J.S. Bach In October 2021, Bruce Liu caused a sensation by winning the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition. Just one month later, his recordings were released by Deutsche Grammophon and received outstanding reviews. The following spring, the Canadian-Chinese pianist was signed exclusively to the label. After releasing several singles featuring works by Rameau and Chopin, Liu presented his interpretation of J.S. Bach's French Suite No. 5 in April 2023, which was praised by ClassicalMusic.com as particularly sensitive and virtuosic. His music has been streamed more than 25 million times.
With his first studio album, Liu now presents a work spanning two centuries of French piano music. It also includes previously unreleased pieces from the DG catalog. "Waves: Music by Rameau, Ravel, and Alkan"—supplemented by an essay by Gramophone editor James Jolly—is being released on CD, as a double LP, and as a limited deluxe edition signed by the artist. Following his success in the Warsaw Competition, Liu's reputation as a charismatic artist was further solidified by numerous impressive concerts, while working in the studio presented a unique challenge for him. "In the studio, you can put the puzzle together according to your own vision," says Liu, comparing the result to a work of art created from many pieces.
Born in Paris, Liu focuses on three French composers who shaped piano music between the 18th and early 20th centuries. His approach is strongly influenced by music history. He interprets pieces by Jean-Philippe Rameau—including programmatic works such as "La poule" and "Les sauvages," as well as various dances—and has benefited from intensive training with harpsichordists, particularly those who studied music from before the invention of the piano. Charles-Valentin Alkan, a legend at the piano during his lifetime, composed almost exclusively for his instrument. Liu has made it his mission to introduce Alkan's music to a wider audience; works such as "Le festin d’Ésope" and "Barcarolle," once considered virtually unplayable, are now part of the DG catalog. From the 20th century, he chose Ravel's "Miroirs," a work that takes up the leitmotif of nature in the album. The title "Waves" reflects this theme, which is also evident in Alkan's "Barcarolle" and Ravel's "Une barque sur l’océan." Liu explains: "The sea is in constant motion—my approach to music is just as varied." Liu will also showcase this musical versatility in upcoming concerts; "Miroirs" and works by Rameau are on the program for the acclaimed pianist's next season.