Yunjie Chen’s new album featuring Franz Liszt’s Transcendental Études is an exceptional addition to any classical music collection. Renowned for his interpretative depth and technical prowess, Chen brings a fresh perspective to these intricate works.

From a young age, Chen has been immersed in Liszt’s challenging pieces, having first encountered them at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. His deep connection with these works is evident in his performance, which balances technical precision with emotional depth. Chen sees Liszt’s études not merely as technical exercises but as character pieces, each with its own narrative and emotion.

Yunjie Chen’s approach to these pieces is both respectful of Liszt’s intentions and uniquely his own. He avoids over-romanticising the music, instead aiming for a balance between rhythmic precision and expressive emotion. His nuanced interpretation brings out the vivid imagery and emotions in each étude, from the wit and sarcasm in “Feux Follets” to the heroic and tumultuous “Mazeppa”.

Through this recording, Chen invites listeners to experience the transcendental beauty of Liszt’s music. He hopes that his performance will not only showcase the technical demands of these pieces but also their lyrical and evocative qualities, allowing listeners to appreciate the profound poetry embedded within each note.