Yuja Wang - The Verbier Festival Debut Recital 2008 - Yuja Wang

Album Description

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.

June 16, 2023

℗ 2023 Verbier Festival Gold

About Yuja Wang

Yuja Wang, the charismatic Chinese-born American pianist, has captivated audiences worldwide with her emotional honesty and electrifying stage presence. Born in Beijing, Yuja began her piano journey at the tender age of six, eventually studying at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. By her early twenties, she had already established herself as an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, known for her virtuosic performances and spontaneous, lively interpretations.

Yuja's repertoire spans from Bach to Berio, and she is particularly renowned for her renditions of Rachmaninov. In 2023, she pushed the boundaries of classical music by performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos plus the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in a single marathon concert at Carnegie Hall, showcasing her extraordinary stamina and artistry. Her discography includes an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon, and she was awarded a Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for her 2023 release "The American Project."

Yuja Wang has performed with the world's most venerated conductors, musicians, and ensembles, and is celebrated for her ability to bring a unique life and energy to each program she performs. Beyond her musical prowess, Yuja is an ambassador for several luxury brands, reflecting her status as a cultural icon. Her upcoming concerts and performances with leading orchestras across Europe and the UK in 2024 are highly anticipated, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.