Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pianophiles, and adventure seekers alike, prepare to embark on an auditory journey like no other. Today, the great pianist Archie Chen will perform Leopold Godowsky's mesmerizing Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" – a composition so delightfully treacherous it will leave you questioning the very limits of human dexterity.

From the mind of Godowsky, the mad scientist of piano, comes a set of 53 arrangements that would make even Chopin's most nimble fingers tremble in fear. Schonberg once quipped that they are "the most impossibly difficult things ever written for the piano," and we dare say he wasn't far off the mark!

But what's all this about Ignis Fatuus, you ask? A term that conjures images of spectral lights and ghostly marshes, it refers to the deceptive luminous phenomena that have haunted folklore for centuries. These mischievous lights, known as Will o' the Wisps or Jack o' Lanterns, have been said to lead travelers astray, luring them to their untimely doom. Whether the spirits of the drowned or the souls of unbaptized infants, these eerie orbs have captured the imagination and terror of many a night wanderer.

And so, the stage is set for Archie Chen's spellbinding rendition of "Ignis Fatuus." Listen in awe as he transfers Chopin's already devilish right-hand etude into the left hand – a feat of pianistic prestidigitation that would leave even Houdini gasping for breath. As the haunting melody flits and flickers like the enigmatic lights it emulates, you may find yourself lost in its bewitching allure.

But fear not, dear listener! For Archie Chen is your guide through this labyrinth of notes, and he shall lead you safely back from the brink of pianistic pandemonium. So sit back, relax, and let the otherworldly beauty of Godowsky's Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" wash over you like a mysterious, flickering flame.

And remember, don't follow the light... unless, of course, it's Archie Chen's dazzling fingers dancing across the keyboard!

My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen
Official Website: www.archiechen.com
Youtube DIPF www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe
Youtube Archie www.youtube.com/c/ArchieChenPianist
Festival Website: www.pianofestival.ie
Teaching Website: www.pianoacademy.ie

Unedited live recording
Piano: Hamburg Steinway B
Piano Technician: Martin Walsh
Recording Engineer: Joey McDonald
Piano provided by Pianos Plus

Frederic Chopin Etude in A minor op. 10 no. 2+Leopold Godowsky Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus"

According to the Irish Times, Taiwanese-American pianist Archie Chen is like a hot-blooded Latino lover, except with a piano instead of a guitar. His "gorgeously full tone" and "daring velocity" have earned him a reputation as a real heart-throb of the classical music world. But don't be fooled by his dreamy good looks and seductive melodies - the man's got serious skills. As International Piano Magazine attests, his interpretation of Alkan at the Dublin International Piano Festival was so steamy, it's still making audiences swoon months later. Talk about a performance that really sticks with you!

Ladies and gentlemen, it's not every day you get to see a world-renowned doctor who also happens to be an international musical sensation! Dr. Chen is a true Renaissance man, traveling the globe and performing at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. From Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Gewandhaus and the Vatican Auditorium, this guy has played them all. And don't even get me started on his tours of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe! He's played at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Benaroya Hall, and countless concert halls throughout China. So if you're feeling ill, just come to one of Dr. Chen's shows and let his music heal your soul. 

He's not just a performer, he's a multimedia superstar! Not only has he graced the stages of some of the world's most prestigious venues, but he's also been featured on radio and TV in the US and Europe. And if that's not impressive enough, he's even been in movies! Just check out BBC Films' "Loving Miss Hatto" where he tackles the notoriously tricky Godowsky-Chopin Etudes. But don't worry, Archie's not a one-man show. He's an active chamber musician who's performed with some of the best, including English cellist William Butt and trumpeters Alan Vizutti and John Wallace. And he's not just a big city guy - Archie's performed with symphonies all across the US, from the Spokane Symphony to the Northwest Chamber Orchestra. And to top it all off, he's recorded for both Sony Classical and Carnegie Artists Records. So if you're in the mood for some top-notch entertainment, look no further than Archie - the pride of Spokane! This guy has been tickling the ivories since he was old enough to reach the keys. At just 11 years old, he gave his first Piano Concerto performance with the Spokane Youth Symphony. And he just kept getting better and better, winning the Northwest Young Artist series at 13 and the Young Artist award at Musicfest Northwest at 16. Talk about a prodigy! But Archie didn't stop there. He caught the attention of the legendary Maestro Gunther Schuller, who took him under his wing and made him a regular guest artist at the Festival at Sandpoint. 

And if that wasn't enough, he even went on to get his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied with the likes of Menahem Pressler and the late Edmund Battersby. Alright folks, let's get serious for a second - this guy is a scholarship machine! Archie Chen may be a native of Spokane, but he's been racking up accolades all over the country. At Indiana University, he won the Nina Neal Piano Scholarship and even earned the Performer's Certificate - the school's highest honor. But don't worry, he didn't stop there. After completing his studies at Indiana University, he went on to earn his Recital Artist Diploma and Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance. And if that wasn't impressive enough, he even focused his research on Chopin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music under the direction of John O'Conor. 

So when it comes to scholarships and awards, Archie's got it covered! Folks, let me tell you - this guy's got some serious talent. Not only has Archie Chen won countless awards and scholarships, but he's also been recognized by some of the biggest names in the business. He was the recipient of the Arts Council of Ireland Music Bursary Award, in support of his performances and research. And some of the biggest names in music have been his teachers, including Leonard Hokanson and Alicia De Larrocha. But don't just take my word for it - in 2013, Archie was named Artist of the Year by the New York Classical Music Society and he won First Prize at the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. And if that wasn't impressive enough, he's even been awarded a Fellowship from the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a prestigious residency program for artists.

Not only is he a world-class pianist, but he's also an educator and a festival founder. That's right, folks - Dr. Chen has served as Assistant Lecturer of Piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and at the Conservatory of Music & Drama at TU Dublin. And if that wasn't enough, he's also the Founder & Artistic Director of the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy. But don't worry, he's not just a one-man show - he's also the Director of Development at the Piano Academy of Ireland. 

Not only is Archie Chen a world-renowned pianist, but he's also a top-notch teacher! His students have won top prizes in international piano competitions and have been accepted to some of the best universities and conservatories in the world. And he doesn't just teach at home - he regularly gives master classes across the US, Europe, and Asia, and is an active adjudicator at both national and international levels. But don't worry, Spokane - he hasn't forgotten about you. Recently returned to his hometown, Archie is an active member of MTNA, CMS, SMTA, and EPTA, and he even serves on the board of Musicfest Northwest. And when he's not busy with all that, he still finds time to maintain a private studio with his wife Rhona Gouldson.

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Frederic Chopin Etude in A minor op. 10 no. 2+Leopold Godowsky Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus"

Archie Chen Pianist