new lang lang video - have your say

[stevie]

&search=lang%20lang%20piano

one of the greatest videos ever, im surprised they even allow this hardcore footage uncensored, be prepared.

[henrah]

His syncopated accents suit 20th century music, not Liszt, and I found that rendition a bit too furious. Wish we could see his hands though.



Imho, Hamelins is way better
Henrah

[steve jones]

Lol, I think he should have probably learned the guitar after seeing that. Somehow the uber-shread doesnt work so well when performing romantic piano masterpieces!

SJ

[bananafish]

I don't really dig the way he plays. I mean, it's fun to watch, but musically, I don't find it enjoyable. Anyway, does anyone know what shampoo he uses? I was wondering that all through out the video.... I guess Lang Lang and I are just not meant to be...

[pianoperfmajor]

I don't really dig the way he plays. I mean, it's fun to watch, but musically, I don't find it enjoyable. Anyway, does anyone know what shampoo he uses? I was wondering that all through out the video.... I guess Lang Lang and I are just not meant to be...

Agreed.  The really thick parts just sound like someone banging and pounding random notes on the piano.. could be the poor sound quality though.. although must likely not.

[stevie]

Agreed.  The really thick parts just sound like someone banging and pounding random notes on the piano.. could be the poor sound quality though.. although must likely not.

bad ears

hes more accurate than anyone in the world could really be at this velocity+volume

Lol, I think he should have probably learned the guitar after seeing that. Somehow the uber-shread doesnt work so well when performing romantic piano masterpieces!

SJ

reheheheally? explicate

[daniel patschan]

Technically/mechanically: absolutely high-end,
Musically: it´s the same and the same again with him: he does not know what the music is about so he goes like "Mmh, let´s now try this !"
Behaviorally: monkey-like !

[tompilk]

very bangy... definitely one of the most impressive yet disasterously bashy versions i have heard... not my favourite... and i think his funny hair looks great!
Tom

[pianoman1977]

I was not so impressed by this video, but has anyone seen the other videos of Lang Lang on the same website? go and have a look 

The Abegg-variations of Schumann and Nocturne of Chopin (both in Carnegie Hall I think) are really work of a genius, his technical and musical control is incredible

[krittyot]

It's quite entertaining imo.

I don't really expect any musical value from a pianist like LangLang. I have nothing against him nonetheless.

[instromp]

WoW such crazy hair,lol.

Anyway,I tried to make out the "thick" parts and it all sounds like BANG BANG BANG!. He plays so furious it looks like he's having a seizure.NEVER heard it played this way before.

Nevertheless he is an amazing pianist

[allthumbs]

Well, if you liked that video, how about this one. I think the guy needs a girlfriend.

&search=lang%20lang%20piano


Cheers

allthumbs

[Graf Zahl]

Well, if you liked that video, how about this one. I think the guy needs a girlfriend.

&search=lang%20lang%20piano


Cheers

allthumbs

wow, crazy, wow, crazy, wow, crazy.....




lol

and I'm gonna see this one life this year, wow, crazy....

[nicco]

You are not seeing the obvious here, he is performing this piece merely as a showpiece, look how he makes the crowd laugh after making silly body movements and going from BOOM BOOM to "shhh", probably why there isnt much musicality in this performance

[stevie]

You are not seeing the obvious here, he is performing this piece merely as a showpiece, look how he makes the crowd laugh after making silly body movements and going from BOOM BOOM to "shhh", probably why there isnt much musicality in this performance

there is a schizofrenic amount of musicality in his playing of this piece, its crazy and psycho and comedy, thats the POINT of this piece, and in this performance, he puts this across better than any performance ive seen/heard.

[donjuan]

&search=lang%20lang%20piano

one of the greatest videos ever, im surprised they even allow this hardcore footage uncensored, be prepared.

I actually enjoyed that, oddly enough.. I like how most of the time, his face is too bright to make out the annoying expressions he makes.  Yes, I found it entertaining, but I think he should try to make it less about himself and more about the music.

Well, if you liked that video, how about this one. I think the guy needs a girlfriend.

&search=lang%20lang%20piano


Cheers

allthumbs

hahaha why would he make a video about everything everyone hates about him??

