Music in Words

Legendary harpsichordist Andreas Staier talks with Prof. Daniel Chua before his recital at HKU MUSE.They discuss the philosophy behind his unique interpretations and the aesthetics of his latest solo album, Méditation.

Acclaimed violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melnikov presented the Complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas in 3 concerts at HKU MUSE in 2023. During a 'Music in Words' discussion hosted by Prof. Daniel Chua, they reflected on their musical partnership, examined the subtleties of all 10 sonatas, and offered a glimpse into the composer's extraordinary ability to convey a diverse range of emotions and characters.

In this special ‘Music in Words’ dialogue, Brett and Eddy took the Grand Hall stage alongside Prof. Daniel Chua to offer a glimpse of their creative process, how they navigate the landscape of social media, and the rollercoaster ride of building a successful career through digital content and live world tours.

Japanese YouTuber-scientist-composer-pianist Hayato Sumino is a rising musical sensation traversing the classical and digital inspirations. He shared his unique musical journey and inspirations with Prof. Daniel Chua during the HKU student-exclusive 'Music In Words' dialogue. Hayato showcased his improvisational skills on the spot with a theme by the audience, and answered intriguing quick-fire questions from Prof. Chua. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. CATEEN! Hayato Sumino Playlist⁠⁠

Two decades ago, the esteemed pianist Paul Lewis embarked on a musical journey of Schubert's complete piano sonatas. Now after an illustrious career spanning twenty years, he revisits this mellifluous cycle in a new light. In the 2022/23 Rayson Huang Lecture, Lewis discussed with Prof. Daniel Chua his new reading of Schubert's sonatas in relation to the composer's life experience and philosophy as a wanderer instead of a struggler. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Paul Lewis: Performing Schubert Playlist⁠Music in Words: Paul Lewis

Distinguished Israeli cellist Gavriel Lipkind, with a lineage from Pablo Casals, has a conversation with Prof. Daniel Chua, head of HKU Music Department. Lipkind shared his insights on interpreting, performing, and recording Bach's Cello Suites, as well as his intriguing experiences as Rostropovich's student and as a contester preparing for the Leonard Rose competition. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Gavriel Lipkind: The Bach Suites PlaylistMusic in Words: Gavriel Lipkind

Winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, Bruce Liu has become a real sensation of the pianistic world and has been on an extensive tour across the world’s most prestigious stages. The recording of his title-winning performance was praised by Gramophone as "one of the most distinguished Chopin recitals of recent years, full of maturity, character and purpose." We are thrilled to welcome Bruce to this new episode of 'Music in Words'. In conversation with Prof. Daniel Chua, Bruce talks about his artistic inspirations, interests in jazz and karting, thoughts on his overnight success and how technology influences the evolution of artistic approaches. Click to listen and find out more! An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Bruce Liu in the Time of COVID-19 PlaylistMusic in Words: Bruce Liu

Widely recognized as one of today’s finest interpreters of Franz Schubert, celebrated tenor Ian Bostridge talks about Schubert’s song cycles, Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise, and his own journey as a scholar-turned-vocalist. To accompany this episode, tune in to the recordings of these song cycles in the Spotify playlist. Ian Bostridge: Schubert’s Song Cycle PlaylistMusic in Words: Ian Bostridge

"Hope you love the endless, abstract, and powerful message of this work..." Recorded during his visit in 2015 at HKU, pianist Konstantin Lifschitz discussed with Prof. Daniel Chua the art of playing J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue. An accompanying playlist featuring Mr. Lifschitz's own recording of the masterpiece is also available on Spotify. Konstantin Lifschitz: The Art of Fugue PlaylistMusic in Words: Konstantin Lifschitz (2015)

Bach's 'The Well-Tempered Clavier' has laid the backbone of classical chromaticism, revealing the full-colour spectrum of all the 24 keys. Highly acclaimed as a Bach interpreter, pianist Angela Hewitt discusses the work's architecture, musicality, and spiritual elements, and shares with us what this music means to her. Music in Words: Angela Hewitt

Pianist Paul Lewis shares with us how he makes use of the lockdown to revisit old repertoire and discover new works, his experience with live streaming, and his reflection on the meaning of live concerts. A heralded interpreter of Beethoven and Schubert, Paul also tells us how he finds their works deeply consoling at this time. Paul Lewis in the Time of COVID-19 PlaylistPaul Lewis in the Time of COVID-19

Krzysztof Chorzelski of the Belcea Quartet shares how the ensemble copes with the unprecedented challenges and what the Beethoven Cycle means to them, and reflects fondly on their time with their mentors, the great Alban Berg and Amadeus Quartets. Belcea Quartet in the Time of COVID-19 PlaylistBelcea Quartet in the Time of COVID-19

Maestro Jaap van Zweden shares his leadership philosophy, his interpretation of Beethoven symphonies, his work with the Papageno Foundation, as well as the inspiration from other great conductors, including an episode on picking up the baton for the first time under Bernstein’s encouragement. Jaap van Zweden in the Time of COVID-19Maestro van Zweden in the Time of COVID-19

Oliver Schnyder and Benjamin Nyffenegger of the Oliver Schnyder Trio talk about their projects during the pandemic, how their personalities shape the group’s dynamics, the unique beauty composers reveal through the piano trio repertoire, as well as their experience in presenting these musical gems. Oliver Schnyder Trio in the Time of COVID-19 PlaylistOliver Schnyder Trio in the Time of COVID-19

In this dialogue with HKU’s Prof. Daniel Chua, Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes of the Takács Quartet shared their thoughts in response to the unprecedented challenges we all face. Find out how the Quartet’s programming philosophy has evolved, what collaborations they find meaningful, and what music resonates in their minds. Takács Quartet in the Time of COVID-19Takács Quartet in the Time of COVID-19