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CELEBRATION AT THE CHOPIN'S TEMPLE No.25/16.10

Updated: Oct 23

(from your personal correspondent at the 19th Int'l Chopin Competition, e.g. ChC)


I recently wrote about luxury machines. But for now, what are machines without people? Although this may change soon! (To machines without people?) So now something about people. We're most interested in the participants and the jurors, aren't we?

Because the population of contestants is growing as it is on the globe, the most common tool for describing them is statistics.

(NB Statistics is often called the biggest fraudster! Baseless allegation? Let us see)


We're most interested in the participants and the jurors, aren't we? Then...


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Who Plays This Game?


According to the regulations, participants between 16 and 30 years of age are allowed. But the Jury was not too strict at this point. Among the 84 (selected from 643) participants of the 1st stage of the Finals, there is a numerous group of brave and talented teenagers (16, 17, 18 years old), mainly Chinese, who are playing very well.

Compared to the previous edition, the ChC has become younger: the average age of participants is 24 years and... 3 days. The youngest female participant is Yulia Nakashima, representing both Japan & South Korea, who is 15 years and 10 months old. The oldest young one is Frenchwoman Natalia Milstein – 30 years and 10 months. (As we know, all women are always and forever young!) Among men, the youngest is a Chinese boy, Zihan Jin (16 years and 6 months) and the oldest (30 years and 10 months) is Russian Andrey Zenin, performing like athletes at the Olympics under a neutral flag.


Chopin Made in China


Among the chosen ones are 28 pianists from China. Not counting the 12 pianists of Chinese origin representing other countries! It looks like a China vs. Rest of the World match. It was joked that Chopin probably had ancestors from the Ming Dynasty. China has fallen in love with Chopin. His music is studied and played by millions and listened to by hundreds of millions. In the past, they were concerned with technique. Now the technique is phenomenal, but no one talks about it. They focus on the music and reveal wonderful emotions.


However, International


There are also ex-aequo Japanese and Polish teams with 13 players each. Next are: US (5), Canada & South Korea each 4, Italy, Chinese Taipei, UK - each 3, France & Spain - each 2, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Portugal, Vietnam – each 1. Plus 2 neutral. I know, it's even more than 84, but some people want to represent both their homeland, across various borders. Or even themselves. I appreciate it.


Charm & Power


This Final of ChC is masculinized. Out of 84 participants, there are only 19 women. Only the Japanese keep some balance (6 women out of 13). Known for admiration of ladies, Poland presents ONE out of 13! And let me present an example of statistical manipulation: the Czech Republic presents a 100% female team (1 out of 1) but Japan less than 50%! And it is an irrefutable fact.

Regardless of the modest size of the representation, the ladies present themselves not only charmingly, but also with wonderful piano skills! Chapeau bas! (Hats off!)


A Ruthless Machine


These informations change from stage to stage. When the result of the 1st massacre of the innocents was announced, just 15 minutes after the last sound, just after the final whistle, the Jury didn't even have 3 minutes to discuss or correct their verdict. There is no conversation with the computer. But it depends on what data it received, and there were point particle differences. 1 or 2 points from 1 or more jurors cut off the oxygen of several excellent performers and shocked the audience, critics, and even... the Chairman of the Jury.

40 out of 84 pianists advance to the 2nd Stage. From China - 14 pianists, plus 6 of Chinese origin, which is 50%. Japan has 5, Poland 4, South Korea & USA – 3 each, Canada & Italy – 2 each. Other countries each 1. There are 8 great women left in the game. That's 20%. The level is rising unimaginably and the fighting is fierce. Everybody plays a 50 min. long recital. The ChC also uncovers forgotten Chopin. Amazing unplayed works!


Waiting for the winner of the battle


Now there will be another massacre with up to 20, and the next with up to 10 participants (tonight, on Oct 16th). It's reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel 'And Then There Were None'! Although here he should remain – The Winner.


There is still so much left to tell you... but


Enough words.


Let us play: Recordings of all auditions are also available on YouTube.





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Written by

Cezary Owerkowicz

Co-founder of Kuwait Music Academy and

Director of Treasure of Talents Festival in Kuwait

 
 
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