[stevie]

I actually enjoyed that, oddly enough.. I like how most of the time, his face is too bright to make out the annoying expressions he makes.  Yes, I found it entertaining, but I think he should try to make it less about himself and more about the music.
hahaha why would he make a video about everything everyone hates about him??

everyone = you?

everyone else loves his facial expressions and the fact he is breathing new life and attracting many new fans to the piano.

i mean, when an average guy thinks of a 'classical piansit' they think of brendel or someone similar, he is changing the image to something fresh, exciting, and entirely unpretentious.

[sauergrandson]

If he grows crazier, he will reach Glenn Gould or David Helfgott.

[donjuan]

i mean, when an average guy thinks of a 'classical piansit' they think of brendel or someone similar, he is changing the image to something fresh, exciting, and entirely unpretentious.

If the average guy thinks of Brendel when they think 'classical pianist,' i'd say the world's in pretty good shape.  Right now, from where I'm standing, most 'average guys' think 'gay' or 'who cares?' when you say 'classical pianist'

he is changing the image to something fresh, exciting, and entirely unpretentious.

hahahahahahahaha

[henrah]

Well, if you liked that video, how about this one. I think the guy needs a girlfriend.

&search=lang%20lang%20piano


Cheers

allthumbs

Man I love that video so much, it's so crazy!

But I must agree with the fact that he is amazing technically, and from what I hear he doesn't seem to make any mistakes. However it's hard to tell what is a mistake from the bangs and that it's his own transcription.

If the majority of audiences today want to see flashy pieces (which Imho is the main reason for going to a live concert) then he is rightful in giving them what they want. Yet sometimes there are times when people want to hear something beautiful and well thought out, and he gives that to. He's pleasing both crowds.
Henrah

[pita bread]

At least he's breathing some life into a hackneyed piece. C'mon guys, it's a Hungarian Rhapsody, the flair is appropriate. It's not like he's doing that in the Op. 111...

[stevie]

At least he's breathing some life into a hackneyed piece. C'mon guys, it's a Hungarian Rhapsody, the flair is appropriate. It's not like he's doing that in the Op. 111...

hahaha, that would be incredibly profound.

[m]

&search=lang%20lang%20piano

one of the greatest videos ever, im surprised they even allow this hardcore footage uncensored, be prepared.

Yeah, that's the real hardcore!
Never seen anything more tasteless and offensive.
On a par with worst Hollywood action movies.
It is rather sad than funny

[jlh]

&search=lang%20lang%20piano

one of the greatest videos ever, im surprised they even allow this hardcore footage uncensored, be prepared.

Anyone else having trouble getting the video to play?  It plays for like 2 seconds and then that's all!  Don't have trouble with other videos on the site and I have high-speed internet.

[kaiwin]

OM*G LM*O
THANK YOU FOR THE VIDS, I ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE HIM THIS CRAZY. GJ LANG LANG!

Haha
THANKS!

[allthumbs]

To be fair, I really like his video of Schumann's 'Träumerei'.

https://www.zdf.de/ZDFmediathek/inhalt/7/0,4070,2396871-6-wm_dsl,00.html

[airasia]

At least he's breathing some life into a hackneyed piece. C'mon guys, it's a Hungarian Rhapsody, the flair is appropriate. It's not like he's doing that in the Op. 111...

Thank you, these people complaining about musicality need to wake up.  ITS HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY NO. 2 for god's sake.  People just have to have a complaint when they are jealous of amazing skill.

[Waldszenen]

At least if I ever kick him in the shins when I meet him, I now have a justified reason for doing so.

[nicco]

But I must agree with the fact that he is amazing technically, and from what I hear he doesn't seem to make any mistakes. However it's hard to tell what is a mistake from the bangs and that it's his own transcription.

It was the horowitz transcription, not his own. Besides, i refuse to think he was trying to convince any music critics with this kind of playing. It was merely: "look how fast and loud i can play piano"

[icarus89]

 

I just can't match the music and his facial expressions.

It's really funny.

Lang Lang is crazy.

Ha.

[musik_man]

I'd rather have Lang "Someone please slip some Valium in his drink" Lang than Marc-Andre "v2.1 of Hambot does not support artistic interpretation software" Hamelin.

C'mon guys it's a frickin Hungarian Rhapsody.  If you are insulted that someone lets themselves go playing it, you need to reach up your backside and remove that rather large stick.

