Lang Lang, piano
LIADOV The Enchanted Lake
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Celebrated pianist Lang Lang returns to Singapore in a gala concert performance of Prokofiev’s coruscating Third Piano Concerto, a work of great virtuosity and lyricism that has been a staple of the pianist’s repertoire since its rapturously-received premiere in 1921. Music Director Lan Shui will also conduct Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Fifth Symphony.
28 NOV 2013
7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
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Had the chance to listen to Lang Lang on the piano together with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Absolute delight to watch him. His tendency to linger in the slow movements and then race ahead in the finales highlighted extremes in contrasts. Tingles our ears and makes me yearn for more! Never felt seduced and teased by classical music pieces in this manner before.
Exaggerating accents and phrases in unexpected places was ear-catching, providing the twists and turns one would expect in a roller-coaster.
We all marvelled at how relaxed and composed Lang was. He played seated far from the keyboard and leaned backwards a lot. He played with prose and ease. His free hand would theatrically command a life of its own, as if conducting an imaginary orchestra in the air. Piano playing was without doubt another form of show business.
In his free time, he listens to hip hop and jazz, naming Kanye West, Herbie Hancock and Alicia Keys among his favourite performers. He occasionally tunes in to heavy metal such as Metallica and the Rolling Stones whenever he feels down. From listening to Italian and German opera, he has learnt new words in those languages.
Chinese musician Lang Lang poses for photographers on the red carpet at the 50th Golden Horse Film Awards in Taipei on Nov 23, 2013.
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