The Chinese pianist Chenyin Li is internationally acknowledged as one of the most exciting and sought after musicians of her generation.

We were therefore priviliedged to welcome Chenyin to perform in support of our organ appeal. What a fabulous treat to brighten a cold February evening!

Chenyin carefully selected the pieces from François Couperin, César Franck, Claude Debussy and Frédéric Chopin.  She wanted to select music that was relevant to the pupils at the College and included Debussy’s suite Estampes, which is part of the A level music syllabus.

Featuring Debussy prompted Chenyin to also perform 3 Pièces de Clavecin by Couperin, who was greatly admired by Debussy.  Indeed, Debussy considered dedicating his book of Etudes to Couperin, before finally settling on Chopin.

Debussy was in fact commissioned to edit the majority of Chopin’s Music.

Naturally, Chenyin also performed music by Chopin and César Franck to wonderful acclaim.  

It was remarkable to witness Chenyin performing such challenging pieces, but more so because she did so from memory – not a music sheet in sight! Perhaps not surprisingly Chenyin was the first student to gain a Performance Doctorate Degree from the Guildhall School, leading to the publication of her book Memorisation: The Essential Guide for Pianists.

For those who were unable to join us for this fabulous evening, we are pleased to share a 4 minute highlights video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCfG4vUNh7Q

Details of the programme are listed below:-

François Couperin

3 Pièces de Clavecin

‘La Triomphante’ (Premiere Partie)

‘La Couperin’

‘Le Tic-Toc-Choc, ou Les Maillotins’

César Franck

Prélude, Chorale et Fugue

Claude Debussy:

Estampes

‘Pagodes’

‘La soirée dans Grenade’

‘Jardins sous la pluie’

— Interval —

Frédéric Chopin

- Polonaise in F sharp Minor, Op. 44

- Sonata no.3 in B Minor, Op. 58

Allegro Maestoso

Scherzo

Largo

Finale