The 7th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition is currently in progress, and now into its Second Stage. This competition is one of the most unforgiving, as it admits close to a hundred pianists in its First Stage, all of whom play for just 20 minutes. Sadly, Singapore's involvement has ended with the elimination of Tommy Seah Tsu Tham and Nattapol Tantikarn.
Tommy Seah Tsu Tham, a Singaporean who resides in Perth (Western Australia), performed Bach's Prelude & Fugue in F sharp major (WTC Book 2), Beethoven's Sonata in F sharp major (Op.78, 1st movement) and Liszt's Mephisto Waltz No.1. He displayed much sensitivity in the Bach, and good facility for repeated notes in the Beethoven. Although there was no lack of ardour in the Mephisto Waltz, it requires a certain diablerie which was somewhat short in his performance. Nevertheless, he did Singapore proud.
Nattapol Tantikarn (Thailand) was a student at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, now studying in USA. His recital included Bach's Prelude & Fugue in E major (WTC Book 2), Beethoven's Sonata in D major (Op.10 No.3, 1st movement) and Chopin's Sonata No.2 "Funeral March" (Op.35, 1st movement). No major problems with technique, but he seems to lack confidence and a stage demeanor to win over an audience... and jury.
Streaming of "live" performances here:
Video archive of past performances may be found here:
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