<p>XU Ziang</p><p>A wonderful, personal young pianist!  I felt the energy, the strong concept of each work and most of all the willingness to take risks for the sake of the music’s excitement and thrill – this takes courage and confidence.   </p><p>Op.25 No.6 Etude: This performance was not only admirable technically, but full of life, character and variety.  It could have even more elegance if the lower voice of the thirds were softer, especially when the line descends.</p><p>Nocturne Op.48 No.1: The opening was beautiful, revealing harmonic colour and elasticity without being overdone.  In the chorale, Mr.Xu seemed to try and put across too many ideas, obscuring the simplicity and nobility of this part.  (Simplicity is often more difficult to achieve than complexity!)  In the triplet section the rubati was exaggerated, especially when he took time, causing the music to be choppy and a little calculated.</p><p>Liszt: This was splendid – a spirited performance full of character, technical acumen, musical intelligence and maturity.  Bravo!</p>