We were lucky to catch up with Barry Tan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Barry, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful recent projects I completed was recording my first solo piano classical album, titled Piano Works by Ernest Chausson, released on the Sheva Collection label. Ernest Chausson was a mid-19th-century French composer who wrote a relatively small collection of solo piano works. However, some of his early compositions written during his student years remained unpublished, or removed from the public after its first edition. It was only recently, when a publishing company took interest in his manuscripts and decided to make a first edition of one of his early works, Sonate pour piano. This work featured on the album shows a strong influence from the weightier Romantic and Classical idioms that preceded him. This style is not typically associated with French composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Debussy and Ravel, in which their works are more frequently recognized for their post-romantic style.

This project was especially meaningful because it was inspiring to encounter this music without any existing recordings to guide me. I had the rare opportunity to study the score directly and bring it to life through my own interpretation. I believe this recording of the Sonate pour piano may be the first ever release of this work.

Barry, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Barry Tan, and I am Assistant Professor of Music at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College in Malibu, California. My teaching focuses on piano, music theory, and the collaborative and chamber music program in our music department. My research and professional activities include solo, collaborative, and concerto performances; exploring piano works that are off the beaten path; and developing an index/collection of collaborative piano repertoire for young students.

While recording this album, scheduled for release on September 26th on all major streaming platforms, I found it fascinating to rediscover a 19th-century composer who is relatively well known, yet whose piano works have not received the recognition it deserves. It is especially compelling to trace the arc of Chausson’s compositional style and observe how it shifted over time, from a dense Romantic idiom to a more introspective voice that anticipates the Impressionist movement.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Similar to how the composer’s music evolved throughout his life, it is fascinating to reflect on my own journey in creating this project. It began with a deep interest in the composer, grew into the discovery of recently unearthed works, and required dedicated study, studio recording, and ultimately, sharing the music with the public. The entire process has been exhilarating, full of challenges, yet ultimately rewarding through the project’s completion. In the arts, we often focus on the ongoing process, and tangible results can sometimes feel elusive. For me as an artist, it is deeply validating to see the culmination and objective results of my efforts- born from curiosity, fascination, and a genuine love for the music.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In today’s world, it is natural to question why there remains such a fascination with classical works, particularly those from the 19th century. Yet the mission to discover hidden gems and explore music off the beaten path allows artists and creatives to contribute to the vast diversity of music that exists. Even if only one person is moved or deeply affected by the music we uncover, that impact is meaningful enough for one person. Throughout history, the pursuit of discovery has often led to major breakthroughs. In the same way, even a small step in unearthing new musical works can inspire others to take similar steps in their own fields, whatever one’s passion may be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barrytanpiano.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrytanpiano
• Other: To purchase the album, “Piano Works by Ernest Chausson”: https://barry-tan-piano.square.site/

Image Credits

Louis Ng (Lenson Productions) for my performance photo of me at the piano.

Manuscript is a scan copy, that is extracted from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which houses the original manuscript from the composer himself.