<p>JI Yusen</p><p>Chopin Op. 10/1</p><p>There is clear efficiency and capable pianism here, and this Etude does demand the kind of virtually 100% clean playing that you produce. But it is rather unpleasantly mechanical and over-relentless – bangy LH and brittle sound in RH. Even this Etude should not be totally mechanical.</p><p>Chopin Nocturne Op.9/1 (B flat minor): Clearly carefully prepared, but as yet little real sign of artistry or of musical sympathy for the image of the Nocturne. LH lacks fluidity and RH - especially when in octaves - is rather half barrish in segments. LH often too loud and notey, rather than fluid – esp in middle section. Little sign of real  for the music. Need to work on cantabile and legato. More delicacy and sensitivity to nuances needed. Best was probably the reprise, where some of the more embellished writing in RH was effectively presented and here you produced some genuine sense of intensity.</p><p>Debussy Pour le piano: 1. Again, one can commend his agility, but perhaps this was an unwise choice of repertoire - one that required far more musical sophistication - and (even at a basic level) far greater attention to the score. For example, the instruction to gradually return to opening tempo was ignored - as was the clear fact that the dynamic remains piano for well over a page after the opening few bars. This was, sadly, brash and insensitive playing, lacking both musical and pianistic refinement.  2. Some erratic and careless instabilities in pulse, but generally less misjudged, though the “elegance grave et lent” was not evident. Often unduly wooden. 3. SO fast - and so loud! Clearly able technique but musically simply a non-starter. Relentless.</p><p>It was at least for me, quite distressing to hear a young pianist with clear ability abusing the Debussy - especially the outer movements - in this way. <br />Undoubtedly this young man has talent, but unless he is encouraged - urgently - to take a really radically different approach to the way he thinks musically, it will be too late.</p>