In my mature years, I found myself immersed in an intensive, fiery, and exquisitely creative 300-plus-hour session, spread over five weeks, with none other than the enigmatic piano Guru Jacques De Tiège.
His name whispered with reverence and envy among the musical elite, carried a mystique that grew stronger as I entered his presence.
Maestro De Tiège, the mentor of luminaries such as Eliane Rodrigues, Leif Ove Andsnes, Enrico Pace and Igor Roma, possessed an aura of profound knowledge and undeniable authority. The mere mention of his name sparked intrigue and curiosity within the musical circles. And rumours suggested that he too had "advised" the extraordinary Yuja Wang, a pianistic force of nature.
For five weeks, our paths intertwined in a relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. The air crackled with intensity as we delved into the secrets of technique, interpretation, and musicality. Debussy's Images, 2 Haydn Sonatas, Scrjabin's 5th Sonata, and Schumann's Kreisleriana were subjected to De Tiège's unyielding passion and uncompromising standards, pushing me beyond my perceived limits.
In those hallowed hours, I witnessed the fusion of brilliance and madness as we dissected and reconstructed musical masterpieces. A tempestuous maestro, he ignited sparks of inspiration that set ablaze the recesses of my artistic soul. He possessed an uncanny ability to unravel the secrets hidden within the music, urging me to explore uncharted territories of expression and nuance.
As I emerged from that intense crucible, forever changed and grateful, I carried the indelible imprint of Maestro De Tiège's influence. His teachings infused my performances and insights with a depth and richness that transcends the ordinary.
And as for the whispers of his involvement with Yuja Wang, whether fact or fiction, they add yet another layer of intrigue to the enigmatic persona that is Jacques De Tiege. Legends are born, greatness is forged, and the compelling mysteries often fuel our imagination and elevate the music to even greater heights.
For nearly three decades, I guided countless Japanese students and pianists towards their musical destinies. In this vibrant environment of cultures, I found fulfilment and great success, nurturing talents and witnessing the blossoming of musical souls.
In the labyrinth of my musical vacation, I must recount the bittersweet chapter of my life, haunted by the spectres of envy and deceit. About ten years after I embarked on a grand adventure spanning three decades in the heartland of Asia, my path became entangled with specific individuals ( compatriots of mine nota bene) who, driven by a toxic blend of jealousy and insecurity, sought to undermine my hard-earned reputation within the very community where I dedicated my passion and expertise.
Plagued by their inadequacies, these individuals saw fit to wage a defamation campaign against me and Jacques De Tiège, launching salvo after salvo of insidious attacks. Sharpened by spite, their tongues wove a web of rumours and falsehoods, attempting to tarnish the essence of my artistry and integrity. With venomous words and covert actions, they sought to diminish my accomplishments, desperate to prop up their fragile egos.
But I drew strength from the unwavering support of my students, who saw through the veil of envy that shrouded these assailants. Their feeble attempts at sabotage only fueled the fire of my ambition, igniting a burning desire to soar higher, reach new heights, and prove that artistry and authenticity will always triumph over jealousy and deceit.
Reflecting upon the trials and tribulations, I am reminded that pursuing artistic greatness comes with adversaries. But I shall continue my work, my spirit unyielding, with an unwavering determination that the fleeting shadows of jealousy cannot tarnish.
Forever grateful, dear Jacques. 🙏
Salud!
Dear Lord! What a fiery and honest account of your experiences.
❤️