Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

MICHIEL BORSTLAP, a world renowned pianist, composer and pioneer of a new generation of jazz from the Netherlands, has recently released a piano song named “Shenzhen,” shortly after he staged a concert at the Shenzhen Concert Hall, which was his first-ever solo concert in the city.

“Shenzhen” was written by Borstlap and released as a part of his 2024 solo album “World Tour,” which so far has included 11 piano songs named after cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Taipei, Barcelona, New York, Berlin, London, Beijing, Izmir, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Shenzhen is the third Chinese city that has provided a source of inspiration for the Dutch piano virtuoso to compose a piano song. The other two Chinese cities are Taipei and Beijing.

Inspired by

Shenzhen

“I was so thrilled to go there, to see the buildings, to go into the music hall, to see the people, to talk with them and give the concert. It is just for me a very inspirational day,” Borstlap told Shenzhen Daily in an exclusive interview.

In late June this year, the Dutch pianist, who hails from The Hague and is known for his soul-soothing music, visited four Chinese cities — Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Beijing and Tianjin — to present the audience a spiritual musical journey. Although the trip to Shenzhen lasted only one day, the musician was mesmerized by the city’s charm, which he said sparked his creative inspiration.

“I remembered that I was sitting on the balcony of the hotel. I was just whistling some melody to myself in a mood of energy,” Borstlap recalled the time when inspiration struck him.

“It’s a very modern city and has a lot of young people, so the song shouldn’t be classical music. It should incorporate more elements of today,” Borstlap explained, saying that he recorded some snippets in a couple of days after he returned to the Netherlands.

“I felt like this melody captured my feeling that night,” Borstlap said. “I’m happy with the song. It’s different.”

Borstlap played the song “Shenzhen” at an open-air concert held in Soest, the Netherlands, on the evening of Aug. 26 local time.

Communicating

through music

Although Borstlap may still be unfamiliar to many Chinese music fans, the pianist’s musical talent and influence cannot be underestimated. The musician has gained international acclaim for his original music and highly evocative interpretations spanning a broad musical scope, covering jazz, classical, pop and improvised music.

Borstlap was the winner of the 1992 Prize for Best Soloist at Europe Jazz Contest. In 1996, he became the first Dutchman to win the prestigious American jazz award, the Thelonious Monk. He also won industry awards like the Edison Award, an annual Dutch music prize for outstanding achievements in the music industry, and the Golden Calf, an award of the Netherlands Film Festival.

Borstlap has played concerts in 92 countries throughout his over 30-year career.

Like painters or writers who convey emotions, ideas or narratives through their works, the Dutch musician said he chooses the language of music to communicate. “I know I’m just trying to do my best to find a way to touch a listener’s heart.”

“Piano players usually play their left and right hand at the same time. I’m trying to separate the left from the right hand. And to me, this makes a significant difference in transferring emotion,” Borstlap said.

Borstlap views music as not only a simple combination of notes, but also an expression that flows deep into the soul. “Of course, we have differences, and we dress and eat differently; but emotions are inherent in human nature.”

Impressions of China

Borstlap recalled that the last time he came to China was in 1999. Today’s China is a whole different country from what he saw 24 years ago.

“I came back, and I realized that the Chinese Government has succeeded in what it wanted to do, because there is so much growth and development not only in finance, but also in how people want to live their lives,” Borstlap said.

Shenzhen is a great example of how China has developed by leaps and bounds, he said.

“I heard about Shenzhen’s story from my tour guide. It’s amazing, just amazing!”

Borstlap said he is most impressed with the Chinese people, who he considers are talented, friendly, kind and respectful. “There are beautiful buildings everywhere, especially in China. Buildings are without emotions. I am only interested in people.”

The Dutch musician disclosed that he will return to Shenzhen next year. “I really love China, and I and my tour management team are looking forward to a larger tour in China next year.”

As his “World Tour” album project continues, Borstlap disclosed that Tokyo will be coming next in the album, followed by Chicago.

The pianist said he was also inspired by Yanqi Island in Beijing when he gave a concert at the Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center on July 2. “I composed a song there. The place is so beautiful and has wonderful nature, so Yanqi Island will also be included in the album.”