Lang Lang plays Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2

[jayanat]

&search=hungarian%20rhapsody

For me this is the worst recording I've ever listened to. I had a big controversy with someone who posted this on youtube and I couldn't believe that there are still some people who like this.

 

[airasia]

The only bad thing about it was the sound quality of the crappy camera.  I guarantee if you heard this live you would be bowing down to him.  Why can't people just say they don't like Horowitz's version?

[jre58591]

heh, first of all i wouldnt pay to go see lang lang in the first place. i think that nobody can match volodos or horowit at this piece. lang lang is a blasphemous pianist that should stick to kids stuff. and btw, i love horowitz's version. i just hate lang lang's playing. and also, i checked youtube and i didnt see any comments that seemed controversial. i guess they were removed.

[debussy symbolism]

lang lang is a blasphemous pianist that should stick to kids stuff.

Greetings.

Such invective comments, are they necessary? Considering the fact that Lang Lang is a widely recognized international pianist with a tremendous technique, I think of it as rather puerile of you to suppose his playing needing to be of "kid's" nature. I am not trying to provoce an argument, but I just don't see why someone would insult Lang Lang.

[stevie]

can someone say clearly exactly what is bad about this stunning performance?

one man's randomness is another man's spontineity, one man's range of sonority is another man's 'harsh tone', one man's 'incredible technique' is another man's 'lack of musicality'.

[jre58591]

Such invective comments, are they necessary? Considering the fact that Lang Lang is a widely recognized international pianist with a tremendous technique, I think of it as rather puerile of you to suppose his playing needing to be of "kid's" nature. I am not trying to provoce an argument, but I just don't see why someone would insult Lang Lang.

he can be the most famous pianist that this galaxy has ever seen, but that doesnt mean that everyone has to like him. as stevie said, people have different opinions about things. if  someone such as i makes such a comment, it would be smart for you to respect what that person says, even though you may not necessarily agree with them. i insult lang lang not because of his technique (which i greatly respect), but because of his awful interpretations of pieces. i believe that my comments are clearly necessary because some people may just stare in awe at his technique without seeing his clear lack of musicality. my aim is to make people aware of this, hence my invective comments. please, lets just cut the argument off here.

[jayanat]

can someone say clearly exactly what is bad about this stunning performance?

one man's randomness is another man's spontineity, one man's range of sonority is another man's 'harsh tone', one man's 'incredible technique' is another man's 'lack of musicality'.

I strongly agree

[Kassaa]

I do not like Lang Lang in general, but I really love this recording. CG is what this piece is all about.

[shoenberg3]

pretty vulgar interpretation, but the piece itself is pretty "vulgar"
furthermore, you cannot help but be impressed by the very pianism of this recording -- the ridiculous octaves, sixteenth notes, awesome display of technique

i bet liszt in his days were as "vulgar" as this when in one of his frenzied concerts. Lang Lang, in a way, then brings back the times when pianists were showman, virtuoso. Nothing wrong with that.

[nicco]

lol, that was fun

he must be the only one who can make a classical music piece look and sound like modern improvised jazz.

[erak]

Nah, jazz actually has rhythm.

[gyzzzmo]

I dont like it. If you play a HUNGARIAN Rhapsodie, try to play it in a hungarian style.
Ofcourse i have to admit that guy must be technically supreme.

[gyzzzmo]

Jeez, i wish i could whistle like the cameraman

[kriskicksass]

Not exactly what I'm used to hearing, but when you've got fingers like that you can do whatever you want! 

[ivoryplayer_amf]

I have never seen nor heard lang lang play before but here is what I've got to say.

The man can play...thats for sure.  I only wish I could play that good.  HOWEVER...Do we have to have all the show?  I understand that we all, as pianist, have our little 'ticks' and things we do that to anyone else may see weird...but He was playing off the audiance.  It seems as though it was more about the appearance then the music.  I couldnt enjoy his music for the almost suspensful heart-attacks he would throw himself into. 

I'm sure someone is going to take up for him and say thats just him...but I promise...unless he seriously has a 'problem' THAT IS NOT ALL HIM!

All that said...great pianist.  Technique is outstanding and I'm just in awe that this man can play like that.  Showmanship sucks however.

[airasia]

There is another video of him acting all crazy while practicing, and i've read an article in the washington post saying something like, "what people don't understand is that he actually plays like that when he's alone."

