As someone who has studied performance and classical music, I have heard tons of music. I don't say that to put my nose up in the air, but you get almost numb to music. Analyzing it, practicing day in and day out in the practice room, being tested on it, reading about it, cramming it. The focus shifts from listening to it out of pleasure to listening to it by necessity. You are forced to go to concerts you don't care about, rehearsals for groups you'd rather not be in. Amidst the chaos of trying to perfect your craft and soak up everything you know, you begin to make music for granted. This performance, for me, is breathtaking. I hovered my hand over the mouse, not wanting to end the performance. It is rare to see so much musicality, so much emotion. In an age where everything can be replicated perfectly in the sonic realm, nothing can quite capture the exuberance and delicate nature of this playing. How beautiful, how stunning, how evoking of feelings. Music like this stands the test of time, allows for audiences to continue to be moved centuries later. That is the test of the music itself and the performers who dare try and showcase it. Naturally, music is an elitist institution. It takes time for ideas to change, so bold is the artist who commits to true artistry. Bravo, bravo, bravo!

One can say, that she played a slower version that resulted in 4th place. It's her interpretation of Chopin. The competition diminished its credibility by being averse to the sorrow Aimi created in her interpretation. The 4th place is no reflection of her ability and flow but the collective competition's conscience. Aimi has the quality to slow down Chopin... just consider that for a second. A rebel against convention...

4th place??!! The travesty of all time. By far the most gifted and what a stellar interpretation

I don't know, it seems the judges don't like her or don't get her, I think her interpretation of Chopin is just too intelligent for them to comprehend. This was absolutely beautiful, the right tempo throughout and oh so sensitive. When the announcements were made it was written all over her face what she thought of her placement, and I felt so disappointed for her, she deserved much, much better.

She brought tears in my eyes. The conductor said in the studio that Aimi's playing impressed him and the orchestra the most. That everyone was moved. I completely agree with him. This is the best performance of this concerto I have ever heard in my life. So many emotions, sorrow intertwined with joy of playing. Something wonderful. 4th place is a joke to me. She should have won.

Whenever I watch a skilled pianist, I am always sucked into the fantasy of being able to play. This was such an amazing performance

また聴いています。大好きなピアニストさんです。がん治療の苦しみの最中乗り越える勇気を貰えました。ありがとうございました。

Some musicians can break your heart without ever saying a word. I can't imagine the anxiety of being the sole pianist in the spotlight of an entire orchestra. You see her nerves give way completely to her emotional range and depth behind the music, not only is the technical proficiency mastery level, but the feeling behind each flourish sheds new light on the meaning behind each technique.

The competition is over and the days have passed. I found myself listening to her concerto more than any other of the finalists. One night, a little warm for autumn and reminiscent of a moonlit night in spring, I was listening to her soft piano tones and suddenly burst into tears, imagining that I was miraculously born and kept alive in the vastness of the universe. This is probably due to the fact that this year, my only daughter, whom I have raised alone, got married and gave birth to a grandchild. The older I get, the more miraculous my encounters seem, and the more gratitude I feel. The beautiful sound played by Aimi is one of those wonderful encounters. I don't know how many more times I will be able to enjoy the Chopin Competition, which is held once every five years, but I hope to spend the rest of my life surrounded by beautiful music.

4位入賞おめでとうございます。 いつもいつも鳥肌の立つ演奏 宇宙に突き抜けて行くような 美しく凛とした音色。 どんな言葉でも表現できないほど素晴らしい演奏です。 順位は誰かがつけたものですが、私にとっては 愛実さんのピアノが1番です。 12月の反田さんとのコンサートも楽しみにしています。 愛実さんの人生が素晴らしいものとなりますように。 お祈りしています。 本当に素晴らしいピアノを ありがとう😊

It's beyond my wildest dream that two of the most fantastic musicians have been a sweet couple! Congratulations! Best wishes to you two!

