worked hand in hand with his wife, young pianist Gina Alice, as well as the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and conductor Andris Nelsons. Lang Lang said: "The production of this album is a reflection of Camille Saint- An exciting journey of exploration into the world of Mulberry."
"Lang Lang: Saint-Saëns" cover
Lang Lang decided to put Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals" at the beginning of the album, which was the introductory track for many music fans in their childhood. This epic piece of music composed of 14 movements was quickly composed by Saint-Saëns in 1886. It imitated the music of Rossini, Offenbach, Mendelssohn and Saint-Saëns himself, in order to match his music. students having fun.
"Carnival of the Animals" was performed several times in private or semi-private settings and then shelved to prevent Saint-Saëns from losing his reputation as a "serious artist". In 1921, a few months after Saint-Saëns' death, "Carnival of the Animals" was published and quickly gained popularity among audiences. The penultimate song "Swan" is even more popular.
Fingertips and Keys
When selecting a recording band, many bands reported that "Carnival of the Animals" was too simple, but Lang Lang believed that as a classic, "Carnival of the Animals" needs to be taken seriously.
"Like my recording of "The Piano Book", some people may have listened to it too much and think that these works are for children, but they are actually not easy to play. Especially "Swan" and "Aquarium", you need to use that rhythm It is difficult to perform with the perfume of French music." Lang Lang said, "This work is full of ingenious ideas under the joyful surface. The composer used a humorous way to make a very true expression."
addition For the version with the principal cello of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Lang Lang also specially recorded a song "Swan" specially adapted for him to meet his own rhythm needs. Gina Alice also participated in the recording of "Carnival of the Animals", playing the "Elephant" passage. Lang Lang said: "It was also a wonderful thing to record this work with my wife Gina Alice. 'Elephant' is my son's favorite piece, and he fell in love with the double bass after listening to it. ”
Lang Lang and Gina Alice
This recording is a milestone for Gina Alice. She said: "I have greatly admired Nelsons and his Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra for many years. It has been an honor to work with them and I want to do my best and enjoy every moment of the collaboration. Practicing with Lang Lang and Recording this work feels like another level of communication, and I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity."
The digital version of "Carnival of the Animals" released by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) Records includes American poet Ogden ·The humorous narration Nash created in 1950 to accompany each movement of the work was recorded this time by comedian and Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. The
album also includes Saint-Saëns's "Second Piano Concerto", which Lang Lang loves, which he calls "a magnificent but underrated Romantic masterpiece." As a student, he was attracted by this work, which combines German romanticism and French style. "The beginning is a tribute to Bach. The first movement has both slow cadenzas and regular fast passages. The second movement is a scherzo, similar to Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and the finale is very virtuosic. , like a combination of Bach and Liszt."
Andris Nelsons and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Saint-Saëns premiered his "Second Piano Concerto" in Paris in May 1868. A second performance took place at the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig in October. Andris Nelsons said: “The orchestra has a special connection and interpretation of Saint-Saëns’ musical language."
Nelsons is the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Together with Dudamel and Yannick, they are known as the new generation of "Three Musketeers of Conductors." Lang Lang said: "In Germany, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and The Berlin Philharmonic, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Dresden Staatskapelle are equally famous. This orchestra has premiered the most works by Saint-Saëns. Nelsons is very much like his teacher Jansons, whose emotions and dedication to art are most vividly reflected in him. "
In addition, the album also includes Ravel's "Pavan in Memory of the Princess", Saint-Saëns' "Toccata", Fauré's "Pavan", etc. Lang Lang also collaborated with Gina to record Debussy's "Suite" for two pianos, Gina described playing this evocative piece as "painting a painting".
Lang Lang
The album also features Lily Boulanger, Melanie... The works of five French female composers, including Bonis, Louise Farrenc, Germain Taillefer, and Charlotte Soy, have only become known to people in recent years. Lang Lang said: "This It was my first close encounter with the music of a French female composer. In this era, regardless of race, color, or gender, what matters is your artistic presentation. In order to record this album, I was able to discover these beautiful treasures and let more people know about these great female composers. I am very happy to be able to share them with you."
Previously, the album "Lang Lang: Saint-Saëns" has been released worldwide Pre-sales have started in many regions, and it has topped the Amazon charts in Germany, the UK and other countries. "Lang Lang: Saint-Saëns" was recorded with Dolby Atmos, and listeners will have the opportunity to enjoy it on major music platforms Dolby Atmos version.
Lang Lang will continue to perform Saint-Saëns' "Second Piano Concerto" during this season's tour, including the Berlin State Opera (March 11), the Berlin Philharmonic Concert Hall (March 12), Santiago (April 12), Cleveland (May 2) and Paris (June 12). He and Gina Alice will perform "Carnival of the Animals" in Paris on June 14, 7 On March 21st, "Carnival of the Animals" and "Second Piano Concerto" were simultaneously performed at the Rheingau Music Festival in Wiesbaden.
