On this challenging debut disc the young Chinese pianist Yubo Zhou introduces herself to the listening public with Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Préludes. It goes without saying that this prizewinner at many international competitions has the technical mastery required to perform these extremely difficult miniatures.

But there is more: her fine feel for romantic poetry and the often intimate charm of these mostly very short works will make even experienced Chopin enthusiasts sit up and take special notice. Chopin’s Third Piano Sonata – and– honouring her native China – Night Alley by Ping Gao perfectly round off this uncommonly attractive programme.

Yubo Zhou chose Gao’s Night Alley with very careful thought. The work produces an absolutely magical atmosphere full of dynamic contrasts and abrupt shifts of color; the grand piano resonates and vibrates with percussive individual tones and chords.

This all-around fascinating debut album by China’s youngest piano professor of course is presented in MDG’s hallmark three-dimensional sound on SACD.