Ge Gan-Ru, ‘China’s first avant-garde composer’, is regarded as one of the most original voices of his generation. Composed in close collaboration with pianist Yiming Zhang, 12 Études for Extended Piano explores techniques using the hands on the strings and keys of the piano, as well as employing a variety of objects to create effects that range from menacing darkness to the kaleidoscopic magic of harmonics, and from skilful drumming to atmospheres as calm as flowing water. Yiming Zhang continues his survey of Ge Gan-ru’s piano music in this second volume of the composer’s works.

Yiming Zhang is a dedicated performer of Chinese piano works, as well as an active lecturer. Zhang has also translated and published several books from English to Chinese, including Carl Czerny’s On the Proper Performance of All Beethoven’s Works for the Piano, Alban Berg’s piano sonatas, as well as Durand’s edition of Debussy’s piano works. Yiming Zhang was awarded his doctoral degree in piano performance from Temple University, where he studied with Harvey Wedeen (piano) and Lambert Orkis (fortepiano, contemporary music, and chamber music). He currently teaches at the piano department of Xinghai Conservatory of Music.

This release follows Yiming Zhang’s first volume of Ge Gan-Ru’s piano works on the Grand Piano label, GP835, and with evocation of Chinese instruments using prepared piano included in the first volume these albums make an excellent pair. The extensive and close collaboration between the composer and Zhang in advance of this world-premiere recording of the 12 Études for Extended Piano not only gives it definitive status, but the remarkable achievement and resulting sonic adventure that has emerged makes this one of the most significant solo recordings in this genre since the prepared piano was established as a recognised artistic phenomenon by John Cage back in 1948.

Yiming Zhang has dedicated himself to performing Chinese piano works since 2012, and in this regard is highly active both in academic fields and as a performer. Zhang is currently teaching at the piano department of Xinghai Conservatory of Music. Zhang’s discography also includes Wang Lisan’s Complete Piano Works on Naxos 97024850.