Pianist Lang Lang savors sweet smell of success
Print Edition
CHINESE pianist Lang Lang is one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation. He staged his first recital at the age of five, and has won a bevy of top music awards, including first-prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 1995. He was also the first Chinese pianist to perform with the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, as well as several major orchestras in the US.
As one of China’s most well-known cross-cultural artists, Lang has played at high-profile events such as the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in 2014, and the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Rio that same year.
Thanks to his skillful playing, good looks, charming personality and international background, Lang has earned admirers and fans all over the world. His willingness to venture outside the rarefied world of classical music has also bolstered his profile with young listeners who might normally gravitate toward pop music. Indeed, to help further spread love for classical music among younger listeners, he’s currently working on a cartoon-filled piano song book for children.
Recently, Lang was in Shanghai to mark the latest milestone in his illustrious career — the launch of a perfume inspired by him. While he was in town, Lang was also kind enough to sit down for an interview with Shanghai Daily.
Q: The perfume “Amazing Lang Lang” was inspired by you. What was your first impression when you heard about this idea for a perfume?
A: My first memory with perfume was at the age of 11, when I was at the airport in Paris on my way to Germany for a competition ... The smell of perfume can be so creative — it’s almost like making music. When I start to make music, blending notes and voices, it’s almost like creating a perfume.
Q: What inspires your music most?
A: After practicing all day, after a long journey or a concert, we pianists are not like football players who can be outdoors on the grass. They have more connections with nature. For us, we are indoor people, “underground” people. We need more Vitamin D. I don’t see the sun that much. I do need nature ... to remind me that I am not a machine. I was born in the Year of Dog (1982), and my nose is very sensitive. As a Chinese, I love tea and I also love flowers so much. So smells based on jasmine mostly cheer me up.
Q: How do you balance your busy career and your personal life?
A: I do have a very challenging schedule — I was just giving a performance at Tai’an and then was on the high-speed train to Shanghai early this morning. I will go to Australia soon after today’s event and then come back to Shanghai for the Disneyland grand opening. But I have gotten used to it since I was a teenage — studying, traveling, performing and at the same time enjoying my time. I can sleep everywhere and study everywhere. The only thing I miss in my life is smelling the roses outdoors — and having a little bit of personal time to breath.
Q: Crossover art is definitely a trend today, like at today’s music and fashion event. How do you see this trend? Do you think crossover forms are a good way to present traditional arts?
A: We need to bring fresh air into the art world. These crossover projects are a trend today. Look at international pop stars like Beyoncé, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, they have their own fashion brands and perfumes designed under their names. Many talented artists have cooperated with fashion brands to create their unique pieces, or contribute to charity projects to help poor kids and neighborhoods. Crossovers are a great idea.
Classical musicians have always been regarded as more traditional and conservative. But for younger generations, they can accept classic music in more fashionable ways. In 2008, I had a limited edition sneaker with Adidas, which was a very successful cooperation. I would be willing to continue with such cross-over collaborations in the future to make people believe that classical music has its special traits.
Q: How do you choose which collaborative projects to get involved with?
A: Normally I am very picky about the brands I decide to collaborate with. My principle is whether they are “musicalizing” their brands — that is, whether they want to be more musical. This is very important, no matter if it’s a credit card, insurance or cell phone company — or even one of those so-called “traditional” institutions — they have to be inspired to make music in their industry.
Q: As a commercially successful classical musician who is recognized by many listeners who may not consider themselves aficionados of the genre, does it matter that same fans may not completely understand your music?
A: I believe among my fans, the majority are music fans. Certainly I am happy to inspire them to experience music through my image. I hope every one in the world though can appreciate and understand the piano, even if just a little bit.
Q: You’ve been regarded as a genius, ever since your talents were recognized as a young boy. How do you feel about this ‘genius’ label? Does it put pressure on you?
A: In this profession, you need to be as tough as you can. No matter how talented you are or how lucky you are, if you don’t practice or set your mind to reach your goals, you can lose everything. There are so many talented people in the world who are eager to build their careers. It’s very tough to be a professional pianist. Playing piano is not a team effort — this is the most individual and lonely performing art in the world. It’s a fantastic but tough life. We can’t depend on yesterday. We have to look toward the future — working hard is the only way.
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