Returning to Vietnam, Pianist Hong Quang Luu gave the concert “The Journey of Revival” at the Grand Concert Hall of Vietnam National Academy of Music as a special gift for the Vietnamese audience. Through music, he desired to share his heartfelt emotions ahead of the upheavals of history and life.
Congratulations on your upcoming concert in Hanoi, especially on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day. What will you be bringing to our audience?
As an artist, I have always aspired to make the most significant contributions through music. Our country has just undergone natural disasters and losses, numerous of which deeply touched me. I truly want to express all my emotions to the audience in Hanoi. The concert “The journey of Revival: With Liszt, Schumann and Brahms” takes the audience on a unique and emotional musical trip back to the Romantic period of classical music. The concert opens with the dramatic and solemn atmosphere of Funérailles (Funeral March) by Franz Liszt. I chose this work since its melodies honor the sacrifice of heroes. It is not only about sorrow, longing or fragility, but also filled with majestic heroism and bravery.
The second piece introduces a peaceful, gentle, and poetic world of the land of childhood innocence in Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) by Robert Schumann. It reflects the lens of an adult looking back on their early years, meaning that after lots of hardship, we not only honor the past but also have to look forward and carry hopes in better things ahead. Hope for the future here embodies the pure and unspoiled nature of childhood. Once again, I chose this work as its strong connection between the theme of loss and rebirth in a profoundly touching way. The third piece is a masterpiece of the Romantic school of music: Johannes Brahms’ Piano Sonata in F minor, Op. 5. This work completely showcases skillful technical mastery and a thorough emotional range – from heroic dignity, severe intensity to exultant joy, soaring spirit of triumph. Sounds of the piano not only revive each vibrant transition of time in Romantic music but also convey images and stories, aiming toward a noble ideal. That connecting point is the journey from darkness to light, which is a continuous emotional thread through all three works that I really want to dedicate to Hanoi’s audience during this special time.
Having been following your musical path, I can truly sense your love for Romantic-era classical music. At this time, it seems like you want to dive even deeper into the soul of each composer. Could you share more about your love for that?
Romantic-era classical music captures the closest and most natural human feelings, so anyone listening to it will merely feel it. Romantic music expresses the sincere emotions of human beings in many different shades, allowing each listener to experience it in their own way. It is not bound by overly strict structures, but rather offers free flows and space for personal interpretation. The German Romantic music that I have chosen to present in this concert is works of Schumann and Brahms; their music is a perfect parallel combination of heart and mind. These German composers always have big questions about life. Like Brahms, music is a companion on a journey that lines between triumphant songs and darkness, between light and shadow. It is truly an inner reckoning, rather than a smooth and easy path. There are times when music is almost like a treasure, sheltering our souls in the trial of fate.
So do you think music is a treasure which helps you overcome your loneliness as well as the ups and downs of life?
For me, music is not just a profession; it is an ideal for my life. Music flows through my soul and breath, becoming an essential part of me. Pursuing this path is extremely difficult, full of challenges and sacrifice, as my life has dedicated countless hours and passion to piano. I must practice persistently in joy, in pain, in patience, in sorrow, and in hope as well. Conversely, music also gives back to me in the end as much as I give to it. Music not only has been favoring me, it also has given me the privilege of sharing the beauty of music with others; even if only a little, it will certainly touch the hearts of listeners.
You have conquered remarkable heights, won major accolades at many prestigious international music competitions but you are still pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree on full scholarship at the New Zealand School of music in Wellington. For you, does music seem to be a journey of exploration and not yet come to an end?
The journey toward the profound depth of art is unlimited. This year marks one of my most important milestones: the release of my new album featuring 12 Liszt’s Transcendental Studies, which I had the opportunity to perform in Hanoi two years ago. The album was recorded in a concert hall situated beside the house where Liszt was born in Austria. Performing and recording 12 Liszt’s pieces was truly a long journey, a remarkable landmark on my artistic path as well as the humble contribution of a Vietnamese artist toward the boundless treasure of humanity’s musical heritage.
This may also be the first album by the Vietnamese artist featuring the entire cycle of these works. I am proud of having surpassed my own boundaries, but the limits have not ended there. Mrs. Margaret Hair – my professor in Australia – has led me to a new path by asking me why I didn’t continue doing research on Liszt’s work. The complete recording of 12 pieces along with the research proposal has earned me admission to the New Zealand School of Music with a full scholarship for my doctoral studies.
Why did you choose Liszt in particular? Is there an emotional bond between you and this legendary composer?
In 2020, I used to state that it was enough; I would never play his works anymore as I wanted to try others’ works. In fact, all of my knowledge about him was just beneath the surface. Thanks to my professor’s endless motivation, I am able to delve even deeper into my own journey. The higher I advance in my studies, the more I find myself slowly peeling away the outer layers to touch the essence of music. Liszt lived a long life, so people often consider his music as flamboyant and showy, overlooking its true artistic depth. However, it must be a shortcoming if perceiving his music in that way. At first, I was attracted by the flashiness of his music, just like everyone else. However, after an intensive exploration of his twelve pieces, I was enlightened to realize that profound values inside them truly go beyond the surface brilliance and bring the true depth of his soul. Therefore, the journey of music has no boundaries. The composer really had a great manner and kind-hearted spirit, which made so many people including me feel sympathetic with his musical essence. When studying about him, I found myself admiring not only his work but also his manner and the life he lived.
Every year, in spite of a hectic schedule, you always spend time coming back to Vietnam and performing on several special occasions. Are the words “Homeland – Vietnam” always sacred to you, no matter where you are?
One of my core beliefs is “always remembering your roots”. Sometimes I wonder whether I have made any significant contribution, but I always have a sincere desire to bring the most professional and refined artistic quality to the audience. Even if it’s just a little, there will be someone appreciating it. I hope that my love and passion for music can inspire others outside, to the music lovers or parents, students, etc. Even when there is only one person coming to listen to my music, I will certainly do my best with the highest professionalism. This aims to serve the ideals of the arts. For me, no matter where I am, I must give my all and never compromise on quality.
Talking to you, I sense that your whole world revolves solely around the piano. So what about life and love?
I am pursuing doctoral study in such a peaceful city in New Zealand (Wellington). Almost all my time and complete concentration are spent on music and research there. For me, It’s enough.
Thank you for sharing.
Journalist Viet Ha.
