Various Composers - Unspoken (Wu Qian; Juho Pohjonen)

Information

• Sophia Maria Westenholz - Sonata for Piano 4 Hands, Op. 3
• Felix Mendelssohn - Andante and Variations, Op. 83a
• Felix Mendelssohn - Andante and Allegro brillant, Op. 92
• Cécile Chaminade - Pièces romantiques, Op. 55
• Amy Beach - Summer Dreams, Op. 47

Wu Qian & Juho Pohjonen, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Orchid Classics

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Unspoken explores the piano four-hands repertoire as a form of shared musical intimacy and creative dialogue. Pianists Wu Qian and Juho Pohjonen perform a program that balances lyricism and virtuosity, centered on major duets by Felix Mendelssohn. The program also highlights a rediscovered Sonata in F major by Sophia Maria Westenholz, whose expressive harmonic language bridges Classical restraint and early Romantic expansion. Additional works by Cécile Chaminade and Amy Beach provide contrasting character pieces rich in color and atmosphere. Recorded with clarity and warmth, the album emphasizes the unique intimacy of two performers sharing a single instrument.

Wu Qian (b. 1984) is an internationally acclaimed pianist, recognized early in her career as a rising classical talent and trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School. She has performed widely across major international venues, including Queen Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Concertgebouw, as well as with leading orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic. Her career includes critically acclaimed recordings, international broadcasts, and collaborations in chamber music, notably as a founding member of the Sitkovetsky Trio. Known for her expressive range and technical refinement, she continues to appear at major festivals and concert stages across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Juho Pohjonen (b. 1981) is an internationally acclaimed pianist praised for his “impeccable technique” and “elegant musicianship,” and active as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist worldwide. A graduate of the Sibelius Academy, he has built a major international career performing with leading orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Philharmonia Orchestra, and appearing at venues including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. He is especially noted for his advocacy of Scandinavian repertoire by composers such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Kaija Saariaho. His discography spans Baroque to contemporary works and includes collaborations with leading chamber ensembles, while his innovative work also extends to developing the AI-based accompaniment app MyPianist.

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