Yuja Wang's captivating debut recital at the Verbier Festival in 2008 is now available to experience, courtesy of the Verbier Festival Gold label. Released on 16 June 2023, this mesmerising album showcases the pianist's technical mastery and expressive depth. Spanning 1 hour and 11 minutes, the recital takes the listener on a journey through a diverse range of classical piano repertoire.
The album features a selection of live performances, including Liszt's Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Sonata No. 2 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 19 "Sonata Fantasy". Yuja Wang's interpretations of these iconic works are characterised by their nuance and passion, bringing a fresh perspective to the classical canon.
In addition to these sonatas, the recital also includes arrangements of beloved pieces, such as Rachmaninoff's adaptation of Mendelssohn's Scherzo, from A Midsummer Night's Dream, and his arrangement of Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumblebee. The album concludes with a dazzling performance of Ravel's La valse, M. 72, showcasing Yuja Wang's remarkable technical skill and musicality.
With its unique blend of technical virtuosity and emotional intensity, Yuja Wang - The Verbier Festival Debut Recital 2008 is a must-listen for fans of classical piano music. This outstanding album is a testament to Yuja Wang's artistry and a thrilling document of her debut performance at the prestigious Verbier Festival.