Lang Lang: Playing with Flying Keys Book

He started learning to play the piano when he was three years old in Shenyang, China. Today he is one of the world's most outstanding pianists. In this engrossing life story, adapted by Michael French, Lang Lang not only recounts the difficult, often thrilling, events of his early days, but also shares his perspective on his rapidly changing homeland. He thoughtfully explores the differences between East and West, especially in the realm of classical music and cultural life. Shining through his rags-to-riches story of a child prodigy who came of age as a renowned musician, Lang Lang's positive spirit, his dynamic personality, and his enduring passion for music will inspire readers of all ages.

Children's Literature

Flamboyant Chinese pianist Lang Lang shares with young readers his story of childhood struggle, his deep love for music, and his father's fanatical determination to make him the greatest pianist in the world. In this adaptation by Michael French of Lang Lang's autobiography for adults, three strands appear, each of which could make a book in itself. One is the story of a young musician's struggle against heavy odds—poverty, an entrenched musical establishment, and the need for complete sacrifice of a normal childhood to reach an almost impossible goal. The second, and very fascinating, is the psychological study of the boy's father Lang Guoren, who, deprived of a musical career himself, was fanatically obsessed with his ambition to make his son "number one" in the world of classical piano. For this he was willing to make any sacrifice, demand any effort from his son and his wife, to forego affection for complete control of his son, and to control his son's career to whatever extent possible,. Does this bring true success for Lang Lang? The third story is the contrast between the Chinese musical world, where technical brilliance and the vanquishing of all other competitors reigns supreme, and the notion in the West that musical success includes individual variation, musicality, and interpretation, without which technical skill is shallow. Since some critics believe that Lang Lang is too much the showman—too focused on his amazing technique and memory—young readers, especially musicians, might ponder these issues and the implications for their own careers. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft