Lang Lang to go ‘grand but warm’

There’s no doubt that Lang Lang is the man of the hour in classical music. The Chinese pianist has sold out tickets for concerts around the world; performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony and in front of international dignitaries; and has been under constant media limelight, rare for a classical musician.

And now, the celebrated pianist is ready to woo his Korean fans with his Beethoven concertos on Wednesday. He will perform Beethoven’s Egmont Overture Op. 82, piano concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73, “Emperor,” and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26.

In an interview with The Korea Herald on Tuesday, a day before his concert with the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra at Seoul Arts Center, Lang Lang expressed his excitement.

“I rehearsed with the orchestra Monday and was deeply impressed with the level of their music. The conductor (Kim Dae-jin) was amazing. Now I cannot wait to meet the audience,” he said. 

Selecting Beethoven may seem a rather unconventional move for the virtuoso, who is famous for his dazzling technique reflected mostly in the Romantic pieces of Chopin, Liszt and others, as Beethoven is rather traditional, grave and serious. But Lang Lang said it was very natural.

“I feel deeply attached to Beethoven because I have always admired him and have played many of his pieces this season,” he said. The pianist admitted that Beethoven required a level of maturity in him. “When playing Beethoven you need two things: You need the musicianship and philosophy ― you need the ‘third ear’ and listen to yourself carefully,” he added.

Maestro Daniel Barenboim, who taught him at a master class six years ago, is his role model in rendition.

“He is one of my mentors and he has been providing advice from the beginning of my delving into Beethoven. His play is the ultimate interpretation of Beethoven for me,” he said.

“Beethoven this time will be grand but warm.”

Whether Lang Lang will be showing his signature style ― he is famous for his bombastic facial expressions and gestures ― is also anticipated. Some critics have charged that his gesticulations overshadow his talent but the artist rejects this.

“In introvert pieces I go introvert. In extrovert pieces I go extrovert. I change according to scores. I have no plans to change that,” he said.

There are numerous upcoming projects for the “idol pianist,” including recordings of Prokofiev, Bartok and Mozart; worldwide concerts and other things, but Lang Lang is also keen to have more people interested in classical music and is planning to advance into other fields of culture if necessary.

He established the Lang Lang International Music Foundation supporting a total of 12 musical students with their career. The foundation is also supported by celebrities such as actor Alec Baldwin, violinist Joshua Bell and jazz musicians Herbie Hancock and John Legend, who gladly share their talents with the next generation.

The pianist has also collaborated with artists in other fields ― he recorded the soundtrack for “Grand Turismo 5,” a PlayStation3 game; performed online with “YouTube Orchestra” and released a Chopin music video with contemporary dancer Marquese Scott that garnered more than 17 million YouTube views last year.

“I thought it would be great if people could listen to classical music every day; music is a magical thing and brings back so many memories. It reminds us of who we are. And if I could help those (who) play games and hardly listen to classical music get acquainted with classical music, that’s all I want,” he said.

“I am always open to trying new things as long as it does not hurt the original classical pieces. Music should be for everyone.”

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)