Chopin Piano Competition Contestant Overcome with Emotion
A 24-year-old Japanese pianist, Yumeka Nakagawa, was visibly moved to tears while playing Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude, Op.28, No.15, also known as the ‘Raindrop’ prelude, during the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.
Nakagawa was performing all 24 of Chopin’s Preludes, Op.28 in the second round of the competition, held in Warsaw. The piece, known for its repeated A flat note, likened to the gentle patter of raindrops, seemed to evoke strong emotions in the pianist.
As she transitioned into the B section of the piece, where the music shifts to a minor key with a new melody, Nakagawa began to appear emotional, ultimately being overcome with tears.
The repeated A flat note throughout the piece has been likened to the gentle patter of raindrops.
- Event: 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
- Location: Warsaw
- Pianist: Yumeka Nakagawa
- Age: 24
- Nationality: Japanese
Author's summary: Japanese pianist Yumeka Nakagawa moved to tears during Chopin performance.