With Emmanuel Ax (2007)

The ever-gracious Emmanuel Ax, with his gentle, almost cushiony voice, turned to me after our performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and said, ‘You smile like Yo-Yo [Ma].’

When I was studying at Yale, Mr. Ax once gave a masterclass at the school. He spoke passionately about the importance of relaxation—not just in playing, but in life. He seemed born with that quality: unhurried, calm, almost serene. And yet, his fingers could fly across the keyboard with breathtaking speed. I’ve come to believe that this sense of ease comes not only from his temperament, talent, and worldview, but also from something far more practical: repetition.

Repetition builds trust—trust in oneself, in one’s technique, and in the music. That’s why, even after performing a massive work like Beethoven’s Emperor, Emmanuel Ax could walk offstage without breaking a sweat, his breathing steady, his smile intact.