<p>10 ZHANG Ruixue</p><p>Also Zhang Ruixue is a very promising young pianist. The Nocturne is well played, with good taste, well phrased, concentrated, very musical, maybe even a bit too serious in the F major parts. These parts could sound a little “happier”, including real dolcissimo and delicatissimo. The deep pedal point (Fa, 4 times) in the middle section should be articulated as a separate note, and the melodic counterpoints could be part of the interpretation.</p><p>All my respect for the Etude. I hear that she has been studying this piece in a very responsible way. The 16th notes are quite equal,<br />the tempo is well controlled. On the next higher level she could start to see more than an Etude in this piece. Then the rhythmic elements will dominate a little less. Now, there a quite a few very similar accents (the syncopations). We should also develop a good feeling for the harmonies.</p><p>Taking into account that Zhang Ruixue is only 15, the Spanish Rhapsody is already very impressive. We can hear excellent technical possibilities, a very natural way of playing. After a while she seems to forget the camera and the microphone. These are the best parts! Longer phrases would be possible, the lots of dotted rhythms keeping the music swinging, not stopping.</p>