[alejo_90]

He has an amazing technique. Fact
His interpretations are poor. Fact

Best
Alex

[practicingnow]

He has an amazing technique. Fact
His interpretations are poor. Fact

Best
Alex

Here is another fact.

Lang Lang is a fantastic pianist on many levels.  At times his interpretations are wonderful, his Schumann Abegg Variations, Haydn Sonata and Schubert Wanderer are extremely well played, with beautiful tone and gracefully executed phrases, great imagination, and such ease of execution.

And technically THERE IS NO ONE BETTER.  Don't even go there.

Why don't people see past his goofy faces and just listen to what's going on, there is so much to admire.  Actually I find that the people who make all the fuss about his faces are even more obnoxious than the faces themselves.  But maybe those people refuse to hear what he's really doing, and purposefully choose to focus on the goofy faces because they are - could it be - jealous???

Nah - pianists are never jealous! 

[alejo_90]

And technically THERE IS NO ONE BETTER.  Don't even go there.

I'd go with Cziffra or Horowitz.

Why don't people see past his goofy faces and just listen to what's going on, there is so much to admire.  Actually I find that the people who make all the fuss about his faces are even more obnoxious than the faces themselves.  But maybe those people refuse to hear what he's really doing, and purposefully choose to focus on the goofy faces...

By the way, I've never seen him playing, I've LISTENED to him playing, music is about listening, not looking at the performers faces, gestures or tics. so I agree with you about the goofy faces. But what I've heard is indeed very poor, too speeded up, and quite cold.

...because they are - could it be - jealous???

Nah - pianists are never jealous! 

That's true, they aren't. And me, jealous of Lang Lang? oh come on , you are plenty of good new generation pianists to be jealous of, why Lang Lang?

Best Wishes
Alex

[practicingnow]

I'd go with Cziffra or Horowitz.

Technically on par certainly - but not better.

By the way, I've never seen him playing, I've LISTENED to him playing, music is about listening, not looking at the performers faces, gestures or tics. so I agree with you about the goofy faces. But what I've heard is indeed very poor, too speeded up, and quite cold.

I do not agree - do you really find the Schumann, Haydn, Schubert, and Chopin in his DVD too fast and cold?

That's true, they aren't. And me, jealous of Lang Lang? oh come on , you are plenty of good new generation pianists to be jealous of, why Lang Lang?

Not that you specifically are, Alex, but here are some reasons why one might be:
Because he is the most successful young pianist commercially by far, extremely young for that matter, and can do anything he wants at the keyboard (and does), and seems to be having lots of fun being who he is.  A perfect victim for the ol' green-eyed monster, wouldn't you say?
Not that you are jealous, but I'm sure alot of the venom that is spewed his way by others is just bitter jealousy.

[bwv772]

Took 8 minutes out of my life to listen to this.  Absolutely the worst rendition of the piece I`ve heard by far.  No tension, no humour, nothing but fireworks. It`s just noise at this point. It's irritating, you just want to to get up, walk away and do something else. Nothing pulls you in.

On the other hand the best version I`ve heard is one by French pianist Stephane Blet. His interpretation is like a virtual trip, a short voyage somewhere, and when it's all done (and the way he ends it) your're left smiling, laughing, saying to yourself 'yup this is it'.

[henrah]

On the other hand the best version I`ve heard is one by French pianist Stephane Blet. His interpretation is like a virtual trip, a short voyage somewhere, and when it's all done (and the way he ends it) your're left smiling, laughing, saying to yourself 'yup this is it'.

Did he play the original or Horowitz's transcription?

[thracozaag]

Technically on par certainly - but not better.I do not agree - do you really find the Schumann, Haydn, Schubert, and Chopin in his DVD too fast and cold?

 
  Nope, just bad.

koji

[airasia]

Did he play the original or Horowitz's transcription?

haha yes you've learned from the other thread (just kidding).  You can't compare two pianists interpretations unless they are the SAME piece.  Make sure that guy was playing the Horowitz one.

[bwv772]

Did he play the original or Horowitz's transcription?

Oh. Right. Original.

But LL is still noise to me. Like another poster said, technique's all there, interpretation is not. My opinion, but I don't think he can interpret anything.

[donjuan]

He has an amazing technique. Fact
His interpretations are poor. Fact

Best
Alex

but his technique doesnt serve his music, so therefore he has crappy technique.

