Interview with Tianwa Yang

"Without analytical experience, my intuition would not exist."

Born and raised in Beijing, Tianwa Yang became the youngest person in the world to record Niccolò Paganini's 24 Caprices on CD at the age of 13, earning her the title of "Pride of China." At 16, she came to Germany on a DAAD special scholarship, laying the foundation for her career in Europe. Her artistic development was guided and significantly shaped by Lin Yaoji, Jörg-Wolfgang Jahn, and Anner Bylsma. In 2014, she received an ECHO Klassik award as "Newcomer of the Year" and the German Record Critics' Award. She won another ECHO Klassik award in 2015, this time as "Instrumentalist of the Year."
A sought-after soloist, she also teaches as a professor at the Würzburg University of Music.

Do you feel more like a "global" musician today, or do cultural roots still play a central role for you?
I feel more like a European musician, because my musical roots come from Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms; I grew up with their music.

How do you approach a new piece you're adding to your repertoire—more analytically or intuitively?
I would say there's no clear distinction between "analytical" and "intuitive." For me, intuition can only come through experience, just as I can't have an intuition for a foreign language I don't speak.
My intuition about music or a new piece is therefore based on countless experiences with other pieces of music that I've studied, considered, and worked through analytically. Without these analytical experiences, my intuition wouldn't exist, or would be very different.

The classical music world is often performance-oriented and demanding. How do you deal with pressure and high expectations?
For me—and probably for many other musicians in the industry—the greatest pressure or highest expectations come from within. This pressure often manifests itself in everyday life; especially nowadays, as a soloist, you're also busy and confronted with many other things besides making music. Simply playing chamber music with wonderful musicians and dear friends is the most beautiful balance for me. Enjoying the beauty of music, which is what we all strive for!

What helps you stay artistically curious and open?
A love of music, remaining self-critical, and continuously learning, not only in music but also in many other areas, whether artistic or scientific.

How did your training in China and later in Europe shape your musical thinking?
In my youth, discipline and diligence were paramount in my training. Later, through the musical personalities who strongly influenced me, I learned that constant questioning and remaining curious are among the most important elements of musical work.

What role does silence play in your musical work – in practicing, in concert, in everyday life?
Silence is very important in music! Every rest, unless it's at the end of the piece, is almost more exciting than a sounding note. Of course, silence is also very important in practicing and in concert, so that we can truly feel the tension within that silence. For example, I love practicing at night, naturally as long as it doesn't disturb anyone else's sleep.

What are your passions besides music?
Reading, hiking in the mountains, drinking coffee!

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.net | April 1, 2026
Image Copyright: Andrej Crilc