Chapter Sixty-Nine: Theme

In the nineteenth century, there were two of the greatest master pianists: one was the Polish virtuoso Frédéric François Chopin, the other was Franz Liszt from Hungary. Both are legendary figures whose compositions have left an enduring influence, still celebrated and pursued by musicians today.

Among Liszt’s most iconic works stands “La Campanella.” To perform this piece well requires a level surpassing even graduates of renowned music academies. In essence, only those who have solidly mastered the highest grade ten possess the basic skills to attempt it. Yet, in reality, non-professional pianists rarely manage to play “La Campanella” satisfactorily. Playing through it may be possible, but to reach a truly appreciable musical standard remains far out of reach.

Though “La Campanella” is not the most difficult among Liszt’s dazzlingly virtuosic etudes, delivering a compelling interpretation is far from easy. The pianist must maintain accuracy at high speed, while conveying both emotion and grandeur. Many domestic pianists can play “La Campanella,” but those who truly capture its feeling and momentum are exceedingly rare.

Among them, Lin Weiyin, the first prize winner of the Chopin International Piano Competition, soared to fame in her early days with a video performance of this piece. Within today’s classical piano circles, mention of “La Campanella” inevitably invokes Lin Weiyin; the two are intertwined.

Many conservatory students, practicing “La Campanella,” frequently study Lin Weiyin’s compilation of performances, then, buoyed by mysterious confidence, attempt the piece—only to find their self-assurance shattered, leading not a few to abandon Liszt altogether. The frequent leaps of octaves, trills, and other techniques in the piece are enormously difficult, let alone maintaining speed and clarity. It demands exceptionally solid fundamentals.

To present “La Campanella” as a musical work for the world to appreciate requires even deeper technique and musical understanding. Thus, when its melody began to resonate, not only did the pianists present exclaim in surprise, even Lin Weiyin on the upper deck could not help but be astonished.

After listening intently for a moment, Lin Weiyin was moved. Liao Yuan exhibited a strong sense of rhythm; his fingerwork was brilliant and flamboyant. Not only did he perfectly execute octave passages and trills with the fourth and fifth fingers, but also managed multiple leaps of over an octave, rapid finger alternations, chromatic scales, and more.

Almost every challenging technique in the original was displayed to the fullest in that moment. Though Liao Yuan’s playing showed slight hesitation in some details, it did not detract from the brilliance of the performance; the emotional content was even fuller. If Liszt himself were present, he would surely be compelled to praise.

Yet Liszt’s works are notoriously hard to imbue with their intended emotion. Even though Liao Yuan’s interpretation was nearly flawless, to the eyes of true masters, it still lacked a certain something to reach the highest echelon. Of course, this was merely Lin Weiyin’s opinion—she, as one of the leading young pianists in the country, naturally held higher standards than others. To the rest, Liao Yuan seemed to have shed his mortal shell and become a saint.

After today, the name Liao Yuan would surely become famous throughout the domestic piano world.

“Incredible...” Yu Chengjiao exclaimed repeatedly in awe. The gains from this exchange far exceeded his expectations. Liao Yuan’s handling of the details in “La Campanella” gave him new insights.

“Just the trills with the fourth and fifth fingers are better than ninety percent of the pianists here, not to mention the multiple octave leaps at the same time!” Gao Feiliu’s gaze was filled with shock. “This Brother Yuan must have a remarkable story!”

Zhang Chao was equally excited, never expecting Liao Yuan’s performance would surpass everyone’s imagination. Yet he also wondered, “Are the trills with the fourth and fifth fingers really that strong? Can it really eliminate ninety percent of players?”

Gao Feiliu sneered, “Simple trills with the fourth and fifth fingers aren’t hard, but try playing them rapidly while keeping the third finger still on the keys. If your fingers don’t cramp, I’ll take your name as mine.”

Zhang Chao tried to mimic the trill with his right hand, but quickly gave up. Though he could move the fourth and fifth fingers, achieving a fluent trill was impossible.

Gao Feiliu looked at him with disdain. “The tendons and muscles of the fourth finger are connected with the third and fifth. Even with early practice, most people can hardly do it. Usually, they change their fingering to practice trills with the third and fifth. It's clear Brother Yuan has played piano since childhood.”

“He really has trained since he was young,” Zhang Chao sighed. “But I didn’t expect his piano skills to be so formidable! I thought he merely inherited his father’s career, possessed freakish talent for composition, and at most matched his father in performance. Unexpectedly, the new surpasses the old; in piano, he’s even more astonishing than his father!”

“Who’s his father?” Gao Feiliu asked, puzzled.

Zhang Chao whispered a few words in Gao Feiliu’s ear, and the latter was instantly confused. “Liao Yuemin? Is he famous?”

“Uh... very famous in the entertainment industry,” Zhang Chao replied, sweat pouring down his face. He recalled that when Liao Yuemin retired, Gao Feiliu probably didn’t even know how many keys there were on a piano.

At that moment, Liao Yuan finished his performance of “La Campanella.” He stood up, his fingers burning with pain, yet his expression was relaxed and cheerful. The audience thundered with applause, some women even screaming in adoration.

All eyes then turned to Meng Han. This rare duel of pianists had everyone’s blood racing. Even the hosts and organizers, including the emcee, looked on in astonishment, forgetting entirely that it was now past eight o’clock.

Meng Han, however, had not forgotten. Ignoring the curious stares of others, he glanced at his wristwatch and said calmly, “It’s eight o’clock. What is the theme of tonight’s exchange? Wei Zijun, may I announce it publicly?”

Admitting defeat?

Many in the audience hissed in response. Even the socialites were perplexed. As an internationally renowned pianist, “La Campanella” should not be difficult for him—why would he avoid the challenge?

Wei Zijun, the host of the exchange, was jolted by Meng Han’s reminder. He quickly picked up the microphone, strode onto the stage, warmly shook Liao Yuan’s hand, turned to the audience, gave a gentleman’s bow, and announced with a smile, “Thank you to Mr. Meng and Mr. Liao for their brilliant performances. Yes, now, I will officially reveal the theme of tonight’s exchange!”