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Chinese pianist Jianan Xu releases a new single, “Allegro molto in C minor,” a striking standalone piano work by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel.

Long overshadowed during her lifetime, Mendelssohn’s music is increasingly recognized as one of the most distinctive voices of the early Romantic era. “Allegro molto in C minor” reflects this voice with urgency and dramatic momentum, unfolding through concentrated energy and bold rhythmic drive.

In Xu’s recording, the work emerges as both disciplined and intensely expressive, balancing classical clarity with a highly personal sense of character. As he notes, “This piece carries a strong sense of forward motion and emotional intensity, and I was particularly interested in shaping its contrast between structure and impulse.”

Issued by Manus Label, the release continues the label’s focus on artist-led projects and repertoire that highlights individual voices within the classical tradition.

The single is now available on major streaming platforms.

Jianan Xu is a Chinese pianist with an international performance and teaching career. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Kansas, and earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Mannes School of Music. He has studied with Vladimir Feltsman, Alvin Chow, Alan Chow, and Angela Cheng.

A prizewinner of numerous international competitions, including First Prize at the Beethoven Festival Young Pianists Competition, the Charleston International Piano Competition, and the Four Cities Piano Competition, Xu has performed extensively across Europe, the United States, and China as both a soloist and chamber musician.

He has taught at the University of Kansas and the Shanghai Experimental School, and his students have been admitted to leading conservatories worldwide. He is currently preparing a commercial recording project scheduled for release in 2026.

02/01/2026