<p>Liu Jiangli<br />Beethoven: Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14 No.2 (First movement)<br />You perform! You have something to say and without any pretenses you state your feelings. I like the fresh approach you have to the Sonata. Obviously you have the technique and only in a few spots, for example the right hand’s evenness in the development section that I could request for more control. You should notice more that the first theme starts on the upbeat while the second subject is all on the down beat. You pay attention most of the time to articulation but not to equally important “sf” markings of Beethoven. I am also hoping that with time you will develop your ears to make more contrasts not only between just loud and soft but also within the different pianos and fortes. This idea of contrasts is also important concerning characters that each theme represents. Use more cantabile touch as Beethoven often mentions that singing is indispensable and the  melodies of this movement lend themselves to the human voice.</p><p>Chopin: Rondo in C minor, Op.1 <br />To some critics Chopin’s Op.1 was his weakest work, imitating composers like Weber and Hummel. While others maintain that it has a natural air which is free from affected profundity. The general aesthetic at the time was not particularly deep or profound — it was more about varied and pretty effects, called “style brillant”. However, behind the juvenile brilliance the work suggests, though vaguely, the presence of a future bright individuality!  We can hear Chopin’s attempt to give the passagework melodious contents, exquisite ornamentation, and most importantly breathing a new poetic lyricism usual absent from such works by his contemporaries. Of interest also his use of new thematic materials and a brave development of the tonal plan - C minor – E major – A-flat major – D-flat major - C minor.<br />I am stating all this to create an interest in you to be inspired by the work. Your performance is monochrome, same tempo throughout and certainly you do not react to all the possible nuances present in the score. Chopin’s melodies demand different response from us, take time also to react to the different keys. This music requires freedom of pulse much like improvisation. I hope you will try it as I am sure it will lead to a much more satisfying result.</p><p>Liszt: Concert Etude “Gnomenreigen”<br />You certainly display a very impressive technical ability. You fast passages are mostly clear and bring out a genuine enthusiastic spirit that is the essence of the work. However, ability does not always equal success. Although not originally called “The dance of gnomes”, Liszt never objected to the subtitle and in fact encouraged it with his students in order to enhance their imagination. Any type of dance needs controlled tempo and rhythm. Your performance lacked any plan especially as Liszt indicates that after the two initial repeated sections, the tempo has to gather momentum to the very end. Liszt uses tempo relationship much more than other composers and as performers it is our duty to bring to life the best possible way his inspiration.</p><p>Liu Jiangli, you are an excellent student, very strong minded and full of individual ideas. Never forget that we, performers are the servants of the composers, we must always find a way to represent them to the best of our ability.</p>