Years later, I still come back to this performance to hear my favorite rendition of this wonderful piece. At least to my ear, parts of the first movement and the entirety of the second are suffused with a magical softness and gentleness. I often have the volume set so that I strain to hear her softest parts, and then the Larghetto gives me a strong sense of calm and quietude as I listen to her play, as does the first movement in places. Her interpretation is perhaps idiosyncratic and extreme in some ways, but that is a strength in her case and it brings me peace like no other interpretation can. This has been a favorite since I listened, mesmerized, to the live stream of her performance, and will doubtless remain a favorite for a long time. What a privilege to hear such beauty. Thank you Aimi Kobayashi, and thank you @Chopin Institute for bringing it to us. 🤩 😍 ♥

So interesting how different pianists interpret this piece vastly differently. Aimi’s version is overflowing with emotion - I am on the verge of tears at times. Whereas Bruce’s is light and optimistic. This is what makes masterpieces so wonderful to listen to - they sound different each time they’re played, the musician’s feelings at the time plays a big role.

Seeing lots of comments on how the wrong notes affect the final result --- while I agree that in a highly competitive final round of a major piano competition, small mistakes can be fatal, I still don't find these imperfections to be the major issue in Aimi's performance. In fact, the sporadic wrong notes did not affect her overall beautiful phrasing and musical expressions, which without a doubt stand out among all contestants. According to my own experience with playing piano concertos, I feel that the real problem lies in the sound projection, particularly in the opening sections of the 1st movement, which is a bit too mild for a concerto piece. The problem with a soft tone in a concerto, while executed beautifully with all the delicacies and nuances by Aimi, is that the piano sound can easily get overwhelmed by the orchestra and thus cannot reach out to the other end of the hall. As such, all the detailed and rich expressions become hardly distinguishable due to the overall weak intensity of the sound. The problem can arise from a few factors: it could be the sound of the Steinway piano (e.g., compared to the Fazioli used by Bruce Xiaoyu Liu), Aimi's plan for the overall presentation, or simply because of stage fright which limits the power generated in the opening stage (which should be familiar to anyone who has performed classical music). I personally believe it is likely the stage fright issue, judging from the uncharacteristic wrong notes and the fact that the sound projection got better and better in the 2nd and 3rd movements as stress was gradually released. In any case, this is, in my not-so-humble opinion, the Achilles heel of Aimi's final round performance. That being said, I am definitely one of the many who have been deeply touched by Aimi's performance, from the beginning to the very end of this competition. The musical maturity and richness demonstrated in Aimi's interpretation of Chopin's music definitely made her an "uncrowned king (queen)" of this year's Chopin competition.

I am watching Aimi for the first time. I am magnetised to her elegance and grace. What a skilful and talented pianist. I am so impressed how to she has learnt the whole piece off by heart. She is truly amazing ❤

4th?! No! This was a masterpiece! Good on her for keeping to how she felt it should be played. Sometimes, the placement doesn't matter--just that everyone remembers it, and well--this is quite extraordinary...I'll never forget it!

小林愛実さん、素敵な演奏をありがとうございます。ド素人の老人で専門的なことは判りませんが、今日まで生きてきて良かったと思いました。もう少し生きてみようかと思います。 今後、ますます精進され、多くの人々の希望となってください。78歳の爺さんから感謝の思いです。

She's playing Chopin in Chopin's way. Chopin is a delicate, gentle person. He's not beethoven or Liszt. Saddly, most of modern pianists' way of playing Chopin well is to pretend they are playing Lizst. She's not one of them. She knows the Chopin way.

I got glossy eyed as soon as she started playing. I've never heard Chopin played in this manner. It was amazing. It almost sounded like a completely different person than the traditional Chopin I am used to hearing. Just amazing. If this was 4th place, then I'm at a dead end in life musically.

1位2位をこれでもかというくらい聴いてこれを見たけど、鳥肌がすごい。こんなにも別の曲に聴こえるとは。第二からの第三楽章、ストーリーが見えてくるようで、音の粒が見えてオーケストラに反映されてるような、素人で上手く伝えられないことがもどかしいほどに、なんだこれーーーってなった!!!反田さんもブルースさんも言わずもがな凄かったけど、小林さんの感性がたまらなく好き!素晴らしい！

Even she won 4th place, it was the E minor concerto I enjoyed the most. Not everything is speed, she is the winner for me!

