跨·跃

  On the afternoon of March 13, 2026, the 128th Art Salon of Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, a piano recital entitled "Traverse to the Beyond," arrived as promised with the spring breeze. This salon was directed by Ms. Mandy Xu and independently curated and performed by Louie Li. Through a series of classical and modern piano works, the afternoon was filled with crisp and melodious music, reflecting their unique artistic insights.

I.Classical Narrative 

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major

The beauty of this work lies in its unity—the three movements together paint a warm, sunny musical picture. The first movement is like two voices in conversation, answering each other like old friends. The second movement is quieter and more thoughtful, with a moment of sunlight in the middle. The third movement is light, cheerful, and full of youthful energy, bringing the sonata to a joyful close.

Coleridge-Taylor: Impromptu in B minor

This piece feels like a heartfelt, free-spirited soliloquy. The opening is beautiful and gently wistful. The middle suddenly turns passionate and lively, tender at one moment, intense the next. The ending returns to the peace of the beginning, with notes fading away as thoughts drift slowly into the distance. This short piece truly “flows from the heart and fades into silence”—elegant, yet warm and deeply human.

II.Guest Performer Highlights

This salon featured a special guest appearance by Charlie Li from Grade 3, Class 5, who presented three stylistically diverse pieces with impressive technical skill.

Czerny: Étude in D Major

This étude served as an elegant lesson in tone and phrasing. Charlie's performance emphasized the song-like quality of the piece over sheer speed, allowing the piano to truly "sing" with refined simplicity.

Martha Mier: Jackson Street Blues

Capturing the lazy, soulful essence of American southern blues, Charlie skillfully navigated the hesitant yet swaying rhythms, painting a musical picture of a quiet street corner at sunset.

Tchaikovsky: "The Witch" from The Enchantress

A far cry from fairy tale caricatures, this "witch" is a figure of charm and mystery. The performance balanced eerie elegance with irresistible passion, creating a portrait that was both alluring and awe-inspiring.

III.Global Landscapes & Sincere Finale

Albéniz: Rumores de la Caleta

This piece is a vivid Spanish landscape. Louie’s touch captured the soul of Andalusia, mimicking guitar plucking and Mediterranean breezes. The performance blended Spanish sunshine with a touch of tender nostalgia.

Copland: The Cat and the Mouse

This "Scherzo humoristique" came to life as a musical cartoon. Louie’s portrayal of the lazy cat and the nimble mouse turned the piano into a stage, creating a vivid, cinematic chase through sound alone.

Brahms: Romance in F Major

As the grand finale, Louie performed Brahms’s late masterpiece. Dedicated to Clara Schumann, the piece is a profound, understated letter of affection. The performance provided a warm and sincere close to the afternoon’s journey.

Thank you for joining us. May the resonance of the music remain in your hearts.