SECOND STAGE | Xiaonan Dong, piano | Final Fantasy | Graduating Student Project

The title of this recital, Final Fantasy, reflects both the repertoire of the program and the spirit behind it. In music, the idea of fantasy suggests freedom of imagination, storytelling, and emotional exploration. Although the pieces in this program come from different periods and styles, each of them reveals a unique way in which composers use the piano to express imagination, narrative, and deeply personal emotions.

The recital opens with Johann Sebastian Bach’s French Suite No. 1 in D Minor. The suite consists of a series of stylized dance movements. While rooted in traditional dance forms, Bach elevates them through intricate counterpoint and expressive nuance. The clarity and balance of Bach’s writing create a refined and elegant musical atmosphere that invites the listener into the program.
Franz Schubert’s Fantasia in F Minor for Piano Four Hands expands the expressive world of the recital. Written in the final year of Schubert’s life, the piece unfolds as a continuous musical narrative filled with lyricism, drama, and introspection. The dialogue between the two pianists creates a sense of intimacy, allowing the music to flow like a shared musical conversation.
Selections from György Kurtág’s Játékok offer a striking contrast. Meaning “games” in Hungarian, Játékok explores the piano with curiosity and spontaneity. These miniature pieces experiment with gesture, sound, and humor, reminding us that music can be playful, surprising, and imaginative.

The program continues with works by Frédéric Chopin. The Mazurka reflects Chopin’s deep connection to Polish dance traditions, while the Étude demonstrates his unique ability to combine technical brilliance with expressive depth.

The recital concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109. As one of Beethoven’s late sonatas, the work moves between intensity and reflection, culminating in a set of variations that transforms a simple theme into a profound and expressive musical journey. Together, these works highlight the many ways fantasy and imagination can shape musical expression.

Xiaonan Dong is a pianist currently pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance at Longy School of Music of Bard College. Her repertoire spans a wide range of styles, from Baroque and Classical works to Romantic and contemporary music. Xiaonan is particularly interested in how the piano can convey narrative, imagination, and emotional depth across different musical traditions. She has organized and performed in a series of community concerts in senior living communities, using familiar repertoire to encourage memory, engagement, and social connection among older adults.

In addition to her solo performances, she is active as a collaborative pianist and ensemble musician. She has appeared in recitals and concerts in both China and the United States and continues to develop projects that connect classical music with community engagement.