<p>ZHANG, Ruixue, female, 15</p><p>Chopin: Nocturne in F Major, Op. 15, No. 1</p><p>Quite a beautiful performance in spite of the balance between the left hand and the right hand, particularly at the beginning, which was not ideal.  You know how to handle a lyrical melody and you are aware of some of the many devices available to carry such a difficult task.  Your playing had authority and it also left room for some charming touches which supplemented the expressive quality of the music.</p><p>Chopin: Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2</p><p>Although the tempo was a bit on the slow side, it seemed judicious and it was constantly steady and consistent.  Your performance was quite convincing and devoid of tricks to facilitate the difficulty of the descending scales.  </p><p>Liszt: Spanish Rhapsody</p><p>A note-perfect performance, ready for a recording.  You show an infallible control, regardless of difficulties.  Ultimately, there is a lack of electricity.  Sections follow one another in a very predictable manner and the relentless drive does not give you room to do anything that shows real personality.  When I think of all the hours you spent to achieve such perfection, I wonder if it would not have been more useful to play something that really challenges you from a musical standpoint. </p><p>In sum: You play with a perfection that, somehow, does not "touch" me as much as I would like.  You win my admiration more than my heart.</p>