<p>GU Jingdan</p><p>In general  Ms. Gu had excellent control over the sound colour, balance, and dynamic range.  Her playing had confidence, calmness and authority.  Pedalling was careful and mostly subtle, and her legato playing was faultless.</p><p>The Nocturne Op.27 No.1 had a beautiful, liquid sound, with rhythmic elasticity – and at the same time a wonderful simplicity and naturalness. The double thirds were balanced and stunningly expressive. The long line was always perfectly paced in terms of tension and release. The idea of playing the left hand slightly before the right hand became predictable and a little irritating after a while.</p><p>Op.10 No.8 was lively and clear, but slightly lacking in elegance and grace. The left hand could have more poise, with less clipped and “determined” drive.  Right hand could have more colour and variety in articulation. Altogether it was a bit “study”-like.</p><p>Polonaise Op.44 was solid and full of assuredness.  The middle section could have more harmonic revelation.  A major could be brighter, more sunny – not always rich and dark. <br />A range of sound quality is important to the listener; too much of a good thing is not always the best decision!</p>