SECOND STAGE: Meng Jiang, piano | Resonance: Inspired by Lyricism | Graduating Student Project

The theme “Resonance: Inspired by Lyricism” reflects my love for works connected to the human voice. Each piece in this recital is either originally written for voice, transcribed from vocal works, or inspired by vocal expressiveness.

Beethoven’s Sonata in F-sharp major, Op.78 is one of his most lyrical and intimate piano sonatas. Although Beethoven is not often considered a “lyrical” composer—his works are typically known for structure and power—this sonata shows a little bit different Beethoven. I chose this piece because it represents the side of Beethoven that sings rather than declaims.

Liszt’s Tre Sonetti del Petrarca were originally songs for tenor voice based on the Italian poet Petrarch’s sonnets. Later, Liszt transformed them into piano versions, preserving the emotional depth and operatic passion of the originals. The three sonnets explore spiritual love, inner conflict, and transcendence. They demonstrate how Liszt translated the expressive intensity of poetry and vocal line into virtuosic yet deeply human pianism—not opera, but a poetic monologue on the piano.

Schubert, who composed over 600 songs and loved opera, treated melody as the essence of his art. The three Impromptus I chose reflect his gift for transforming song-like melodies into instrumental form. Each piece sings naturally—the phrasing, breathing, and harmonic turns mirror the expressiveness of his Lieder. For Schubert, piano writing was simply another way of continuing his most important creative voice: song.

Gershwin’s The Man I Love, originally a song, brings the lyrical tradition into the modern era. With its jazz-inflected harmonies and heartfelt melody, it shows that the “art of song” continues to evolve even outside the classical world. Its yearning character and simplicity make it a perfect closing piece—gentle, emotional, and universal.

These works show how lyricism transcends time and genre—from classical sonata and romantic poetry to modern song—all resonating through the singing voice of the piano

Meng Jiang is a pianist currently pursuing her Master of Music degree at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she studies with Gila Goldstein. She previously completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music in the United Kingdom.

Her artistic approach centers on lyricism and expressive storytelling, with a particular sensitivity to tone color, phrasing, and musical line. She is especially interested in exploring the connection between music and human emotion, shaping performances that are both intimate and evocative.