Graduating Student Recital | Ruoke Xu, piano | From Noble Waltz to Noble Spirit

Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110 (1821)
This late sonata reflects Beethoven’s deep emotional and spiritual journey. Blending lyrical melodies with complex counterpoint, it reaches a powerful conclusion through a dramatic fugue and a sense of renewal. The piece moves between struggle and transcendence, showing Beethoven’s mature voice.

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Frédéric Chopin – Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47 (1841)
Chopin’s third Ballade is elegant and radiant, full of charm and rhythmic vitality. Its narrative structure flows through lyrical themes and brilliant passages, balancing lightness with intensity. The piece captures Chopin’s poetic style in a warm, dancing spirit.

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Maurice Ravel – Valses nobles et sentimentales (1911)
Inspired by Schubert’s waltzes, Ravel’s suite blends grace with modern harmonies and textures. Each waltz shifts between nobility and tenderness, revealing a subtle emotional world. The music is both a tribute and a reinvention, full of elegance and refinement.

Ruoke Xu started learning piano at the age of 5. In 2010, she was admitted to the Primary School Affiliated to Wuhan Conservatory of Music. In 2013, she was admitted to the Middle School Affiliated to WHCM, studied with Mr. Liu Chongxiao and Mr. Qiao Zhi. In 2019, she was admitted to Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, studied with Mrs. Gong Xuan. In 2023, Xu was admitted to Longy School of Music, under the instruction of Professor Renana Gutman.

During the years of piano studying, Xu has won many prizes, including—
the China-Korea International Piano Competition (3rd Prize);
the 8th University Piano Competition in Zhejiang (Golden prize of Chinese & Foreign Music);
the 14th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition (No.1 of Professional Youth group in Zhejiang Division);
2018 Helen Taylor Johannesen International Piano Competition (2nd prize of Senior)

Xu also actively participated in music activities, such as—
Solo Recitals, ‘Common Prosperity & To the Future’ Piano Salon at Tea Garden, Hangzhou, China, 2022
Chamber Music Performances, Music for Piano Four-Hand Concert at Sanmao Steinway Hall, Hangzhou, China, 2021
Chamber Music Performances, Class Concert of the piano department of Zhejiang Conservatory, Hangzhou, China, 2022
Chamber Music Performances, Teacher & Student Concert at Yamaha Hall, Hangzhou, China, 2022
Chamber Music Performances, Teacher & Student Concert at Yamaha Hall, Hangzhou, China, 2022
Chamber Music Performances, Student Concert of the Piano Department, Hangzhou, China, 2021
Chamber Music Performances, Teacher & Student Concert at Yamaha Hall, Hangzhou, China, 2021