<p>Huang Zhiyi<br />Haydn: Sonata in C major, Hob.XVI/50<br />You have a wonderfully natural approach to the piano. I enjoyed very much hearing your interpretation of this very humorous work. Haydn must have enjoyed composing this as he has so many unexpected turns and so many sudden surprises. You are a very intelligent student who understands the reasons for so many rules that make up the language of the Classical period. Especially I want to congratulate you for taking care most of the time how you articulate and for carefully making certain of the dynamics. You should also take care and recognize how the 4/4 time signature influences the rhythm as well as the hierarchy of the beats. Without such insight the music often lacks the forward motion that is so important in this and many other Haydn sonata first movements. Also you have a tendency to slow down when you want to be more expressive. I strongly advise you against this as in the classical period composers selected compatible themes to work together under the umbrella of one tempo. </p><p><br />Liszt: Concert Etude “Gnomenreigen”<br />This performance is a wonderful achievement for you. In so many ways I feel you imagine the “gnomes” dancing and you manage to get numerous characters to show their faces. Traditionally after the repeat of the two contrasting sections, the tempo as Liszt indicates “sempre presto” gets faster till the very end. Here to, the increase of the tempo can be felt through quickening of modulations and even the use of hemiola. Notice how Liszt indicates the acceleration of the tempo with indications such as “vivacissimo” and “il piu Preseto possible”.  Indeed I am impressed that with your small hands you managed so well many of the technical requirements inherent in the work. And surprisingly you even managed to produce some of the sounds that lean towards darker colors of this lighthearted dance. At the same time I advise you to make more certain the dynamic markings that Liszt so carefully marked. </p><p>Mendelssohn: Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14<br />This is a very satisfying performance. In all aspects you managed to get to the essence of the music. The contrast between the E major introduction and the E minor main section is wonderfully clear. The descending tonic triad outlines the themes of the “Andante” and the “Presto” while the home keys are firmly established. You varied the tempo in the introduction, becoming more impatient towards the “ff” climax. I would caution against such acceleration as the music itself is doing this without any of your help. Further, if possible make every effort to be simpler, your soprano sounded as she wanted to place her own character into the music. Your scherzo-like fast section had a wonderful crispness and reminded me of the Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream. The clarity of your voicing and pacing of the different themes was superbly conceived.</p><p>Huang Zhiyi, you are already a wonderful artistic performer. Keep working with your teacher, learning a great variety of repertoire and enjoy each new discovery as music creates a never ending journey for all of us. </p>