Xiaogang Ye (b. 1955) is one of the best-known composers in China. He studied at the Central Conservatory of Music of China, won First Prize in the Alexander Tscherepnin Composition Competition and at the end of his studies became Composer in Residence and lecturer at the Central Conservatory. After further studies at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in America he emerged as a versatile composer whose creative work encompasses symphonic compositions, chamber music for various combinations of instruments, stage and film music. His 1987 Ballade is published here for the first time. This piece places great demands upon the pianist with its unique blend of western narrative style with far-eastern musical colouring.