I recently had the chance to review “Live in Vienna” by pianist Lang Lang. As a pianist myself, I loved the chance to do this review.
The album is actually two CDs. The first CD is two Beethoven Sonatas (#3 Op 2 and #23 Op 57 “Appassionata”). The second CD includes three Chopin works familiar to those who have listened to very much Chopin at all, as a special tribute to Chopin’s 200th anniversary, and pieces by Albéniz and Prokofiev.
Lang Lang has been called “The hottest artist on the classical music planet” by the NY Times, and this recital is a great example. My husband, a music major himself, was really excited when he saw the CD and wanted to listen to it right away.
Lang's technical ability is amazing. And the nice thing about piano music is that it's so easy to listen to in the background of whatever you're doing. This CD is no exception. It's great for keeping the office from being too quiet, it helps put the girls to sleep, and it's musically interesting enough that my husband and I enjoy "active listening" too (where we just listen to the music itself, without any other form of entertainment).
Lang's story is interesting too. He started piano at the early age of three and was preparing to enter the Central Conservatory in Beijing when his piano tutor kicked him out for not being good enough. Then the music teacher at school reminded him of why he loved to play, and he went back at it. His mission now is to share classical music around the world, especially by encouraging young musicians. He even started a foundation to help financially support young musicians.
Lang is a great piano player who will be around for a while (he's only 28). I encourage you to check out his work!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of “Live in Vienna” to facilitate this review.
No comments:
Post a Comment