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Groundbreaking Pianist Lang Lang, a Global Trendsetter
With a global influence akin to a rock star and a career spanning over two decades, Lang Lang is one of the world's most prominent classical musicians. Born in Shenyang, China, Lang Lang's early life was marked by an unusual repertoire of German, Polish, and Italian composers. Known for challenging conventional norms and breathing new life into tradition, he harmonizes classical music with every rhythm, making his duets with Metallica, Pharrell Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Plácido Domingo legendary. His career is defined by versatility, yet unpredictability remains its constant.
A brand ambassador for Hublot since 2012 and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004, Lang Lang founded the Lang Lang Music Foundation in 2007. He has dedicated himself to nurturing young piano prodigies worldwide. In an exclusive interview with IL, Lang Lang shares his musical journey, from his childhood memories to the most significant moments that have shaped his career.
A Childhood Inspired by a Cartoon
Lang Lang's first musical memory dates back to his childhood, when he was captivated by the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt, which he heard during his favorite Tom & Jerry cartoon. The cheerful and lively piece, played by the cartoon cat, struck a chord with the young musician that would forever remain.
Chopin's Concerto Evokes Childhood Memories
At 11 years old, Lang Lang performed Piano Concerto No. 2 by Fryderyk Chopin during the Tchaikovsky Competition in Japan. It was during this performance that he was reminded of his absent mother, who had to stay behind in Shenyang while he moved to Beijing with his father. This emotional connection to Chopin's work encouraged Lang Lang to believe that music was a powerful medium for expressing deep emotions and feelings that words may struggle to convey.
An Early Love for a Chinese Hero
Lang Lang's first love was none other than Sun Wukong, the renowned character from the classic Chinese novel, "Journey to the West." Known for his intelligence, bravery, and loyalty, Sun Wukong served as a childhood inspiration for Lang Lang.
The Thrill of His First Concert
Lang Lang's first concert, held in his hometown of Shenyang, was also his debut performance at the age of five. With 800 spectators gathering to watch, Lang Lang experienced a whirlwind of emotions, feeling both extremely nervous and joyful as he took the stage. However, as he touched the piano keys, the tension dissipated, and he channeled compassion and warmth from the audience. This nurturing energy continues to resonate with him at every performance to this day.
- Lang Lang incorporates a fusion of classical music and contemporary rhythms in his duets with artists like Metallica, Pharrell Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Plácido Domingo, creating iconic performances that merge education-and-self-development with entertainment.
- To complement his love for music, Lang Lang was inspired as a child by the Chinese hero Sun Wukong, a character from the classic novel, "Journey to the West", who embodied intelligence, bravery, and loyalty.
- The cherished memory of hearing the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt in his favorite Tom & Jerry cartoon ignited Lang Lang's passion for music, which he continues to express in his personal-growth journey, as well as his work as a performer and entertainer.
