KlassikAkzente. p. 12.
- ^ Ivan Hewett (28 February 2020). "What's the best way to hear Chopin?". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020.
- ^ "BBC Music Magazine". BBC Music Magazine. June 2020. p. 92.
- ^ Overview: Chopin. American Record Guide. July–August 2011. pp. 55, 61.
- ^ Jed Distler (2 January 2024). "Beethoven's 'Moonlight' Sonata: a deep dive into the best recordings". Gramophone. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024.
- ^ Martin Neumann (18 November 2005). "Yundi Li - Vienna Recital" (in German). Rondo Magazine.
- ^ a b "Strings and Things: Classical's Best and Brightest". The New York Times. 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015.
- ^ Jed Distler. "YUNDI LI–VIENNA RECITAL". ClassicsToday. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "蕭邦國際鋼琴大賽金獎得主李雲迪來港獻技" [International Chopin Piano Competition gold medalist Li Yundi comes to Hong Kong to perform] (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Government of Hong Kong. 30 November 2000. Archived from the original on 29 June 2001.
- ^ "Shenzhen pianist shows forte". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. 1 December 2000. p. 5.
- ^ "2021 International Junior & Young Artists Competition" (PDF). Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation. 13 June 2021. p. 94. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2021.
- ^ "Winners of the 14th Chopin Competition". USC Polish Music Center. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "资料:第四届中国金唱片奖完全获奖名单" [Information: Complete list of winners of the 4th China Gold Record Awards] (in Chinese). sina music. 19 July 2007. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021.
- ^ "Echo Klassik Preisträger". Echo Klassik. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ "XM Satellite Radio's First Annual XM Nation Music Awards". Jazz News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chinesischer Starpianist Yundi Li ist Preisträger des NORD/LB Artist Award 2006". Jazz News. 13 March 2006. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Lista laureatów Medalu Zasłużony Kulturze Gloria Artis" [List of awardees of the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture] (in Polish). Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ "Yundi Li - Bio". Chopin International Piano Competition 2015 (in Polish). 2016. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
- ^ artykuł nadesłany (9 April 2010). "Chopinowskie paszporty dla obywateli sztuki" [Chopin passports for citizens of art]. prnews (in Polish). Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ "李雲迪蕭邦大賽最年輕評委" [Yundi Li, the youngest juror of International Chopin Piano Competition]. 東方日報 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ sina_mobile (5 January 2021). "所以第一本"肖邦护照"获得者是郎朗还是李云迪?到底谁在说谎?" [So who was the first recipient of "Chopin Passport", Lang Lang or Yundi Li? Who is lying?]. k.sina.cn (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "Chinese Pianist Li Yundi to Join Jury Panel of International Chopin Piano Competition". yibada. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Li Yundi joins Chopin jury". ChinaDaily. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Li Yundi Awarded the Gloria Artis Medal". Culture.pl. 10 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Honorary Board". Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ "SCL Honorary Board 2022" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "China wonderkid: 'Role model' to 50 million young pianists". Times of Malta. Agence France-Presse. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b Michael Church (7 March 2010). "Yundi Li: 'I think I'm not a normal artist'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 25 March 2024.
- ^ Clarissa Sebag Montefiore (21 October 2014). "Why piano-mania grips China's children". BBC. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020.
- ^ "李云迪与喵星人隔空互动 网友:你家猫胖成球了" [Li Yundi interacts with his cat. Netizen: Your cat is as chubby as a ball.] (in Chinese). Phoenix New Media. 5 April 2016. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024.
- ^ Julia Llewellyn Smith (6 June 2014). "'Lang Lang? We've never met'". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022.
- ^ a b c 冯雪珺 (April 2016). "李云迪,在美食里找音乐" [Li Yundi, looking for music in delicious food] (in Chinese). Global People 2016 Issue 11. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Li Yundi is a crab fan". China Daily. 27 September 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013.
- ^ Lee Hyo-won (17 June 2008). "Young Maestros Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Li Yundi to Take Center Stage". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024.
- ^ "Sichuan musicians' fundraising concert". China.org.cn. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Charity concert to be Bird Nest's first post-Games show". China.org.cn. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Top pianist to perform for charity". China.org.cn. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "About Us". China Charity Federation. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ "Li Yundi". ChinaWiki. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
- ^ "The first music classroom established at the elementary school with the highest altitude in the world". Chinanews.com.cn. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Ni, Vincent (30 October 2021). "Chaoyang masses: the rise of Beijing's neighbourhood patrols". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ "Li Yundi: China's 'Piano Prince' detained for hiring prostitute". BBC News. 22 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
- ^ Hernández, Javier C. (22 October 2021). "Chinese Pianist Is Held on Prostitution Suspicion, State Media Says". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
- ^ Graham-Harrison, Emma; Ni, Vincent (22 October 2021). "China's 'piano prince' Li Yundi detained for allegedly hiring sex worker". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ "Five Individuals Charged Variously with Stalking, Harassing and Spying on U.S. Residents on Behalf of the PRC Secret Police". 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 30 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ "Lin Complaint". United States Department of Justice. p. 6. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022.
- ^ Italiano, Laura (17 March 2022). "China plotted to use sex worker, porn, violence to end defector's run for Congress". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ Rohrlich, Justin (16 March 2022). "Honey Traps, Child Porn and Violence: Feds Bust Chinese Plot to Destroy NY Candidate". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Wikiquote-logo.svg/34px-Wikiquote-logo.svg.png)