Is Rachmaninov the new rock music? Pianist Yunchan Lim has wowed audiences with his incredible talent. His success raises questions about the nature of genius.
Classical pianist, 19, wins pop star status
Is Rachmaninov the new rock music? Pianist Yunchan Lim has wowed audiences with his incredible talent. His success raises questions about the nature of genius.
What's happening?
In just 43 minutes and 22 seconds, Yunchan Lim's life changed forever.
The Korean pianist, then 18 years old, was a finalist in the Van Cilbern International Piano Competition. He was to play one of the most difficult piano pieces of all time: Sergei RachmaninovA Russian composer, pianist and conductor. 's Piano ConcertoA long piece of music for a solo instrument in an orchestra. No. 3 (1909).
He won first prize.
Since then, he has gained lots of fans online.
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Yesterday he signed a record deal with music label Decca.3 All this - and he's still at college.
Some think people like Yunchan Lim are born with a geniusVery clever or brilliant. . But some think that they are created through training.
Lim began studying aged seven and he practised up to 20 hours a day for the Van Cilbern. BeethovenGerman composer (1770 - 1827) whose intense, dramatic work revolutionised classical music. was forced to play by his fame-hungry father.
Is Rachmaninov the new rock music?
Yes! Classical music is much more exciting and moving than rock. And there is nothing to stop you from dancing to it.
No! Rock music wins over classical music because it has lyricsThe words of a song. . People want to know a songwriter's feelings. This is harder without words.
Keywords
Sergei Rachmaninov - A Russian composer, pianist and conductor.
Concerto - A long piece of music for a solo instrument in an orchestra.
Genius - Very clever or brilliant.
Beethoven - German composer (1770 - 1827) whose intense, dramatic work revolutionised classical music.
Lyrics - The words of a song.
Classical pianist, 19, wins pop star status


Glossary
Sergei Rachmaninov - A Russian composer, pianist and conductor.
Concerto - A long piece of music for a solo instrument in an orchestra.
Genius - Very clever or brilliant.
Beethoven - German composer (1770 - 1827) whose intense, dramatic work revolutionised classical music.
Lyrics - The words of a song.