<p>JI Yusen</p><p>Mr. Yusen has fleet and strong fingers, and a relaxed and reliable physical approach to the piano.  He is able to get a big sound, certainly understands the basic of technique.  There is still, however, a considerable distance to go in musicianship. I also found that he was not fully engaged in the music itself, but rather played at the pieces.  This is still a very unformed musical mind.</p><p>Op.10 No.1 was very impressive in its facility and accuracy, but it seemed to be almost entirely an athletic event.  The work can provide a wonderful architecture and is a stunning vehicle for the consonant and satisfying harmonic structure.  There is so much more to be done!</p><p>Nocturne Op.9 No.1: The sound was warm and the effort sincere, but often the phrases fell into short segments rather than long lines.  Dynamics were clear, but the character and colour did not change – only the amount of sound. Rubati seemed worked out and taught, rather than resulting from the pianist’s natural free sense of the line.  Legato was not good enough; overlapping with the fingers is necessary.</p><p>Debussy: This was a fluent but rather mechanical performance.  Pedalling was rigid and obvious, with no fine gradation. Harmonic revelation in this work is such an important part of the expression, yet there was little recognition in the playing.</p>