Personal Favorites
Books
The Stormlight Archive
By Brandon Sanderson
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One of my favorite high fantasy series of all time, the Stormlight Archive features fantastic world-building while developing characters and plot at the same time. A definite read for anyone who likes fantasy.
Gardens of the Moon
By Steven Erikson
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The first book of a ten volume series named Malazan book of the fallen, Gardens of the Moon presents an epic, dark, and grand fantasy world, with more than 70 named characters introduced in just the first book. I put just the beginning of the series here as I am still working on finishing this long and epic tale.
The Name of the Wind
By Patrick Rothfuss​
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Another fantasy novel with great world-building, Rothfuss uses spectacular prose to make the descriptions, narration, wisdom, and magic in this book come to life. However, I do think that this book lacks depth in character development (but the prose makes it all up).
Piano Music
01
Chopin - Étude Op.25 No.11 (Winter Wind)
As a Chopin lover, his etudes are among my favorites. Requiring masterful technique and interpretation, the extended and rapid arpeggios brings forth a swift and intent winter gale.
02
Chopin - Ballade Op.47 No.3
Another one of Chopin's most impressive pieces, Chopin's third ballade in A-flat major uses an A-B-C-B-A (coda) structure with a dance-like rhythm that develops to be deep, romantic, and passionate in the later parts of the piece. Other than Ballade No.3, Chopin's other three ballades are also among my favorite pieces. Listen to Zimmerman playing them here.
03
Debussy - Minstrels Prelude Book I, No.12
This prelude isn't the classic Debussy that one would hear, and though some would say this piece isn't as 'musical' or 'pleasing', it is just as interesting as any other piece. This piece describes multiple 'minstrels', which refers to white africans with blackened faces performing comedic routines in the 18th and 19th century, and their different dances, instruments, and singing through music. (This recording is taken during the time of Debussy, and therefore sounds faster than the original speed.)