She is so elegant and amazing

So emotional, played from the heart,briliant technique,pure pleasure to listen and watch.Thank you .

I know nothing about piano, I just know this made me feel so many things 🥺 I can’t stop crying… this is beautiful

Aimi's performance was dramatic from the very first note. Her poetic and emotional interpretation was beautiful. I felt her inner passion in her all-out performance.

Aimi knows how to sing and soar. Embracing beauty and pain.

I'm not a musician , I love classical music . When she started playing , it was so emotional ,I realized that I was crying . Thanks for great performance .

Actually I should have been studying for a math class test but I ended up her and I am very happy about it. I don’t know why I didn’t now her before this popped up on my KZfaq recommendations but let me just say one thing. This was the first time I heard her playing and I was mesmerized. As soon as she started playing, my eyes started to fill with tears. My look was glued on to the screen. It’s beautiful to see, that someone who does not now I exist, can touch my heart so deeply.

音がすごく柔らかくてキラキラしてるけど、しっかり芯がある。温もりを感じます。 繊細だけど芯のある音ってすごく難しいと思います… 日本の誇りです。

愛美さん、4位入賞本当におめでとうございます。6年前の悔しさを胸に今回最後のショパンコンクールに臨んだんだと思います。ファイナルでもやはり丁寧で綿密な愛美さんのショパンを聴けました。一音一音丁寧に音や響きを大切にしているのが伝わります。 特に第3楽章はとても素敵でした。 日本や世界の皆さんに、感動をありがとうございました。お疲れ様です！

She didn’t make it the first time, she came back and tried again and ended up coming fourth- now that’s the definition of ‘never giving up’. Can’t believe she was close to quitting...I hope this competition made her prove to herself how talented she really is

It seems to me that Aimi's playing gives voice to Chopin's heart and what he was saying through his music.

私はピアノの素人です。6年前に小林さんのことを知り、挑戦する生き様に共感し、その後コンサート等に度々足を運び演奏を聴かせて頂きました。そして6年間くじけそうになるたびに小林さんの6年前の演奏を聴いていました。 誰よりも小林さんの6年前のコンチェルト1番を聴いた自信があります(そのような方は私以外もたくさんいると思いますが)。 だからこそ素人の私でも解ります。今回の1番は6年前のものとは全く違うことが。専門的なことは解りません。しかし私は言葉で言い表せない感動を頂きました。最高でした。一生今回のショパンコンクールの演奏を聴き続けます。この度は本当にお疲れ様でした。これからの活躍も応援し続けます！！

ただただ美しい。第一楽章はもともと美しいフレージングの連続ですが、これほど深く存分にショパンの美しさを描ききることができるのは小林愛実を措いて居ないだろうと思う。賞の行方がどうなるかはわかりませんが、そういうことをいわば「下世話」と感じさせるほどすばらしい演奏でした。

こんなに苦しそうに一つのひとつの音を出すピアニスト…いないですよね。 KZfaqrでも美しいクリアーな音分かります。

Aimi Kobayashi should have been given the first prize

If there is one thing I can say so far for certain is that I don’t know anything about playing piano, competitions, etc. Heck I can’t even read music. But listening to her as she started playing, I’m standing in my kitchen of my chaotic and cramped bed room apartment looking at the oven with my fried ravioli baking. And it was like I felt so moved. Everything faded around me and then I found myself in a unfamiliar place like I can only describe it as something like van goghs starry night. The stars were so close to me I could grab one and hold it in my hand. It made me want to be creative and paint even, and just a few hours ago I had finished a painting that left me exhausted working on it and all I wanted to do was sleep. I don’t think I’ve felt like that before it was a genuinely moving performance

I almost started crying when she first started playing. Her dynamics and overall technique makes this performance ethereal. Gorgeous! Brava!!!

