Lang Lang's new album highlights French works

Chinese pianist Lang Lang has released his latest album “Lang Lang: Saint-Saëns,” featuring Saint-Saëns’ “Piano Concerto No. 2” and “Carnival of the Animals,” along with other works by five French composers.

Lang worked with conductor Andris Nelsons, the Gewandhaus Leipzig Orchestra, and his wife Gina Alice for the album which is distributed globally by Deutsche Grammophon. The album is released in digital, dual CD, and dual vinyl formats.

The cover of “Lang Lang: Saint-Saëns”

“The production of this album is an exhilarating exploration of Camille Saint-Saëns’ world,” said Lang. With an aim to guide young listeners into classical music appreciation, the album begins with “Carnival of the Animals” at the forefront. “Many of us remember hearing this song during our childhood. Beneath its joyful surface lies clever ideas which are expressed in a humorous way,” he said.

Lang’s version of “Piano Concerto No. 2” celebrates the historic association between Gewandhaus Leipzig Orchestra and Saint-Saëns’ music, as the French composer premiered his “Piano Concerto No. 2” in Paris in May 1868, with its second performance alongside the orchestra taking place in Leipzig in October of the same year.

“Initially, I wanted to focus on the Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, but later felt the need for some more vibrant works, so I thought of Saint-Saëns’ ‘Piano Concerto No. 2,’ which I have always very much enjoyed playing,” Lang added.

The album also included renowned solo and duet pieces, such as Ravel’s “Pavane for a Dead Princess.” Additionally, pieces by Fauré and Delibes, along with works by Lili Boulanger, are also included in the album.

“This is my first time getting up close with the music of French female composers. ... To record this album, I was able to uncover these beautiful treasures, and I am very pleased to introduce these great female composers to more people and to share their works with everyone,” said Lang.

As part of the Saint-Saëns project, a film of the work recorded live in concert at Gewandhaus Leipzig will be broadcast on ARTE on March 24, and will be available to watch internationally on DG’s audio and video streaming platform STAGE+ on World Piano Day, March 28. (Global Times)