Lang Lang, one of the world’s most famous classical pianists, discovered his passion for the piano while growing up in China among a community of musicians. His extraordinary talent has led him to perform with a range of musical legends, from the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra to contemporary icons like Coldplay and Metallica. Lang Lang shares his Brief But Spectacular take on loving what you play.
Growing up in Shenyang, a northeastern city in China known for its industrial landscape and factories, Lang Lang was surrounded by music. His father, the principal erhu player in a Chinese traditional orchestra, played a significant role in this musical environment. The neighborhood, home to many musicians, was filled with the sounds of various instruments. Lang Lang started playing the piano at the age of 2.5, and his first piece, “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, deeply resonated with him, sparking a love for the instrument.
By the time he was 9, Lang Lang moved to Beijing, where he attended a conservatory. However, his early journey was marked by challenges, including being fired by a piano teacher who was skeptical of his piano style. At the time, Lang Lang thought his piano career had come to an end. Despite this setback, he remained determined and, at the age of 17, set a big dream of performing with the top orchestras in America. Reality, however, involved more waiting as a substitute player, always ready to step in if another musician fell ill.
Eventually, an opportunity arose when the renowned pianist Andre Watts fell ill before a performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach. Lang Lang seized the chance, playing in what became one of the biggest concerts of the summer.
Reflecting on his childhood, Lang Lang recalls how others once referred to him as a prodigy. Now at 41, he recognizes that while the label of prodigy may fade with age, the key is to continue nurturing one’s talent while leaving behind the mindset of a child.
For Lang Lang, transformation plays an essential role in his performances. He strives to move his own heart and take his audience along on that emotional journey. His music-making has evolved, especially after getting married and becoming a father. The experience of raising a child has brought new challenges, as he contemplates whether to be more strict or relaxed in his approach to parenting. However, he acknowledges that fatherhood has made his playing more subtle and sensitive.
When performing, Lang Lang believes every note should have real life and emotion behind it. The challenge lies not only in playing the notes correctly but also in understanding the meaning behind them. He focuses on the story, background, and technique behind each piece, aiming to bring these elements to life in his music.
This is Lang Lang’s Brief But Spectacular take on loving what you play.
Related Topics
- Jazz Trumpeter Reflects on ‘Special Feeling’ of MBE Honour
- TwoSet Violin Bids Farewell with a Six-Part Video Finale
- “We Had a Band Powerful Enough to Turn Goat P*** into Gasoline”: Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn’s Legacy of Legendary Bass Grooves