Piano Sonatas: Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Schumann Tianxu An

• Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847): Piano Sonata in E Major, Op. 6:
• 1 Mendelssohn: Piano Sonata in E Major, Op. 6: I. Allegretto con espressione 04:50
• 2 Mendelssohn: Piano Sonata in E Major, Op. 6: II. Tempo di menuetto 04:08
• 3 Mendelssohn: Piano Sonata in E Major, Op. 6: III. Recitativo. Adagio e senza tempo 05:18
• 4 Mendelssohn: Piano Sonata in E Major, Op. 6: IV. Molto allegro e vivace 05:56
• Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827): Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 78 "à Thérèse":
• 5 Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 78 "à Thérèse": I. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo 07:07
• 6 Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 78 "à Thérèse": II. Allegro Vivace 02:29
• Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856): Piano Sonata No 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op 11:
• 7 Schumann: Piano Sonata No 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op 11: I. Introduzione. Un poco adagio - Allegro vivace 12:09
• 8 Schumann: Piano Sonata No 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op 11: II. Aria 02:57
• 9 Schumann: Piano Sonata No 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op 11: III. Scherzo. Allegrissimo - Intermezzo. Lento 04:56
• 10 Schumann: Piano Sonata No 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op 11: IV. Finale. Allegro, un poco maestoso 10:47
• Total Runtime 01:00:37

Info for Piano Sonatas: Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Schumann

This album brings together piano sonatas by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Schumann that reflect a specifically German approach to the form, distinct from the Viennese Classical tradition. Pianist Tianxu An explores works composed within a 26-year span, a period in which composers redefined the sonata through structural experimentation and greater performative expression. Central to the recording is a focus on the composers’ detailed markings, including dynamics, pedalling, and phrasing, and how these shape interpretation in performance. Recorded in 2024, the release presents An’s considered engagement with this repertoire and his interest in its intellectual rigour and expressive breadth.

Tianxu An, piano

Tianxu An
from Baoding, near Beijing, is a sought-after young artist, both at home in China and around the world. In June 2019, Tianxu drew international attention when he won fourth prize and a special prize for “courage and restraint” in the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition—the highest award for a Chinese pianist at that contest in 17 years. A month later, he made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center.

Recent concert highlights include performances with the Mariinsky, China Philharmonic, NCPA (National Centre for the Performing Arts), and Macau Orchestras, as well as a 2021 major recital tour across China. He recorded his first CD in August 2021, a recital album for Alpha Classics featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, and Prokofiev. He previously won top awards at the Greenfield Student, “Helen Cup” Shanghai International Piano, and Wiesbaden International Piano Competitions.

Born into a non-musical family, Tianxu began his piano studies because his parents believed it a good way to develop intelligence. His love for and commitment to music grew throughout his time at the Middle School affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. He moved to Philadelphia in 2015 to attend the Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Meng-Chieh Liu and Robert McDonald, and also studies privately with Dang Thai Son. He graduates from Curtis this year, and his career pursuit is largely driven by the fact that “music is a powerful language which establishes a deeply emotional bond among people.”

Booklet for Piano Sonatas: Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Schumann