RISE Theater11
Blending musical wisdom from past and present, inheriting the extraordinary artistry of masters, on the very winter night of November 30, pianist Tianxu An guides us into the mystical universe of sound through his solo recital The Art of Fugue, tracing the legacy from Bach to Shostakovich.
From Spanning Baroque, Romantic to modern eras, the program showcases the performer's profound depth, fully demonstrating the virtuoso's mastery—from the subtle control of polyphony to the powerful eruption of emotion.
1 Event Information
PART ONE
Time
19:00, November 30 (Sunday), 2025
Venue
Auditorium, iZJU
Organizers
International Campus, Zhejiang University
Department of Public Physical and Art Education, Zhejiang University
2 Program List
PART TWO
3 Ticket Booking Information
PART THREE
Registration Link&QR Code
https://f.wps.cn/g/vy7wMgQd
The registration channel opens at 21:00, Nov. 22
Limited spots on a first come first served basis.
After successful registration,
please arrive at the entrance of the 2nd floor of the auditoriumon the performance day.
After the QR code on your e-ticket is verified, you can redeem it for a physical seat ticket from 18:30-18:55.
4 Program Design
PART FOUR
This concert centers around the classical musical form of the fugue, presenting the evolution of fugue composition from Bach to Shostakovich. The fugue is a rigorous musical structure that requires composers to strictly adhere to its rules. Bach is the foundational figure in the development of the fugue, with his works showcasing the original form of this genre, while Shostakovich, through his 24 Preludes and Fugues, both honors Bach and expands upon his legacy.
The first part of the concert features five works by Bach, arranged in a half-step ascending tonal sequence, highlighting the diversity and virtuosity of Bach’s fugue compositions. The second half presents Shostakovich’s works, arranged in descending fifths, transitioning through E minor, A major, and ultimately returning to D major and d minor. This structure reflects Shostakovich's unique style of fugue composition, and the profound emotional depth embedded in his works.
Additionally, we include compositions by Brahms and Franck. Brahms' Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel uses the fugue as a compositional technique, forming part of a larger musical structure and demonstrating his deep understanding and unique approach to the fugue. Franck’s Prelude, Fugue, and Variation blends German and French styles, with its serene and melancholic tone setting the emotional foundation for the more intense and profound pieces by Shostakovich.
This concert not only offers a powerful tribute to Shostakovich’s fugue compositions but also cleverly combines the historical legacy and emotional depth of the fugue form, showcasing diverse interpretations by different composers. Through rich tonal transitions and diverse musical styles, the concert takes the audience on a journey through history, allowing them to experience the beauty of the art of the fugue.
5 Pianist Biography
PART FIVE
Tianxu An is an outstanding young (born in 1999) Chinese pianist, much sought after both in China and around the world.
In June 2019, Tianxu An gained international recognition by winning the fourth prize and the only special "Courage and Restraint" award at the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition, the best result for a Chinese pianist in 24 years. He has toured extensively in China, with solo recitals in 19 cities in 2021 and 14 cities in 2022. In August 2022, he made his recital debut at the Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre.
In May 2024, he debuted at the Musikverein in Vienna with the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Austria, performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. He was also invited to perform with the China National Symphony Orchestra at a concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and was received by President Xi Jinping.
His performances have been featured by over twenty major Chinese newspapers. He was named "New Artist of the Month" by Musical America in August 2021 and interviewed by Pianist magazine (UK). His debut album, "Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev" was released globally by Alpha in April 2022, receiving high praise in Gramophone for his natural affinity with the composers and his exceptional interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Chopin Variations.
// Reminders//
1. For a better experience of all audience members, children under 1.2 meters tall, people in improper attire and intoxicated individuals are not admitted. Minors attending the performance shall maintain proper viewing etiquette.
2. Before entering the venue, audience members must exchange their QR codes for physical tickets. It is recommended to complete the entry process 10 minutes in advance. One person, one ticket; please take seats according to seat numbers.
3. If you have registered but cannot attend due to personal reasons, please revoke your submission at least 24 hours before the performance. You can do this by clicking "View My Submission Records" and finding "Revoke Submission" in the bottom right corner. For those who have registered online but fail to attend, their qualification to participate in RISE Theater performance for the next 5 times will be cancelled.
4. Unclaimed tickets will be distributed to ticketless audience members in the order of the queue 5 minutes before the performance starts.
5. Those who are absent from the 10th RISE Theater event without a valid reason will not be eligible to redeem physical tickets and will be treated as ticketless.
6. Food and beverages are not permitted to be brought into the inner venue.
7. During the performance, please do not change seats arbitrarily, leave your seat, or engage in conversation.
8. During the performance, please maintain silence: turn off your mobile phone or set it to silent mode, and refrain from fiddling with plastic bags or similar items or coughing loudly. Enjoy the performance in a civilized manner.
9. After the performance, please exit in an orderly manner. Loitering is not permitted.
Text Editor | Yanming Yu, Bei Zhu
Credit for the video and images | Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd.
Layout Editor | SHaining Studio, Shuyi Chen
Proofreading | Shuyi Chen
Editor in Charge | Bei Zhu
Review | Jiyao Guo
浙江大学国际校区学生事务部
SHaining国际
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