I think Lang lang is a terrible performer --> he gets too excited and doesnt leave anything left for the audience to experience.. selfish, pretentious prick..

i bet liszt in his days were as "vulgar" as this when in one of his frenzied concerts. Lang Lang, in a way, then brings back the times when pianists were showman, virtuoso. Nothing wrong with that.

Liszt was an eccentric personality, but he was an artist as well.  I think Lang Lang played the fast part of Hungarian Rhapsody in the right kind of style, but because he played the first half -the sad and very beautiful first half- in the same way, that shows me that he doesnt understand the music,

I don't think he can interpret anything.

(I agree)
 but just wants to get to the part where he can show us his cheap tricks.  Stupid audiences may not be able to see through him, but time will.  In 70 years time, when Lang Lang is dead, no one will refer to his pianism as one refers to Benno Moiseiwitsch, Cziffra, or Liszt.

[donjuan]

&search=hungarian%20rhapsody

For me this is the worst recording I've ever listened to. I had a big controversy with someone who posted this on youtube and I couldn't believe that there are still some people who like this.

 

and then stevie says:

can someone say clearly exactly what is bad about this stunning performance?

one man's randomness is another man's spontineity, one man's range of sonority is another man's 'harsh tone', one man's 'incredible technique' is another man's 'lack of musicality'.

to which jayanat replies,

I strongly agree.

--------
huh??

[henrah]

Don, I think Jayanat is agreeing on 'one man's randomness is another man's spontineity, one man's range of sonority is another man's 'harsh tone', one man's 'incredible technique' is another man's 'lack of musicality'.'

[shoenberg3]

Liszt was an eccentric personality, but he was an artist as well.  I think Lang Lang played the fast part of Hungarian Rhapsody in the right kind of style, but because he played the first half -the sad and very beautiful first half- in the same way, that shows me that he doesnt understand the music,

Never did I say that LL is equal to Liszt. As I said before, LL's interpretation is extremely vulgar. What I said was, merely, that this performance is a step towards Lisztian concert back in the days (as opposed to that of Clara Schumann which is prevalent today)

[jlh]

Don, I think Jayanat is agreeing on 'one man's randomness is another man's spontineity, one man's range of sonority is another man's 'harsh tone', one man's 'incredible technique' is another man's 'lack of musicality'.'

It's still a seeming contradiction.  What did you mean, Jayanat?

[journeyyourmind]

Lang Lang may be a little ridiculous sometimes, and I'll agree that this particular recording is a little off in places, but I don't think it takes away from his pianism or musicality as an entirety. One vid, or one recording doesn't mean every vid and recording will be so. Maybe he'll change his whole disposition eventually...personally, I think it's a funny vid because it's not like there aren't a billion pianists who can play that piece and already have...and he's kind of acting like it's the most amazing musical set of notes he's ever played(and I know you can say that's how he feels it, but come on really, it's HR2 not a Rach concerto, and it looks like he's bouncing off his chair). Obviously just his manner of showmanship, wouldn't do it myself, but can't dictate everythign now can we? 

Don't want to undermine Hungarian Rhapsody at all, but I really question if Lang Lang truly feels that way about this piece...he DOES have a huge repertoire doesn't he?? I honestly feel like this whole show is taking away from the SOUND of the piece, which is the most important part overall.

[tds]

Lang Lang may be a little ridiculous sometimes, and I'll agree that this particular recording is a little off in places, but I don't think it takes away from his pianism or musicality as an entirety. One vid, or one recording doesn't mean every vid and recording will be so. Maybe he'll change his whole disposition eventually...personally, I think it's a funny vid because it's not like there aren't a billion pianists who can play that piece and already have...and he's kind of acting like it's the most amazing musical set of notes he's ever played(and I know you can say that's how he feels it, but come on really, it's HR2 not a Rach concerto, and it looks like he's bouncing off his chair). Obviously just his manner of showmanship, wouldn't do it myself, but can't dictate everythign now can we? 

Don't want to undermine Hungarian Rhapsody at all, but I really question if Lang Lang truly feels that way about this piece...he DOES have a huge repertoire doesn't he?? I honestly feel like this whole show is taking away from the SOUND of the piece, which is the most important part overall.

yup, ego

[journeyyourmind]

I think you have an ego(atleast i think youre referring to me and not lang lang). I'm just a 16 year old kid trying to say something with an open mind. And honestly, I'm judging from a perspective of having seen many other pianists who don't act that way. Obviously the man has amazing technique. But this IS a discussion about LANG LANG who is WAY out of the leaugue to be compared with most of us posting here, so he will be compared to the other greats, which is why you hear the name Horowitz  and Cziffra all over this thread.

