In 2021, at the International Chopin Piano Competition, which is widely regarded as the most prominent piano competition in the world, something unheard of happened. Hayato Sumino, who is not a piano or music major, surpassed his competitors and advanced to the third round. Although he did not ultimately win the competition, his performance was enough to announce himself to the world as a skilled pianist. This article focuses on Hayato Sumino’s rendition of Chopin’s Sonata No.2.
Chopin’s Sonata in B flat minor, Op.35, also known as Sonata No.2, was one of the pieces Hayato performed in the third round of the competition. Upon hearing his performance, audiences around the world were captivated by the young pianist. The ever-changing, beautiful music of Chopin’s Sonata is one of the best ways to demonstrate Hayato’s splendid ability. He possesses a wide-ranging repertoire that spans every type of music and mood.
Sonata No.2 consists of four unique movements, each with a completely different atmosphere. The first movement is Grave-Doppio Movimento, full of romantic passion and a gloomy mood, with two main themes. Drastic leaps make the music unfamiliar and charismatic. Hayato’s strong touch makes the music even more dramatic and tuneful.
The second movement is Scherzo-Molto Vivace, consisting of three-beat octave hits that require both a strong touch as well as delicacy. There is subtle tension when the fast and slow speeds are played in harmony. Hayato’s fingers slide gently and tightly on the keys.
The third movement is the most famous piece in the sonata, Marche Funebre, meaning funeral march. A funeral procession of music seems to follow the dark, heavy theme melody. The genius pianist’s manner also changes immediately. His fingers, which had moved splendidly and effortlessly on the keys, are now like heavy stones.
The last movement, Finale, is the shortest and the fastest part of the music. It is the final part of the sonata, but there is no clear melody or expression, making it difficult to understand. There are some hypotheses regarding why Chopin wrote the piece in this way and how a performer should express the Finale. Sumino Hayato provides the most suitable answer. His light hands, Frederic Chopinesque, fly across the keys, clearing up the atmosphere created by the previous movements and leaving us feeling empty. Perhaps that was the message Chopin truly wanted to convey. He may have wanted to free his complicated mind, which was struggling over personal love and the independence of his country.
Hayato Sumino said, “I always try to be Chopin and be natural with music because my performance could be someone’s first Chopin.” If you do not enjoy or have not heard Chopin’s music, I recommend starting with Hayato’s performance. The memory of your first Chopin would be splendid. It does not matter that Hayato is not a piano major. He is professional. Of course, his techniques are the best, but is it not truly better to consider the influence of his music?
Lee Seogyun, Department of English Language and Literature