It sounds and feels as though the music is pouring out of her heart In credible performance❤

I have never seen in my life of 76 years any one to show so much passion and emotion , Piano is your Destini through life !

小林さん、ほんと5年前と雰囲気変わったよね。それにしても、ほんとに素晴らしい演奏でした👏👏

Yes! She gets her whole body and face engaged with the music, you can tell she is FEELING the music when she plays. And when shes just sitting there she looks so elegant and graceful!

全てのファイナリストの中で、一番愛実ちゃんのコンチェルトが好きです。もう何度も聴いています。 前回大会が終わった後、「悔いがないから怖い」といって少し燃え尽きてしまった様子だったので、今大会は見ている自分も少し緊張していました。しかし、前奏曲での恐るべき集中力を見せつけられ、感動するとともに、ピアニストとして大きく成長していたことを思い知らされました。 ファイナルはどうくるのか、ただただ楽しみにしていました。蓋を開けるとなんということでしょう！！私はこの演奏を聴いて涙が出てしまいました。まるで一本の映画を観ているような、大きな音の波で目も耳も心も演奏から離れませんでした。 私は、豊かで美しいppこそショパンの魅力だと思っています。この演奏は、私の求める最良のコンチェルトでした。 大変遅くなりましたが、コンクール第4位、おめでとうございます。そしてお疲れ様でした。これからも、愛実ちゃんを心から応援しています。

Big congratulations to Aimi and Kyohei on your marriage!!!!!! They got married and they’re expecting!!!!!!!!!!

I am no expert in classical music but listening to her play bring tears to my eye.

How anyone can memorize this entire thing is unbelievable to me. What a talent Aimi has, very beautiful display of execution and emotion.

Her expressions and amazing skills showed how much she loves music, she was definitely feeling it. She played so natural and emotional.

This may be two years ago but….BRAVISIMO!!!! So so beautifully and uniquely executed. My soul can’t get over it❤❤❤❤

WOW. This is one of the freshest and most captivating performances I've ever seen. That otherworldly 2nd movement brought tears to my eyes. To imagine that she would get 4th after successfully portraying such intense emotion. She's not the most conventional player, but to the modern ear, isn't that a good thing? I think it's clear that emotion and virtuosity play equally vital roles in most Chopin. They go hand in hand, and she's got both. It's not about being the fastest! In my opinion I guess. Regardless of placement in the competition, she clearly won first in our hearts... And that's more important. She's going to have a very successful career as a pianist.

As small hands pianist, I totally respect her😭❤️

Decades, centuries later and we are still playing the same music. With all of our technology and brain power today, these old pieces are still marvelous. Speaks endless volumes of these ancient composers.

From 9:13 to 9:50 is simply amazing... Kobayashi took her time and stretched the phrase and the change in dynamic of both pianist and orchestra make this a truly special moment. In awe that this level of sensitive musicianship was possible during a stressful competition final stage environment.

こんなに心を震わされる演奏は初めてです。 日本でコンサートに行きたい。

ただののだめカンタービレ好きの素人ですが小林さんの柔らかく繊細で、でも芯のある迫力を感じる演奏と、壊れてしまわれるのではないかと感じる切ない表情が相まって切なくて涙が出ました。 耳も心も温かく幸せで全身が喜んでいます。まだまだお若い日本人からこのような名誉ある賞を受賞されて、ショパンのコンクールが無料で見れるなんてことに驚いています！ 最高でした！！！！！！音楽は心を揺さぶられる最高の癒しだと思います。改めておめでとうございます！そしてありがとうございます😭🙏✨✨✨

This performance is truly memorable. Chopin was a genius. He would have been very happy to see this.

The combination of the pianist's facial expressions and the sound of her playing brings together such an immense level of emotion all through a video on the internet...imagine being there in person.

Performance was so beautiful. 💕The expression was excellent and the movement of the fingers was clean. I expect to hear her developing performance!! 👍✨ 日本語にはまだ未熟なんですけど、彼女の演奏はきれいし、美しいです。とくに指の動きがクリーンだと思います。これからも頑張ってくださいね！

So beautiful and so different from other competitors. She bravely played her Chopin throughout the competition. Congratulations on your highest spirit!

