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 repeated A flat note throughout the piece has been likened to the gentle patter of raindrops.
As she moved into the B section of the piece, where the music moves to a minor key with a new melody, Nakagawa began to appear emotional, ultimately unable to hold back tears.
- Event: 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
- Location: Warsaw
- Pianist: Yumeka Nakagawa
- Piece: Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude, Op.28, No.15, 'Raindrop' prelude
Author's summary: Emotional performance at Chopin competition.