Qian Group Page - Music Interpretations

Music is a lifetime passion for me. Note that I am not a professional in this aspect - I don't hold a degree in performance, music theory, nor music literature. I simply play, express, and set my imagination free. I wanted to expose the unspoken fun stories hidden in the music to the general audiences. I also wanted to document my progresses in this beautiful journey. Hence, I created this page. Feel free to contact me for little encouragements that always help keeping me going and/or educate me when you notice room for improvements. :-)

Waldstein.MOV

Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major (Ludwig van Beethoven), Allegro con brio, "Waldstein", recorded on Dec 3rd, 2023

Completed in summer 1804 and surpassing Beethoven's previous piano sonatas in its scope, the Waldstein is a key early work of Beethoven's "Heroic" decade (1803–1812). It sets a new standard for piano composition in the grand manner. It is so dynamical, powerful, full of sharp contrasts and surprises. Since the style is so unnatural to me, I gave up twice, but eventually managed to pull it off at the end of 2023 🥳. Only with strongest determination, laser-like focus, and ultrafast fingering, can one play this piece. I hope you enjoy!

Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, Op.22_Frédéric Chopin.MOV

Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, Op.22 (Chopin, Frédéric), recorded on Aug 27th, 2022

Dazzling and marvelous, this all-time favorite of Chopin's has been a highlight in numerous renowned concert repertories. This piece is joint by two parts: the Grande polonaise brillante (polonaise is a ceremonial dance of Polish origin) is a work for piano and orchestra, although the piano part is often played on its own, and the Andante spianato (spianato means "even" or "smooth") for solo piano, which is composed later by Chopin as an introduction to the polonaise.

I found the Andante spianato (0'00'' - 5'16'') utterly peaceful and soothing. I held my breath to not disturb the tranquility. I held my breath to let the music flow.

After a transitional, symphony-like fanfare (5'16'' - 5'40''), the Grande polonaise brillante (5'16'' - 14'43'') evolves into an ebullient dance form, as if it's inviting you to the 19th century royal court of Polish nobilities. The melody features an exceptional display of bravado, brilliance and brightness. I felt transformed in space and time.

Carnaval, Op. 9_Robert Schumann.MOV

Carnaval, Op.9 (Schumann, Robert), recorded on Aug 26th, 2021

I fell in love with this piece the moment I first heard it in high school. It was very beyond my level back then, and I took up the challenge during the quarantine. IT WAS NOT EASY. This piece was a huge challenge to me physically due to its length and stamina requirement. What makes this piece unique is that it was also a huge challenge mentally, because the performer needed to split into and imitate more than a dozen characters who were attending this carnival. These characters are of various genders, personalities (i.e., from introvert to extrovert), and social classes (i.e., from the clown to the noble baron). Last but not the least, it was very interesting to simulate musically the characters' synchronized, many-body interactions at the gathering scenes, namely, the opening Préambule, the Promenade, and the ending Marche des “Davidsbündler” contre les Philistins. Given these many challenges, it was extremely rewarding to finally record this piece!