Charles Davis May 17, 2013:

@ Lisa It is sarcastic, in a way, but the sarcasm is directed not at the pianist but at conventionally-minded people, who would react like this to the choice of pieces. Such people would be surprised ("Caramba") that an up-and-coming virtuoso should record what are regarded as minor, technically undemanding pieces (compared to really difficult, spectacular works like Goyescas and Iberia): the kind of stuff that kids play when they are learning the piano and that professionals don't very often perform. They would regard these pieces as beneath her. But they are actually subtle and exquisite. It's a sort of gesture of humility, taking the harder route of proving her musicianship rather than just blowing people away with her technique, as nearly all young pianists are trying to do.