[crazy for ivan moravec]

Well, if you liked that video, how about this one. I think the guy needs a girlfriend.

&search=lang%20lang%20piano


Cheers

allthumbs

oh, but he has a gf. i just know. can't say anything else.

[stevie]

Yeah, that's the real hardcore!
Never seen anything more tasteless and offensive.
On a par with worst Hollywood action movies.
It is rather sad than funny

wow! so he moved you to melancholy with the friska of a hungarian rhapsody?

truly profound, is there anything this guy cant do?!

At least if I ever kick him in the shins when I meet him, I now have a justified reason for doing so.

for shame...

his bodyguards will gun you down before you could touch him

[BoliverAllmon]

he does have technique, but not my fav rendition.

[rob47]

i don't know i enjoyed his other performance of this at that chinese place much more

he was probably having a bad day and unfortunately let it interfere with his performance

[jspash]

I've seen the name L.L. countless times in this forum, but have never actually seen him perform.

My thought while watching this nut was that this must be what happens when you follow the C.C.Chang method of paino practice, but forget to slow it down! 

ha ha. Very talented. Entertaining. But not my cup o tea.

[bradleykavin]

i think its cool/funny to watch. but on the other hand it just sounds horrible to me, thats a piece i would never put on my ipod if thats a good way to put it. but hes talented for sure. but i bet he doesnt get out much...

[palika dunno]

I must say I totally agree with stevie in every point. And I must say that I can't stand such ignorant people who say that he suck's + is unmusical. I saw him playing this live and it was really the best experience in my life  .  Lang Lang is a wonderful, profound musician and people who don't like him usually say "ah look at this annoying facial expressions and these exaggerated body movements + annoying mannerisms"  omg, people START LISTENING TO LANG LANG! and stop watching him! And if you have nothing to listen send me a PM and I'll give you links to his memory album + live at seiji ozawa hall.

all the best (and thanks for starting this thread stevie)

Palika

[nicco]

I must say I totally agree with stevie in every point. And I must say that I can't stand such ignorant people who say that he suck's + is unmusical. I saw him playing this live and it was really the best experience in my life  .  Lang Lang is a wonderful, profound musician and people who don't like him usually say "ah look at this annoying facial expressions and these exaggerated body movements + annoying mannerisms"  omg, people START LISTENING TO LANG LANG! and stop watching him! And if you have nothing to listen send me a PM and I'll give you links to his memory album + live at seiji ozawa hall.

all the best (and thanks for starting this thread stevie)

Palika

For people who want real music with dept, passion and deep personal interpretations, try zimerman, pogorelich, horowitz, richter, andsnes, and so on.

If you want some circusy, showy music, try lang lang.

[letters]

nutcase... someone wrote "it looks like he's having a seizure" hahaha

to be honest, some of it sounded like a fish was having a seizure on the keyboard, had 5 seconds of clarity and played something nice, then its memory ran out and had another seizure, etc, etc.

[daniel patschan]

One has to realize that the "moving-around-like-crazy-so-people-think-i-am-a-passionate-artist-thing" is an essential component of the whole Lang Lang story. And it´s impossible to look at him - he does everything for the audience. But when i close my eyes his "interpretation" comes not even close to the ones of Volodos or Horowitz - whatever the speed is that he plays the piece at.

[nanabush]

The part where it's like a huge fast scale running up the piano in the right hand, then those quick chord things going back down, it sounds like about 80% of those notes are wrong, but probably cuz the overall sound is really blurry.

[pianoperfmajor]

bad ears

Well apparently not.  Seems a lot of people agree with me.  There's no way you can tell me that it doesn't sound like he's haplessly banging on the piano.. take the end for example.  It sounds so horrid.

[stevie]

Well apparently not.  Seems a lot of people agree with me.  There's no way you can tell me that it doesn't sound like he's haplessly banging on the piano.. take the end for example.  It sounds so horrid.

this called 'FURY'

[airasia]

For people who want real music with dept, passion and deep personal interpretations, try zimerman, pogorelich, horowitz, richter, andsnes, and so on.

If you want some circusy, showy music, try lang lang.

