In celebration of the Chinese lunar calendar’s Year of the Dragon, renowned pianist Lang Lang is marking this significant occasion with a digital album that showcases his Deutsche Grammophon recordings of Chinese music. Titled Year of the Dragon – Songs from China, the album features a comprehensive collection including works from his Dragon Songs album, such as the “Yellow River” Piano Concerto and the popular track “Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake.” The compilation also includes Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolour and the complete soundtrack to The Banquet, selections from Piano Book, and two new recordings: Snowflakes and Moon is Bright Lullaby. Snowflakes will be available for streaming and download starting September 13, with the full album released on September 27.
The album not only highlights Lang Lang’s solo performances but also features ensemble and orchestral works with celebrated artists such as tenor Andrea Bocelli, soprano Lei Jia, the China Philharmonic Orchestra with Long Yu, the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra with Tan Dun, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra with Alexandre Desplat.
Snowflakes, composed by Shuai Zhang and originally performed by a children’s choir at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, is described by Lang Lang as “music from paradise.” Zhang has created a new solo piano arrangement for this album. Lang Lang reflects on his collaboration with Zhang, who shares his hometown and age, expressing joy at their shared memories.
In contrast, Moon is Bright Lullaby is a traditional tune from northeastern China, arranged by Zhang Zhao. Lang Lang, who hails from this region, shares that the melody evokes fond memories of his childhood winters spent at his grandparents’ home.
Additionally, a new Dolby Atmos mix of Dragon Songs will be released on September 27. The original album, released in 2006, aimed to introduce Western classical music to Chinese audiences while also connecting Chinese culture with the global stage. Lang Lang’s vision of cultural exchange was praised by Gramophone for its “fascinating variety of traditional Chinese songs” and its innovative pairing of the piano with Chinese instruments.
The Dragon Songs documentary, filmed in 2006, captures Lang Lang’s return to China to reconnect with his roots and emphasize the personal connection to music.
