2014-02-11

For all his effusive energy at the piano, smiling widely and banging the keys with dramatic flair, Lang Lang is rather remote.

Well, literally, he is - as he replies to questions via email. But regarding his art, what drives and inspires it, the critically acclaimed classical pianist doesn't have much to say. To know him is to experience him at work.

Lang Lang is the star preview attraction for this year's Virginia Arts Festival, headlining at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk on Thursday night. For the past 15 years or so, the 31-year-old Chinese artist has been something of a rock star in the decorous world of classical music, dazzling audiences around the globe with his command of complex compositions. Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Chopin - Lang Lang imbues their compositions with youthful fire, whimsy and elegance.

And he brings the same mix of vibrancy and formality to heavy metal.

Last month, Lang Lang (pronounced "long long") performed at the 56th annual Grammy Awards with Metallica, the mother of all '80s metal bands. Orange flames mushrooming behind him, the pianist added roiling and cascading flourishes to the intro of "One," Metallica's 1988 anti-war song. It was one of the most audacious performances on the broadcast.

"It was an amazing experience," Lang Lang said in the email. "It took a while to get to know their music style, and to find the balance between (the) two genres of music, and in the end it worked out quite well. It was a dreamy performance and I enjoyed so much."

How did the collaboration come about? What was the rehearsal process like? Lang Lang apparently overlooked those questions in the query.

Although the two styles didn't completely meld on the Grammy telecast, the collaboration perhaps served a bigger purpose: to introduce Lang Lang to the pop world on "music's biggest night."

The artist has long been poised for such a showcase. Lang Lang regularly sells out prestigious venues as a solo act or fronting orchestras. He's also savvy about promoting his brand and classical music beyond the ornate walls of venerable concert halls.

A recent partnership with Sony, for instance, brought his version of Prokofiev's 7th Piano Sonata to the soundtrack of "Gran Turismo 5," a video game that has sold more than 10 million copies.

In a way, the collaboration brought Lang Lang full circle. His introduction to Western music came via animation: "The Cat Concerto," the Oscar-winning 1946 "Tom and Jerry" cartoon, featuring music by Franz Liszt.

Lang Lang, the son of a musician, wasn't even in kindergarten when he first saw the animated short film. Soon afterward, he was playing the piano. At age 5, he gave his first public recital. In 1995, at age 13, he won first place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in Japan. About two years later, Lang Lang was studying at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia under the guidance of respected instructor Gary Graffman.

At the age when most teenagers are getting ready to graduate from high school, Lang Lang made his splashy stateside debut as the last-minute substitute for Andre Watts, playing a Tchaikovsky concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The performance made him a sensation.

Lang Lang is succinct about his early stardom in the United States.

"I didn't have difficulties on it. It came out natural," he said. "I enjoy what I'm doing."

After the Chicago date, demands for Lang Lang performances poured in. But not all were impressed with his energetic and sometimes florid style. Virtuoso pianist Earl Wild dismissed the young star, calling him the "J. Lo of the piano." Some critics noted a lack of grace and maturity in Lang Lang's work.

But his artistry soon evolved, even if his performances still rubbed some observers the wrong way. There was a 2011 concert at the White House in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao, during which Lang Lang played "My Motherland," the theme from the 1956 Chinese anti-war movie "Battle on Shangganling Mountain." The song, a flaming arrow at the Korean War, was seen by some as an insult to the United States. Lang Lang later issued a statement, explaining that he selected the song for "no other reason but for the beauty of its melody."

When it comes to choosing songs for concerts, his criterion is simple.

"I look for balance. I'd like to select different styles of works," Lang Lang said in the email, keeping things short and to the point.

What influenced your style?

"It came out in natural way."

Away from touring and performing, what do you enjoy doing for balance?

"I read book on the way, watch sport games, movies, and chat with friends."

With so much success so early, what else do you want to accomplish artistically?

"That is a life long way to go. I will keep exploring."

Rashod Ollison, 757-446-2732, rashod.ollison@pilotonline.com. Check out Rashod's blog at www.hamptonroads.com/behindthegroove.

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If you go

Who Lang Lang

When 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Pauls Blvd., Norfolk

Cost $20 to $75

More info 282-2822, www.vafest.org

 

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