LANG LANG DAZZLES WITH NEW ALL-CHOPIN CD

LANG LANG, PIANO; The Chopin Album (Sony Classical) ****

Knowing how close pianist Lang Lang is to the music of Frédéric Chopin, it’s surprising that this is his first album devoted to solo works by the great Polish-French composer/pianist. This disc was a long time in the making, but it was well worth the wait.

Chopin lovers will take this CD to heart as much as the Chinese-born pianist’s legions of fans. And whether or not one worships Lang Lang as the world’s greatest pianist (and there are many who do) or worships Chopin’s music (and there are many who consider Chopin the greatest composer for the piano) this recording is a godsend.

The album consists of the Études, op. 25, as well as a delightful sampling of nocturnes and waltzes. There is also the Grande Valse brillante, op. 18, and the Andante spianato & Grande Polonaise, op. 22.

The 30-year-old pianist plays all of this music with clarity, precision and nuanced articulation. With impeccable technique and eloquent musicality, Lang Lang offers his listeners piano playing of the highest order. There is good reason why this young man is one of classical music’s brightest superstars.

There is subtlety and poetic beauty in his readings, and to each piece, even to the technically demanding etudes, he brings emotional depth and feeling. One immediately senses that Lang Lang takes pleasure in this music – and it is a pleasure hearing him play.

This CD is an absolute must have.

(Lang Lang will be playing a recital in Abravanel Hall on Oct. 9. Click here to read Ed Reichel’s interview with him.)

This entry was posted in CD Reviews by Edward Reichel. Bookmark the permalink.

About Edward Reichel

Edward Reichel, author, writer and composer, has been covering the classical music scene in Utah since 1997. For many years he served as the primary music critic for the Deseret News. He has also written for a number of publications, including Chamber Music Magazine, OPERA Magazine, 15 Bytes, Park City Magazine and Salt Lake Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He can be reached at ed.reichel@gmail.com. Reichel Recommends is also on Twitter @ReichelArts.

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  1. Pingback: PIANO PHENOMENON LANG LANG IN RECITAL IN ABRAVANEL HALL TODAY | Reichel Recommends

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