Do people still not realize that this is an even louder, faster, more virtuosic, showy transcription of an already loud, fast, virtuosic, showy piece?  This is the nature of the piece and he captures it perfectly.  Like the guy said, go listen to the Op. 111 second movement or something if you want something with depth and personal introspection.  I'm sick of these insecure wannabe piano "elitists" who can't appreciate pure talent and are jealous of someone having fun with a piece they cannot and will not ever play.  Then they just have to make complaints no matter how irrelevant their criticisms are. 

Also, some notes sound like they might be wrong, but the notes are intended to sound odd and out of tune throughout this piece in case you didn't know that either.

[Mozartian]

-

[crazy for ivan moravec]

i read from Reader's Digest that we burn 90 calories per hour of piano practice. with this playing, i think he must be burning about a hundred and 80 calories. hahaha. good excercise, bad musicality, great entetainment!

[m]

Thank you, these people complaining about musicality need to wake up.  ITS HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY NO. 2 for god's sake.  People just have to have a complaint when they are jealous of amazing skill...

...I'm sick of these insecure wannabe piano "elitists" who can't appreciate pure talent and are jealous of someone having fun with a piece they cannot and will not ever play... 

As an insucure wannabe, who is jelous of "amazing skill" (not that I ever had desire to play like that and have THAT kind of skills), and who can't appreciate pure talent and sameone having fun, I'd love to wake up and learn what is HUNGAIRAN RHAPSODY NO. 2 is all about (for god's sake).
 
I would greatly appreciate if you could enlighten me as for what is this piece all about!
I would gladly admit my ignorance in music and piano in particular, but from what I learnt so far on the subject, this is a piece which supposedly should be full of grace, elegance, Madyar pride and spirit, etc., rather than some kind of show off of some beastiality instincts...
 
May be that's only me... But what would I know?
Please help to the lost soul!!!

[nicco]

Do people still not realize that this is an even louder, faster, more virtuosic, showy transcription of an already loud, fast, virtuosic, showy piece?  This is the nature of the piece and he captures it perfectly.  Like the guy said, go listen to the Op. 111 second movement or something if you want something with depth and personal introspection.  I'm sick of these insecure wannabe piano "elitists" who can't appreciate pure talent and are jealous of someone having fun with a piece they cannot and will not ever play.  Then they just have to make complaints no matter how irrelevant their criticisms are. 

Also, some notes sound like they might be wrong, but the notes are intended to sound odd and out of tune throughout this piece in case you didn't know that either.

first of all, dont go around calling people insecure piano wannabes before you know who you are talking to. I have both seen and heard enough of lang lang to make my opinion on him. I have wieved over 200 videos of different musicians and have around 100 GB with Mp3 on my PC, so my foundation of comparison is well founded. I am not judging him by this piece alone, but all the things i have heard of him, mozart sonatas, liszt don juan, things i have heard so much better from other pianists. This piece though imo does truly show what lang lang is. Im sure you can understand what i mean.

[jlh]

As an insucure wannabe, who is jelous of "amazing skill" (not that I ever had desire to play like that and have THAT kind of skills), and who can't appreciate pure talent and sameone having fun, I'd love to wake up and learn what is HUNGAIRAN RHAPSODY NO. 2 is all about (for god's sake).
 
I would greatly appreciate if you could enlighten me as for what is this piece all about!
I would gladly admit my ignorance in music and piano in particular, but from what I learnt so far on the subject, this is a piece which supposedly should be full of grace, elegance, Madyar pride and spirit, etc., rather than some kind of show off of some beastiality instincts...
 
May be that's only me... But what would I know?
Please help to the lost soul!!!

First of all, I don't think Liszt would object to wrong notes in this case.  He was known for blazing virtuosity, but also wrong notes.  It is all about the emotion for Liszt and his piano works.  I think Chopin was known more for his "correct notes" than Liszt was.

Second, Marik, your description of the piece is not completely accurate, but not completely false.  This is a Hungarian Rhapsody, a single movement work based on Hungarian gypsy folk melodies.  It is a true example of Liszt's tendancy to create works that are flashy show off pieces with unbridled emotion.  In fact, the main reason he created so many virtuosic pieces like this and countless others is so he could show off and impress the female population of his audience-- which he succeeded in doing.  So you see, BOTH of your descriptions can apply, but this particular part of the piece that is shown on the video is the part with the flashy "beastiality instincts" that you mention.