Li Yundi at Herbst Theatre

I don't think I've ever been this smitten, even with my first love. I feel like a fool. I look at his autograph on my ticket stub and I giggle like there's something funny on it. I took a picture with him, several too. At first, I thought I would be satisfied with just a look at him, but I knew I would regret if I didn't get an autograph and picture of some sort. I was within an inch from him, oh my God, I sound like a stalker.

He really did blow me away with his performance. Teacher Zhou's husband said he played better last time, and that he didn't play Liszt's Widmung well. I haven't listened to Liszt's pieces enough to tell a difference. However, I was absolutely mesmerized with his fingers--how they danced across the keyboard so gracefully and easily. At several points in the performance, I was actually moved that I got teary. I think I'm in love with his talent, more than Yundi himself. Although I think he's just too "shui," I found myself staring at his fingers almost the entire time during the performance, and not at his face. At the autograph session, I was nervous just to think that such a prodigy was right before me. Tonight was probably the closest I'll ever be next to a talent like him. It makes me kind of sad that I probably won't see him again. But I'll keep a copy of my ticket stub in my wallet. It'll serve as my inspiration, and I'll continue to strive as he has done.

I don't think Yundi played as well as he could have. They said he was nervous. When I really think about it, it does seem like that. I think he's under a lot of pressure, and his busy life of constantly touring the world must have put a toll on him. I sometimes wonder if he likes the life he has now. Does fame take away the joy of piano-playing?