<p>XU Ziang</p><p>Chopin: Etude in G Sharp Minor, Op. 25, No. 6</p><p>Although you have impressive fingers and the capability for high speed double notes, your performance ultimately lacks the lightness and elegance needed. I admired some fine details involving color changes and a singing left hand. The thirds, however, had an exercise-like feeling in their execution. Listen to Joseph Lhevinne's recording for a sense of the sound you should strive for.</p><p>Chopin: Nocturne in C Minor, Op. 48, No. 1</p><p>Here your approach was just the opposite. You are looking for musical effects everywhere and, while some of them work, many of them don’t. The end result is a bit superficial as if you were trying to make the music more “musical” than it actually is. I welcome your exploration of all these possibilities, but the end results must be in good taste, something that is not always true in your performance.</p><p>Liszt-Horowitz: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2</p><p>I can see you spent a lot of time listening and trying to emulate Horowitz’s recording. In spite of the brilliance in your execution, I am afraid you are seeking the wrong values. There are plenty of piano players who can play fast and loud. In your case, you work very hard for it. Be aware that the truly great virtuosi made things sound easy. You make them sound harder than they are. Don’t play for the masses, play for the elite, the one that appreciates beauty above bombast. Maybe a different choice of piece would challenge your musicianship rather than your physical power. </p><p>In sum: your music making is a bit too fussy and convoluted. You seem to find pleasure mostly in the physical elements of piano playing. Regardless, you are a major pianistic talent!</p>