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(COMING SOON: A Review of WIPAC's 2007 PIANO COMPETITION)

A REVIEW: Winner of the 2006 Washington International Piano Artists Competition: Christopher Shih.

By Cecelia Porter

Click Here for a biography and photo of the distinguished music critic, Cecelia Porter

American pianist Christopher Shih gave an illuminating performance for the final round of the fourth annual Washington International Piano Artists Competition on July 23, 2006. This impression of his playing came immediately to mind as he tackled Johannes Brahms “Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 21, No. 1, a work as enigmatic as it is overpowering. Although the theme (as much a harmonic as a melodic idea) seems to lose its way as the variations proceed, Shih maintained a comprehensive sense of Brahms’ central idea from start to finish. At the same time, Shih managed to give a clear impression of  the improvisatory nature of the variations, each seeming to offer the theme  a new context, all this fully supported by  intelligent phrasing and careful use of the pedal. Overall, Shih’s approach to this music evidenced energy tempered by rumination.

In Enrique Granados’ “Los Requiebros” from “Goyescas,” demonstrated the same sense of command, technical prowess, and perception that had marked the Brahms. At the same time, Shih missed no opportunity to be playful. Above all, the Granados showed that Shih knows how to build up a musical structure, giving a feeling of perpetual movement and outlining its colorful Iberian character. And the piece was enlivened with flashes of dramatic ecstasy not foreign to the paintings of Granados’ compatriot Francisco de Goya right to the end.   

CHRISTOPHER SHIH

Piano Music Performed by Christopher Shih at the 2006 Washington International Piano Artists Competition:
Click on the following Link to download either of the two following LIVE PERFORMANCES in MP3 format.:

Bartok-Out of Doors (Suite)

Grandados-Los Requiebros

CHRISTOPHER SHIH

Biographical Information

Christopher Shih is a gastroenterologist from Maryland. As a pianist, he has performed in many different countries, including Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Canada, the Republic of China, and numerous cities in the United States. Past musical accomplishments include multiple solo performances with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC, serving as resident artist at the Banff International Chamber Music Festival, and being one of the top four Americans in the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Other orchestral appearances include the Georgetown, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, New England Conservatory, and Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestras.

Christopher received his B.A. from Harvard University and his M.D. from Johns Hopkins. His medical practice, Maryland Digestive Disease Center (www.mddcenter.com), has offices in Laurel, Takoma Park, and Ellicott City. He currently lives in Ellicott City with his wife, Maya, and his two daughters, Nina and Elena. He frequently collaborates with his wife, who is a violinist on faculty at the Peabody Preparatory Institute in Baltimore. Besides music and medicine, he enjoys playing pool, bridge, and the board game Othello.

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