Review of the 19th International Chopin Competition performance CD of Tianyao Lyu from China, the musical phenomenon of the 2025 Competition
Nocturne in B major, Op. 62 No. 1 (1845–1846) A profoundly expressive, emotional opening to this work. She cultivated a beautiful tone from the magnificent Fazioli she chose to play. Her sensibility suited the delicacy and sensitivity of this Nocturne displaying a great range of colour and dynamic phrasing. This was a highly refined and tender evocation of night. Her trills were superb and integrated seamlessly into the melodic line as gthis echo of the French baroque tradition demands. A pianist who has the rare quality of listening to herself closely. She is highly sensitive to the textural beauty of the sound she produces. Etude in G-sharp minor, Op. 25, No. 6, Allegro (before 1837) She displayed an extraordinary technique that gave one a shiver along the spine. Such remarkable glitter and formation of each note as a string of pearls at such a young age! Her refinement of sound is quite extraordinary. Waltz in E-flat major, Op. 18 (1833) This also glistened as it should wi...