Album insights
Bruce Liu rose to fame overnight after winning the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition in October 2021. His competition recordings, released by Deutsche Grammophon the following month, received critical acclaim. Becoming the label's Exclusive Artist this spring, the Canadian-Chinese pianist unveiled a series of singles featuring works by Rameau and Chopin, followed by his interpretation of J. S. Bach's French Suite No. 5 in April 2023, described as "exquisitely nuanced and superbly played" by ClassicalMusic.com. Liu's studio debut now showcases two centuries of French piano music, including pieces not previously found in the DG catalog. "Waves: Music by Rameau · Ravel · Alkan," featuring an essay by Gramophone editor James Jolly, is available on CD, vinyl (2 LPs), and as a limited signed Deluxe Edition. After his triumph in Warsaw, Liu's stunning, charismatic stage presence has confirmed his reputation. Transitioning to the recording studio presented its own unique challenges. Liu expressed, "It is in the studio where you piece together the puzzle as you envision it. It's like creating a work of art, where everything comes together." Born in Paris, the pianist focused on three French composers who influenced piano music development from the 18th to the early 20th century. Liu takes a musically historical approach, performing selections from Jean-Philippe Rameau's works, meticulously honed through harpsichord training due to Rameau's pre-piano era compositions. Charles-Valentin Alkan, a legendary pianist during his lifetime, is highlighted by Liu, who aims to shed light on Alkan's once-thought "unplayable" compositions, featuring Le festin d'Ésope and the serene Barcarolle. Included in Liu's repertoire is Maurice Ravel's Miroirs from the 20th century, uniting the thematic nature reflections found throughout the album. The title "Waves" encapsulates this essence, connecting to Alkan's Barcarolle and Ravel's "Une barque sur l'océan," emphasizing Liu's spontaneous musical approach: "The sea is never the same...and my approach to the music I play is never fixed." Audiences can experience Liu's dynamic performances in the upcoming season, featuring Miroirs and Rameau's compositions on his concert schedule.