Zlatomir Fung - Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Final Round Schoenfeld International String Competition 2018)

 Zlatomir Fung Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations

I was first introduced to the cellist Zlatomir Fung after he won the 16th Tchaikovsky Cello Competition in 2019. Right off the bat, I was wooed by his simple yet extremely clean technique, his mature musicality (for his age), and his great interpretations of basically all the repertoire he played. However I was most delighted and impressed by his performance of Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations in the final round (in which he played alongside the second Shostakovitch Cello Concerto). Sadly however I could not find an available full video of that performance on YouTube, so I decided to rate and critique one of his other Rococo Variations performances (this one at his also winning round of the Schoenfeld International String Competition). 

                                     Zlatomir at the Tchaikovsky Competition

Zlati's interpretation of Tchaikovsky is simply impeccable. Tchaikovsky originally wrote his Rococo Variations with Mozart in mind; thus the piece has a much more classical, Mozart-feel compared to his other more romantic and dramatic works. I believe this lighter, more Mozart-esc music is absolutely perfect for Zlatomir's innate sound, as his sound is very light and clean (not to mention his perfect intonation). 

The reason why I find Zlatomir so special is because although he is an American cellist taught at Julliard, his interpretations are quite conservative and very European. One of the many reasons why I disliked American cellists for a while was due to the very liberal changes they made to many staple cello works. However with Zlatomir, his rendition of the Rococo Variations is extremely faithful to the great interpretations that came before him (such as with Rostropovich). 

                                             Rostropovich's legendary Rococo recording with Karajan 

In the first variation, Zlatomir introduces the theme with beautiful simplicity and classical-feel. His impeccable intonation with the left hand and simple vibrato alongside his extremely relaxed right hand (one of the most defining aspects of his technique in my opinion; really reminds me of Isserlis) really helps establish the light, simple atmosphere that the first variation requires. The next few variations are impeccable as well, being very conservative in terms of interpretation however showcasing very well Zlati's virtuosic flair. In the cadenza and last variation we can see truly more of Fung's romantic side (same with Tchaikovsky), and it is all full of great intensity and passion. 

                                                    Isserlis and his amazingly relaxed bow hand; very similar to Zlatomir. Apparently Fung had a few masterclasses with him. 

Ok, now on to some critiques I would like to point out. As much as I love Fung's left hand (with how relaxed it is, the great structure, etc), I feel as if his vibrato is the weakest point in his entire technique. Of course, it is extremely beautiful and if fit with the right piece it is wonderful, however I feel as if it is a bit limited. In the 4th and 6th variations when a singing, complex, multi-colored vibrato is necessary, I feel as if Zlatomir's vibrato is a little plain and stays the same throughout. However, I suppose he makes up for it as he is able to make a lot of different colors and feelings with his incredible bow technique. 

All in all, this was a very successful, very beautiful performance of the Rococo Variations by Zlatomir Fung, which is extremely impressive when you put his extremely young age into account. I highly recommend checking out his other performances and this one in particular.