On the evening of 8/5, pianist Luu Hong Quang performed Franz Liszt's complete *Transcendental Etudes*, a collection of 12 works considered a pinnacle of piano music history. The one-and-a-half-hour recital took place at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where the lights dimmed after 8 p.m., drawing the audience's attention to the stage.

To maintain the emotional flow, the audience was asked to refrain from applause until the concert's end. Stepping onto the stage in a quiet atmosphere, Luu Hong Quang awakened listeners' senses with *Preludio* (Prelude). For the next piece, *Fusees* (Rockets), he impressed with sharp, almost abrupt notes. Following rapid rhythms, the artist transported the audience to a peaceful countryside, with green meadows, trees, and birds, through his rendition of *Paysage* (Landscape).

The fourth work, *Mazeppa*, drew inspiration from the legend of Ivan Mazepa, a Ukrainian nobleman. Through music, the character's adventure was recreated, culminating in triumph. The fifth piece, *Feux follets* (Will-o'-the-wisps), revealed Liszt's poetic imagination, evoking images of "ghostly fireflies." In performing this work, Luu Hong Quang created an ethereal atmosphere with unpredictable notes, captivating the audience.

Next were *Vision* (Vision), expressing spiritual depth, and *Eroica* (Heroic), a symphonic work adapted for piano. *Wilde Jagd* (Wild Hunt) marked one of the most dramatic climaxes. The audience seemed to follow a chase, interspersed with brief lyrical rhythms.

With *Ricordanza* (Remembrance), Luu Hong Quang led the audience into a nostalgic mood. Composer Ferruccio Busoni once likened the piece to "a faded bouquet of love letters." In the 10th piece, *Appassionata* (Passion), the pianist's notes conveyed an inner turmoil.

In *Harmonies du soir* (Evening Harmonies), the rich harmonic palette evoked the quiet serenity of twilight. Luu Hong Quang concluded the concert with *Chasse-neige* (Snow Plow), depicting a powerful snowstorm where humans appear insignificant before nature's "fury."

Luu Hong Quang reunited with Hanoi audiences for the 'Transcendent Sounds' program. *Photo: Nguyen Dinh Toan*

On stage, Luu Hong Quang sometimes "played" with the keys, at other times immersing himself in the music. Between some pieces, he paused to adjust his posture and attire, preparing for the next work. In the audience, hundreds of listeners silently watched. Occasionally, some whispered to each other, praising his technical displays. At the program's conclusion, the audience gave the pianist a standing ovation lasting over two minutes.

Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Thu Yen, present at the concert, expressed emotion, stating she felt Luu Hong Quang's passion for music and his artistic dedication. Through his piano playing, he conveyed deep feelings, touching the hearts of listeners.

Ngoc Anh, 24, from Hanoi, was excited to attend her first Luu Hong Quang concert. She found the evening complete, despite the high difficulty of the pieces performed. Watching live, Ngoc Anh clearly perceived the pianist's performance style, enjoying the varied nuances of his sound.

Pianist Luu Hong Quang, 36, began playing the piano at 5 years old, mentored by his father, Meritorious Artist Luu Quang Minh. From 1996 to 2006, he trained at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. In 2006, he received a full scholarship to the Australian International Conservatorium of Music, where he was tutored by Professor Kyung Hee Lee.

Luu Hong Quang has received numerous awards both domestically and internationally. He has performed with renowned orchestras worldwide, including the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (Australia), the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (UK), an orchestra from Florence (Italy), and the Szolnok Symphony Orchestra (Hungary). Recently, he has held solo recitals in New Zealand, Australia, China, Hungary, and Austria.

Annually, Luu Hong Quang returns to his homeland to participate in regular concert projects. He was once invited by his mentor, pianist Dang Thai Son, to perform a duet in the program "Dang Thai Son in 20th Century New Sounds."

Franz Liszt (1811-1886), born in Hungary, was one of the greatest musicians, composers, and pianists of the 19th century. One of his significant contributions was the creation of piano concertos and chamber music for piano. Throughout his career, he composed over 700 works, notably *Hungarian Rhapsodies*, *La Campanella*, *Sonata in B minor*, *Transcendental Etudes*, and *Liebesträume*. After abandoning his performing career in the late 1860s, he transitioned to teaching, composing, and working at music universities in Budapest, Hungary, and Weimar, Germany.

Phuong Linh