[stevie]

when it's all done (and the way he ends it) your're left smiling, laughing, saying to yourself 'yup this is it'.

after 20 minutes?

[stevie]

In 70 years time, when Lang Lang is dead

and in 1 year, when you are dead, you will regret dissing langlang

yes, this is a death-threat

[stevie]

 
  Nope, just bad.

koji

you are a wonderful human being.

sadly, lang lang disagrees, and wishes you all the best in your career

[alejo_90]

and in 1 year, when you are dead, you will regret dissing langlang
yes, this is a death-threat

you are a wonderful human being.
sadly, lang lang disagrees, and wishes you all the best in your career

Stevie, is it me, or you really like Bang Bang ?
Again, is it me, or you really like pianists who can play very fast ? (Speed Demon Comunity ? ? ?)

Bwv772, have you got an mp3 of Stephane Blet's HR2?

Best Wishes
Alex

[tds]

I think you have an ego(atleast i think youre referring to me and not lang lang).

2lang2

I'm just a 16 year old ...

r u pretty?

[thracozaag]

you are a wonderful human being.

sadly, lang lang disagrees, and wishes you all the best in your career

 Actually lang lang probably doesn't even know me, and no doubt he appreciates someone of your august character speaking on his behalf.

koji

[stevie]

Stevie, is it me, or you really like Bang Bang ?
Again, is it me, or you really like pianists who can play very fast ? (Speed Demon Comunity ? ? ?)

correctly

Actually lang lang probably doesn't even know me, and no doubt he appreciates someone of your august character speaking on his behalf.

koji

oh yeah?

no doubt MT appreciates someone of your september character speaking on his behalf.

[thracozaag]

correctly

oh yeah?

no doubt MT appreciates someone of your september character speaking on his behalf.

 

[journeyyourmind]

Well in THAT case!!

Yes, I'm quite pretty  I'll see you at the bang bang 

[alejo_90]

correctly

 

[stevie]

 

[practicingnow]

You're all JELL-ASS!!!
Lang Lang rules!

[donjuan]

and in 1 year, when you are dead, you will regret dissing langlang

yes, this is a death-threat

oh yeah??

c'mere a minute

[m]

 
  Nope, just bad.

koji

Agreed.

Koji,

I am not sure why would you bother to reply even with emoticon
It is obvious, the original poster has no clue.

[tds]

oh yeah??

c'mere a minute

ahemm...actually, i seen better nipple...
wait, is it a symbolism thingie: long roundie stuff spitting hot substance?
i mean, i mean...

[gruffalo]

ok, here is my personal take on lang lang, and my view on this debate in general.

first of all, i didnt like the interpretation. i dont like a lot of lang lang's interps, but something keeps drawing me into watching and listening to him. i personally think that we, here, are very wound up by what we think is piano playing, performing and interpreting, and we forget that music is entertainment aswell as an art. why do you think so many people see lang lang and go mad? its simply because he is a show man. whether he is fake is a whole other debate, but he does it and he is able to create a great effect when on stage. i dont want it to sound like the term 'jealousy', but i think the majority of people dont accept him here because we are all questioning where we are going with piano, why we are not famous, whether we will be, and also, why is lang lang famous etc. this is the kind of area where i think the SDC are a good example, because they have a good grasp on the entertainment side of piano, primary example being their interest in speed.

people like Gavrilov, we all know he has huge pianistic ability, but he performs as if the world is coming to an end, but people love it. i love it.

thats my two cents on this topic.

[daniel patschan]

  In the past i never got tired to chriticise Lang, but - looking this video something gets pretty obvious: Here is someone who gives everything ! As oposed to Hamelin for example. I recently watched Hamelin´s 2nd hungarian rhapsody rendition and as much as one must be impressed by his cadenzy, as boring, almost superficially clean is his interpretation. He doesn´t like to put anything to an emotional limit. Maybe he doesn´t posses these resources !? However, everybody who likes Cziffra´s egomaniacal style must love this video. Me at least i am very impressed.