In his latest Schubert Impromptus album, Eric Lu delivers a mature and mesmerizing performance that showcases the composer's profound music. The eight Impromptus, often considered some of the most complex and nuanced works in the piano repertoire, are skillfully navigated by Lu, who approaches them with an un-egotistical humility.
From the opening notes of Op 90 No 1, it becomes clear that Lu is attuned to Schubert's art of creating overarching structures. His phrasing is expansive, drawing the listener in with a sense of depth and scope. The weightiness of his playing belies a subtlety of touch, as he skillfully turns corners and coaxes drama from the music.
One of the most striking aspects of Lu's performances is their ability to conjure a sense of stasis, even when the music seems alive with energy and detail. Time stands still in these moments, as if the very fabric of time has been warped by Schubert's masterful craftsmanship.
While this recording may not be without its quirks – Lu's playing can be slightly weighty at times, and his performances may lack a certain distinctive flair to set them apart from other interpretations – it is undeniable that he is a serious talent. The Chopin judges' decision to award him the top prize in their competition was well-deserved, and this album serves as a testament to his growing stature as one of the leading pianists of his generation.
Ultimately, Lu's Schubert Impromptus is an album that rewards close listening and repeated plays. It may not be the first choice for listeners seeking a more distinctive or innovative interpretation of these works, but it is certainly a compelling and deeply satisfying one – and a reminder that sometimes, the most mature and nuanced performances are those that eschew flash and attention-seeking in favor of a quiet confidence and mastery of the craft.
From the opening notes of Op 90 No 1, it becomes clear that Lu is attuned to Schubert's art of creating overarching structures. His phrasing is expansive, drawing the listener in with a sense of depth and scope. The weightiness of his playing belies a subtlety of touch, as he skillfully turns corners and coaxes drama from the music.
One of the most striking aspects of Lu's performances is their ability to conjure a sense of stasis, even when the music seems alive with energy and detail. Time stands still in these moments, as if the very fabric of time has been warped by Schubert's masterful craftsmanship.
While this recording may not be without its quirks – Lu's playing can be slightly weighty at times, and his performances may lack a certain distinctive flair to set them apart from other interpretations – it is undeniable that he is a serious talent. The Chopin judges' decision to award him the top prize in their competition was well-deserved, and this album serves as a testament to his growing stature as one of the leading pianists of his generation.
Ultimately, Lu's Schubert Impromptus is an album that rewards close listening and repeated plays. It may not be the first choice for listeners seeking a more distinctive or innovative interpretation of these works, but it is certainly a compelling and deeply satisfying one – and a reminder that sometimes, the most mature and nuanced performances are those that eschew flash and attention-seeking in favor of a quiet confidence and mastery of the craft.
I'm loving Eric Lu's new Schubert album 
! The way he navigates those complex Impromptus is like a masterclass in piano playing 
. I love how he conveys a sense of depth and scope, making you feel like you're on a journey through the music 
. And yeah, it might not be perfect - his playing can get a bit weighty at times 
- but that's just part of its charm, right? 
The thing that really stands out is how he captures the essence of Schubert's craftsmanship, making you feel like time itself has been warped by the music 
. Definitely an album that rewards repeated listens 
!
, you know? It's not often that I hear piano music that makes me feel all the feels 
. And have you noticed how his playing always leaves you wanting more? 
I mean, it's like he's unraveling these intricate threads and weaving them back together in a way that's both beautiful and thought-provoking 
. The fact that the Chopin judges awarded him top prize is well-deserved 
, but honestly, this album feels more like a gift to us all - a reminder that sometimes it's the quiet, confident performances that really leave an impact 
.
but to me, it's like he's phoning it in? I mean, I've heard more nuanced interpretations from a 16-year-old YouTube piano prodigy. And those "quirks" they mention, like his playing being slightly weighty at times... that's just part of his style, innit? 
I'd want to hear it live to make up my mind if I'm being honest 
. Still, the guy's got serious chops and this album is a must-listen for any piano fan... just don't expect it to blow your mind or anything 
Like time just stands still when he plays and you can't help but get lost in the music.
. Like, what's the point of having an amazing pianist perform these beautiful pieces if we're all just gonna melt into oblivion due to global warming? And don't even get me started on the Chopin judges' decision - shouldn't they be worried more about our planet's future than awarding prizes 
. Anyway, Lu's performance is super solid, but what's the use when we're all just stuck in a never-ending cycle of doom? 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, Eric Lu's got skills and all, but it feels like we're just stuck in a loop of "oh, look at him play some complex piano music". Where's the innovation? The excitement? Give me something that actually pushes the boundaries, you know? 
. i mean, think about it - life is full of moments where we feel like we're stuck in a state of stasis, time standing still. that's what lu did with schubert's impromptus - he captured that feeling and turned it into beauty. and you know what? sometimes the most powerful things in life are the ones that don't seek to draw attention to ourselves, but instead let our work speak for itself 
.
it feels like he's really getting into the music, you know? Like, when he plays Op 90 No 1, it's like he's taking us on a journey or something. The way he balances light and dark is insane! sometimes I felt like I was transported to another world 
his touch is so delicate yet powerful at the same time, it's like he's playing with fire 
but not burning anything down... just this beautiful, intricate dance of sound
. i've been listening to it nonstop since it came out and i'm still finding new details to obsess over 