Dan Yu’s Students Piano Recital
June 20.th, 2026
Steinway Gallery
1. Nathan Wang
Mama’s Baking Apple Pie
Faber
Wild Windy Days
Firefly
2. Auston Jiang
Tchaikovsky’s Waltz
Faber
Mouse in the Clock
Let’s Go Play
3. Leo Singer
Young Hunter
Faber
Half-Time Show
The Juggler
4. Lindsay Ye
Newspaper Boy
Carefree Stroll
Nie Er
Kohler
Spanish Caballero
Faber
5. Evelyn Liu
Feeding the Chicken
Chinese Folk Song
Minuet in g minor, Ahn 115
J.S. Bach
Sonatina in C major Op.157, No.1
I. Allegro
Spindler
6. Catherine Li
Sonatina in C major, Op.157, No.4
I. Allegro
II. Presto
Spindler
Azelea
Chinese Folk Song
7. Catherine Zhang
Sonata in C Major, Op.36, No.1
I. Spritoso
Polka
Limpid Stream Op.100, No.7
Clementi
Ahmant
Burgmuller
8. Julie Yang
Invention No. 13 in a minor, BWV 784
J.S. Bach
The Shepherd Boy
Huang, Huwei
Marriage d’amour
Paul de Senneville
9. Nayi Liu
Angel’s Voice, Op.100, No.21
Sonata in C major, Op.36, No.3
I. Allegro
Summer
Burgmuller
Clementi
Joe Hisaishi
10. Yeema Liu
Piano Sonata No.5 in G major, K283
I. Allegro
Impromptu in A-flat major, Op.29
Mozart
Chopin
11. Elizabeth Zhang
12. Jason Wu
Piano Sonata in D major hob xvi 37
III. Presto non troppo
The Piano Sonata in D Major, Hob. XVI:37, is one of Joseph Haydn’s most engaging keyboard works from his mature compositional period. Written around the late 1770s, the sonata reflects Haydn’s mastery of Classical form, balance, and expressive contrast. Consisting of three movements, it combines elegant melodies, lively rhythms, and inventive harmonic ideas. The first movement displays clarity and energy, while the slow movement offers lyrical depth and emotional warmth. The lively finale concludes the work with brilliance and wit. This sonata highlights Haydn’s significant contribution to the development of the piano sonata genre.
Haydn
Allemande
From French Suite No.6
Impromptu in E-flat major, Op.90, No.2
Bach
Schubert
13. James Rong
Prelude and Fugue in D major, BMW 850
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 850 is the third pair from Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection that demonstrates the expressive and technical possibilities of keyboard music in all major and minor keys. The Prelude is bright, energetic, and characterized by flowing passagework that creates a sense of forward momentum and joy. In contrast, the Fugue showcases Bach’s mastery of counterpoint, weaving independent melodic lines into a balanced and intricate musical structure. Together, the Prelude and Fugue exemplify Bach’s extraordinary craftsmanship, combining brilliance, clarity, and intellectual depth.
J.S.Bach
Polonaise in C-sharp Minor, Op.26, No.1
Frédéric Chopin’s Polonaise in C-sharp Minor, Op. 26, No. 1 is a powerful and dramatic work that reflects both the grandeur of the polonaise dance and the composer’s deeply expressive musical style. Written in 1836, the piece opens with a bold, commanding theme that evokes nobility and strength, while contrasting lyrical passages reveal moments of introspection and emotional depth. Rich harmonic colors, dynamic contrasts, and virtuosic textures contribute to its intensity and sophistication. This polonaise exemplifies Chopin’s ability to transform a traditional Polish dance into a compelling concert work of remarkable character and artistic expression.
Chopin
Etude in G-Flat Major, Op.10, No.5
Frédéric Chopin’s Étude in G-flat Major, Op. 10, No. 5, commonly known as the “Black Key Étude,” is one of the most recognizable works in the piano repertoire. Composed in 1830, it derives its nickname from the fact that nearly all of the rapid right-hand passages are played on the piano’s black keys. Despite its technical demands, the piece is distinguished by its lighthearted character, sparkling brilliance, and playful elegance. Beneath its dazzling surface lies a carefully crafted study in dexterity, control, and precision, demonstrating Chopin’s unique ability to unite technical exercise with musical artistry.
J.S.Bach
Special Guests 14. Yilin Zhu
Totentanz (Dance of the Dead)
Totentanz (Dance of the Dead) is a powerful musical work inspired by the medieval concept of the Danse Macabre, which symbolizes the universality of death. Composed by Franz Liszt in 1849 and revised several times before its final publication, the piece is written for piano and orchestra. It is based on the Gregorian chant Dies Irae, a melody traditionally associated with the Requiem Mass. Through dramatic variations, virtuosic piano passages, and striking orchestral colors, Liszt explores themes of mortality, judgment, and fate. Totentanz remains one of the most compelling and technically demanding works in the Romantic repertoire.
Liszt