That humans can do this never fails to make me cry. What a magnificent gift Miss Aimi has and how truly fortunate we are that she so generously shares it with us. I only hope I am able to witness her genius in person some time. Thank you.

Dear Aimi, There are so many great performers that awake in me tremendous feeling of beauty of Chopin’s music, and, particularly, of this concerto. This performance of yours was different. I listened to it many times, and every time experienced deep emotions and could not hold my tears. And I am not a particularly emotional person. Thank you, and I wish you the greatest luck.

I'm new to this interpretation. I heard the heavenly music wrapped in kindness.She told me Chopin. She is the winner in my heart.

愛実さんのピアコンは 永遠に1番輝きつづける💖演奏として私の記憶になりました。 敬愛のショパンとショパンコンクールに携わられた方々への☺️たくさんのありがとう☺️ワルシャワへ届きますように…

Beautifully played she has a very amazing touch which sets her aside from others. Magnifique! The judges obviously were not taking into account that this is the way Chopin played his Concerto. Chopin did not like to play in public because he had a light touch!

I never tire watching this video of Aimi Kobayashi. While I work on the computer I let her play in the background. Such a wonderful experience. This is the fifth time I tune in on her. I especially love her rendition of Romance.

ピアノのソロから風景はがらりと変わる・・・なんて、切ない表情で演奏すのだろう。思いが伝わってくる演奏です。素晴らしい・・・同じ、日本人として誇りに思います。この演奏は、いくらAIが発達しようとも、決して真似はできない。ジェフリー・ラッシュ主演の、昔観た映画、「シャイン」が観たくなってきました。一音、一音、彼女の指先から魂が鍵盤に伝わってゆく様が、とても心地よい・・・音楽に国境はない。

Congratulations to Aimi kobayashi for winning the 4th place. I have never come across a song that expresses Chopin's deep feelings like this. I think this performance is a wonderful performance that attracts the hearts of many people.

小林さん、反田さん、ご結婚おめでとうございます！ これからも二人を応援してます📣

When you hear things like this, you realize there is hope for the world. 🙏❤️🙏

Such a beautiful and emotional interpretation. I know I'm not the only one who felt like crying while listening to it... The second movement was heartwarming ♥️

前回と比べて別人のように落ち着いてる。6年間諦めずによく頑張ったな～～

期間経過して、あらためて聴き惚れております。 2楽章の柔らかい音色が好きです、ありがとうございます♪

I often get enthralled by the shear simplicity of this gift to us, humans. Perhaps Chopin wanted his farewell from his motherland to be as simple & honest as his life, like a child waving goodbye to his mother. I don't know for sure but I like to believe its true. And hatsoff to Aimi she has recreated a classic. Bravo!

No rush, every detail worked out, accents where they belong, delicacy, airiness, as if stepping on a cloud devoid of earthly cares, reverie of destiny, like a free spirit that drifts in the skies....beautiful and fabulous...maybe this is what paradise looks like? ........Thank you Aimi!!!

I’m watching for the second time! Aimi is a treasure! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Какой подарок душе такое исполнение! Думала, что с тех пор, как имела счастье услышать в зале Генриха Густавовича Нейгауза, что никогда не услышу больше никого, кто этим произведением так потрясет и в то же время так нежно обнимет душу! Брависсимо всем! Японка сама слилась с Шопеном и так нежно, так искренне и проникновенно рассказала о жизни! Она потрясающе точно смогла понять славянскую душу! Техника прекрасна и, естественным образом, работает на передачу мысли и эмоций, а не демонстрирует самое себя. Оркестр на всем протяжении произведения не увлекается бравурными эпизодами соло, а деликатно ведет , конечно, самостоятельную , но при этом именно партнерскую линию по отношению в исполнителю, часто сознательно становясь даже просто фоном , но главным образом, все же деликатным и отзывчивым "слушателем" и мыслителем о том, что изливает душа и руки волшебной исполнительницы. Спасибо огромное!!!!! Восхищена!!!!!!❤️❤️💖❤️💖❤️💖❤️💖❤️❤️💖❤️💖💖💖💖💖💖

This is the only performance that i finished from start to the end without moving on my chair. I stayed, watched it because it was soooo good.

