Aruth Masrangsan started piano later than many professional musicians. At age 13 he “stumbled” into piano lessons, and “over time I’ve developed more and more love for music.”
Applying to the sixth NTD International Piano Competition (NIPC) began as a wish to come to America and to visit his sister, but the experience has enriched Masrangsan more than he could have imagined, he said. From performance practice aspects to the way he thought of himself as an artist, his understanding has deepened.
“I was sweating, and my glasses were falling off,” said Masrangsan after playing the final round on Nov. 1 at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. “And I’m still nervous.”
Masrangsan performed seven pieces by Chopin and Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz.
“I still need to learn a lot,” he said. “I need to be more practical in my playing, to have more precision. There were times when I lost control of the piano.”
“But I am very glad I decided to do this,” Masrangsan added.
To be an artist is to enjoy the art, and to invite other people to enjoy it with you, he said.
