Graduating Student Recital | Xiaoxiao Yang, piano | The Sound Of Aurora

Claude Debussy: Préludes (1910)
No.7 “Ce qu’a vu le vent d’ouest”
Debussy’s revolutionary harmonies depict Atlantic storms, with dissonant clusters mimicking auroras tearing through the night sky. The rumbling bass registers evoke ancient ice sheets fracturing, let’s feel the beauty of polar lights.

No.10 “La cathédrale engloutie” (The Sunken Cathedral)
Based on Breton legend, whole-tone scales and bell-like tones create an aquatic soundscape. The crescendo’s “rising” cathedral parallels auroral pillars, while the sustained low C anchors like the Arctic horizon.

Ludwig van Beethoven: “Pastoral” Sonata (1801)
This sonata abstracts pastoral essence. The opening D-major chords resemble auroral curtains stabilizing. Just like the purple light of the aurora burning in the night sky.

Jiali Liu, Let life be beautiful like summer flowers
‘‘⽣如夏花’’, For Soprano and Piano. (2025)
I heard the echo, from the valleys and the heart
Open to the lonely soul of sickle harvesting
Repeat outrightly, but also repeat the well-being of
Eventually swaying in the desert oasis.
I believe I am
Born as the bright summer flowers,
Do not wither in the endless night.
I hold the light, as the stars embrace the hours.

J.S. Bach: Partita No.1 (1726)
Bach’s Partita is like a dance under the stars—each movement paints its own celestial scene.

Edvard Grieg: Piano Sonata (1865)
Grieg’s sonata feels like a journey through Norway’s wild landscapes. The first movement storms in with icy winds and sudden flashes of light, while the second slows to a haunting, frozen melody—like standing alone in a snow-covered forest. The Menuetto dances like faint, distant lights on the horizon, and the Finale erupts in a fiery rush, as if the sky itself is alive with color. It’s raw and powerful.

Xiaoxiao Yang is a passionate classical pianist dedicated to exploring diverse musical styles. She approaches music as a timeless dialogue, bringing fresh interpretations to classical repertoire while actively seeking new dimensions in piano artistry.

Her musical journey began in elementary school when she first touched the piano keys during a music class—an encounter that ignited a lifelong devotion to the instrument. This initial inspiration continues to fuel her artistic pursuit as she seeks to expand the boundaries of piano performance between tradition and innovation.

In every performance, Xiaoxiao prioritizes the emotional connection between the music, herself, and the audience. She believes true artistry transcends technical mastery to create profound spiritual communication. Through her playing, she aspires to resonate with listeners’ innermost feelings, establishing a wordless yet profound emotional dialogue where music becomes a bridge between souls.

Xiaoxiao earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Wuhan Conservatory of Music and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Longy School of Music of Bard College, further refining her artistic excellence.