For me, the most inspiring interpretation at the whole contest 2021. Bravo!

In my opinion, Aimi expressed the subtlety and sensitivity of Chopin's works best.

Chopin would be very pleased with her interpretation of his great music.

This performance had me so captivated and moved to tears. Thank you for showing this.to me...

繊細な、日本人の演奏です。6年前のファイナルでも聴いていましたが、今回は格段と良かったと思います。入賞、おめでとう!!

Aimi’s playing is like a box of fine chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get next but in contrast to life (yes Mrs Gump) somehow you’re certain it’s gonna be a delight. I have never heard a more introspective and poetically abstract performance of this concerto. She takes all her time to lead the listener on a spiritually enriching journey. That being said, this is a competition in the end, and competition aren’t usually generous with this type of playing. I’m happy she got a prize!

2023 still listening to aimis performance👏👏

Oh my. Flood of tears. Pure beauty.

賞の如何は問わず唯々深い解釈と表現の素晴らしさに大変感動致しました。 ピアニッシモの美しさは小林さんのものですね。 媚びない凛とした美しさと言いますか　 情感を込めて歌い上げた音色に　 ただピアノが好きというだけの 素人の婆さんの胸を打ちました。 圧巻の２４の前奏曲に涙し、死ぬ前に良いものを聞かせて頂き感謝です。 これからはコンサートで聞かせて頂けることを楽しみに余生を送りたいと思います。 有難うございました。

All contestants are amazing. Top Notch. For me, Aimi is the winner.

I have never had tears wrenched out of my eyes so suddenly and powerfully before. The moment she started playing I had no choice but to cry.

This was too beautiful. It was overflowing. Not a single boring moment. I love how you can see her love of the music and how that can be transferred to the listener.

Aimi Kobayashi is a revelation. She journeys deep into Chopin's heart and experience and expresses it very personally as though she is in direct dialogue with him. Her mastery of dynamics, ability to go from power to tenderness from phrase to phrase, the way she never duplicates but always finds nuance and variation takes one's breath away.

I suffer from anxiety and depression. I came across this and watching all 44 minutes I felt free, weightless, floating...I was right there with the violins, the French horns, the oboes, next to this talented young lady watching her move to the keystrokes as she was immersed in the time of the music. I was in a place of tranquility and happiness and finding myself smiling broadly with a joyful tear in my eye. I was transformed!!! What a beautiful time in human history to be able to write music such as this. What happened to us???

Her face actions add passion to the perfection. A pure delight.

what a performance 👏🏻 her feeling is so unique and she play it like its her own 🙏🏻

I think this concerto will be appreciated more over time

第１・第２楽章よかったのコメント多いですが、私は、第３楽章が一番感動した。感性を込めた音色と忠実な素直な演奏大好きです。

Props to Miss Aimi for coming back 6 years later without giving up. Even though only one pianist can only win first prize, all of the finalists have something special about their playing.

Remarkable. Every note is measured, weighted, timed and felt.

日本人です。素人です。でもここでは素直な感想を言ってもいい場所だと思い、コメントします。同じ日本の反田さんの演奏で舞い上がる自分が居て、小林さんは2度目ともあり根拠のない期待をしていましたsorry…自分の無知さsorry…計り知れないプレッシャーやストレス…小林さんの演奏…敬愛や優しさ…繰り返し見る度に優しさに気付き…優しいタッチに癒されます。ピアノの鍵盤を打つ指の優しさはfinalistの中では1番響きました👍ありがとうございます。感動しました

She deserve to be in the top three.

She embodies the melody. This is amazing, got slightly emotional

Spectacular performance. I feel every note she played like hitting every part of my body. Simply amazing.