Lei Jia chose the concert by 'Xi Fu' as the most memorable because of the pianist's exceptional tonal variations and the educational nature of the performance. The concert felt like a masterclass, with the pianist connecting historical and compositional elements of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. The improvisational approach, where the pianist decided the repertoire on the day of the performance based on the piano's condition, added a unique and personal touch.
The concert by pianist P.S. stood out due to the emotional depth and technical brilliance, particularly in the performance of Debussy, which was unexpected and mesmerizing. P.S.'s ability to evoke strong emotions, especially during the 'Moonlight Sonata,' left a lasting impression. The concert also included a surprise addition of a Debussy piece, which showcased P.S.'s versatility and mastery of different musical styles.
The 'Dong Zhi Journey' concert by P.S. and Gernard was significant because of the contrasting philosophies and soundscapes presented by the two artists. P.S.'s bright, life-affirming tone contrasted with Gernard's traditionally somber interpretation of the piece, creating a powerful dialogue between light and darkness. This unique collaboration highlighted the depth and complexity of the music, making it a standout experience.
The concert featuring Galantia and the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra was unique because of Galantia's captivating voice and the orchestra's unexpectedly high level of performance. Galantia's rendition of 'Carmen' was particularly striking, showcasing her as one of the best contemporary interpreters of the role. The orchestra's performance also exceeded expectations, delivering a level of precision and brilliance that was surprising for Lei Jia.
Lei Jia found the 'Fire Ritual' concert by Huang Jiajun and Mu Xing particularly memorable due to its innovative staging and use of traditional temple festival elements. The musicians were dispersed throughout the venue, creating a surround-sound effect that enhanced the immersive experience. Huang Jiajun's incorporation of chanting and ritualistic gestures added a unique cultural dimension to the performance, making it a standout event.
The opera 'Manon Lescaut' directed by Jian Wenbin was memorable for its high production quality, including the set design imported from Europe and the effective use of translations to engage the audience. Jian Wenbin's conducting was particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrated his expertise and ability to bring out the best in both the singers and the orchestra. The overall experience was immersive and well-executed, making it a highlight of the year.
Lei Jia chose the concert by Zhou Shenxiang featuring the organ and piano because of the innovative use of the organ to create electronic-like, psychedelic soundscapes. Zhou Shenxiang's approach to playing the organ was more akin to a DJ manipulating sound, focusing on the contrast and interplay of different timbres. The performance of Liszt's 'Chasse-neige' was particularly striking, evoking a vivid image of a snowstorm.
Lei Jia's main criticism of the CDK Trio's performance was the lack of dynamic range and emotional depth in their playing. Despite the violinist being a student of Heifetz, the performance felt flat and uninspired, with little variation in tone or expression. This lack of musicality made the concert a disappointing experience for Lei Jia, who left midway through the performance.
Lei Jia considered the performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 by a certain orchestra to be a disaster due to poor execution, particularly in the woodwind and brass sections. The opening passage, which is typically atmospheric and delicate, was marred by out-of-tune and weak playing. The overall performance lacked energy and precision, with the strings also failing to deliver the necessary intensity and clarity. This led Lei Jia to describe the concert as a 'complete tragedy.'
Lei Jia started writing about classical music concerts on his Facebook page to expand his social circle within the classical music community. As a history student, he found that few of his peers shared his interest in classical music, and writing about concerts became a way to connect with like-minded individuals. Over time, his writings gained a following, and he continued to share his insights and experiences, eventually writing nearly 100 reviews in a single year.
Hosting provided by SoundOn)