In classical music, China has no shortage of keyboard wonder-kids. Lang Lang and Li Yundi come immediately to mind. While Lang Lang is off touring the world in flamboyant style, Li Yundi positions himself as the more contemplative of the two. The prodigy is now back in his home country after three years overseas.

From the first note of Mozart's Piano Sonata in C Major, a solemn, serious expression overtook his face. He was one with the music.

Li Yundi brought a moving resonance to Century Theater on Sunday night. Though known for playing Chopin, he chose a repertoire of Mozart, Schumann and Liszt.

He plays with the rare combination of virtuoso technique and poetic sensibility. Each note was a reminder of why, in 2000, the International Chopin Competition handed him first prize. At 18, Li was the youngest contestant, and the first Chinese, ever to claim the trophy. What's more, the competition broke its trend of dividing the prizes, declaring an individual winner for the first time in 15 years.

In an era full of Asian musicians, Li Yundi stands out for another remarkable reason - he is the first and only superstar world pianist trained exclusively in China.

A spectator said: "She's been learning piano for a couple of years. And her teacher said we have to listen to Li Yundi. I want her to hear a more expressive use of the instrument. And this is a great chance to see a world-known pianist."

Li has already developed a distinct musical personality. He doesn't strive for brilliance, he seems to just have it. As the Washington Post commented, he starts to play and those qualities are simply there -- part of a world of sound in which he immerses his listeners.

Li Yundi is now enrolled at Hanover Conservatory of Music, in Germany. Next year, he will tour Asia and the United States with the Berlin Philharmonic.

(CCTV December 5, 2006)