Lang Lang (on a recent tour in Japan)

Pianist Lang Lang is making a long overdue return visit to Utah. His last appearance, part of the Virtuoso Series at the University of Utah, was a decade ago. Already at that time he was in demand as a concert and recital artist. And since then, his career has blossomed even more. Once touted as a teenaged sensation, Lang Lang has now become one of the most sought after pianists of his time.

Tuesday he’ll be revisiting Salt Lake City for the first time since 2002.  This time he will be playing in Abravanel Hall. On the program are three sonatas by Mozart – in G major, K. 283; in E flat major, K. 282; and in A minor, K. 310 – and the four ballades by Chopin.

Reichel Recommends interviewed the Chinese piano phenomenon via email. Asked about the program, he wrote that Mozart and Chopin make a good combination. “Mozart is representative of Classicism and Chopin is a leading composer of Romanticism.

I think the sonatas and ballades are wonderful repertoire for [the] audience.” And the reason why he chose these particular sonatas is simple. “I started learning them [at a] very early age. I love those pieces and am very passionate to present them again. They are very different [in] style [and they] will be interesting to hear.”

The Chinese-born pianist loves the music of both composers, he wrote. “Both…composers’ music has [the] most beautiful music lines and harmonies. It sounds wonderful to everyone. [Also] they have marvellous logic, structure and emotional drive.”

The 30-year-old has a busy concert schedule which he divides equally between orchestral engagements and recitals. He added that recitals demand a lot more from the performer. “Recitals need more energy because you play alone on the stage.”

Because of his schedule, it can be difficult to find time to relax. That usually happens around midnight, he wrote. He added that his favorite pastime is staying at home when he isn’t traveling the world performing.

Lang Lang has been called one of the all time greats of the piano. Asked if that kind of label puts a burden on him he replied, “I feel happy about that. I don’t think it is a burden because I do what I think [I] need to do – it depends on myself instead of others.”

• CONCERT DETAILS
• What: Lang Lang, piano
• Venue: Abravanel Hall
• Time and Date: 7 p.m. Oct. 9 (please note early start time)
• Tickets: $32-$90
• Phone: 801-355-2787 or 888-451-2787
• Web:www.utahsymphony.org

(Click  here to read Ed Reichel’s review of Lang Lang’s newest CD, which will be released Oct. 9.)