<p>JI Yusen, male, 12 </p><p>Chopin: Etude in C Major, Op. 10, No. 1</p><p>Your large hands make this an ideal etude for you.  You tried to have a variety of touches in the right hand but did not really succeed.  In the softest sections, you missed some notes or, at least, touched adjacent notes.  Furthermore, the light non legato (with a lighter pedal) needed for contrast was absent.  You should practice soft throughout without pedal in order to really hear yourself.  Your return to the beginning arpeggio needed more “preparation” in order to make the “return home” more meaningful.  Some of your dynamic decisions made no sense.  I would recommend that you listen to the recording by the Mexican-American pianist, Agustin Anievas, and pay attention to his variety of color and to his dynamic organization.  </p><p>Chopin: Nocturne in B Flat Minor, Op. 9, No. 1</p><p>This nocturne is problematic because of the rhythmic freedom needed for the long embellishments.  They must sound as if improvised by adding an inner rubato which you must learn to feel from within.  Become familiar with the playing of the old masters from the Golden Age, the ones who were performing during the decades between 1930 and 1950.  The octave section became repetitive and a bit boring.  It needs more variety and imagination.  </p><p>Debussy: Pour le Piano</p><p>Learning some preludes by Debussy would have been better for your artistic development, even though it might not be the best choice for this competition.  You played this music from a pianistic point of view, finding in it bravura and digital virtuosity.  More concentration on color and atmosphere would bring you closer to the style.  It sounds too much like Liszt.</p><p>In sum: you are very gifted and doing very well for your age.  Make sure your facility does not lead you into the wrong direction.  Seek to become a musician above all. </p>