Faustian Fantasy with Lisa Yui

Schumann’s Fantasy in C major started out as a “Grand Sonata for Beethoven’s Memorial,” written to raise funds for the iconic Beethoven monument in Bonn, Germany. The campaign to build the monument is about to fail when Liszt comes to the rescue, raising all of the needed funds. In gratitude, Schumann dedicates his Fantasy to Liszt.

Liszt returns the favor ten years later, dedicating his Piano Sonata to Schumann. The Sonata, based on the legend of Faust, is an epic fight between the forces of heaven and hell for the fate of mankind. The story of Faust greatly influences both Schumann and Liszt as they struggle on their paths to self redemption.

Bio

Described as “a musical phenomenon” (Pianiste), Lisa Yui enjoys a multifaceted musical career as pianist, lecturer, teacher, author, and musical director. Since making her concerto debut at the age of seven, she has performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as a recitalist and soloist with orchestra. She is the top prizewinner of the Senigallia International Piano Competition in Italy, the Super Classics International Auditions in Tokyo, the Toronto Symphony Concerto Competition,

As a lecturer and performer, Lisa Yui originated The Lives of the Piano, Manhattan School of Music’s first piano lecture/concert series, now in its twelfth season. Her insightful writing on music has appeared in numerous publications, including Clavier Companion, EPTA Journal and Listen.

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