Gold Medal winner of 2009 Van Cliburn Competition returns to Korea in March

Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii  (Mast Media)
Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii (Mast Media)

Nobuyuki Tsujii, the Japanese pianist who won the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition gold prize along with Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen, has never seen a piano, yet the instrument is his greatest source of joy. Whether performing on stage, signing an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon, or simply sitting at the piano, he describes the piano as the very embodiment of joy in his life.

“Since childhood, I have always found the greatest joy in playing the piano. Without a doubt, it is the greatest pleasure of my life. Through the piano, I can overcome sadness and hardship with the power of music. But above all, the simple fact that playing the piano brings me joy is what holds the most meaning for me,” Tsujii told Korean reporters during a video interview last month.

Born blind due to microphthalmia, he displayed an extraordinary connection to music from an early age. His parents noticed his keen sense of hearing and natural musicality when, as a toddler, he could replicate melodies he heard on the piano by ear. Recognizing his gift, his mother encouraged his exploration of music, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion.

Tsujii learns music entirely by ear. He listens to recordings, practices each hand separately, and repeats sections to build muscle memory.

He performed for the first time in Korea in 2011 alongside the 2009 Van Cliburn silver prize winner Son Yeol-eum and returned last year for a recital.

The program next month includes Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein;" Liszt's En reve, S. 207 and Mephisto Waltz No.1, S. 514; and Chopin’s 2 Nocturnes, Op. 27 and Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58.

“I think Chopin was a delicate person — he had a somewhat neurotic yet kind and multifaceted nature. Liszt, on the other hand, comes across as someone who thought, "Aren't I amazing?" — this confidence is evident in his music. As for Beethoven, I believe he was quite an eccentric person. I’ve heard stories about how often he moved homes and how much he loved eating omurice, which makes me think of him as a rather unique character,” he said when asked about his thoughts on the three composers.

Among them, Chopin is a foundational figure for Tsujii's musical journey.

“Chopin is the composer who initially inspired me to play the piano. His works are inherently elegant and feature beautiful melodies. When I listen to his music, I can even sense his deep love for his homeland, Poland. All these elements combined make me consider Chopin as the foundation of my piano journey,” he said.

In April 2024, Tsujii signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, marking a new chapter in his career. His debut album under DG features Beethoven's monumental “Hammerklavier Sonata” and Liszt's transcription of ”An die ferne Geliebte.”

“Signing with Deutsche Grammophon last year was certainly a new beginning in my life. However, since playing the piano is a lifelong journey rather than a finite endeavor, I consider it as simply standing at a new starting line in my ongoing studies,” he said.

Tsujii will perform two recitals in Seoul -- at the Seoul Arts Center on March 3 and at Lotte Concert Hall on March 11.