Lang Lang, the internationally acclaimed pianist, presents "Year of the Dragon - Songs from China," a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese classical music. This album, released on Deutsche Grammophon, is a meticulously curated collection of 44 tracks that showcase the depth and diversity of Chinese musical heritage, spanning traditional melodies, original compositions, and film scores.
The album opens with serene and contemplative pieces like "Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake" and "Snowflakes (Arr. for Piano)," setting a tranquil mood that gradually builds into more dynamic and vibrant compositions. Lang Lang's virtuosity shines through in pieces such as "Concerto for Piano & Orchestra 'The Yellow River'," a four-movement epic that pays homage to the iconic river and its cultural significance. The concerto is a testament to Lang Lang's technical prowess and his ability to convey the raw emotion and power of the music.
The album also features a selection of tracks from the original soundtrack of "The Banquet," a film that blends historical drama with intense emotional narratives. These pieces, composed by Tan Dun, are performed with a delicate balance of intensity and subtlety, highlighting Lang Lang's versatility as a pianist.
"Year of the Dragon - Songs from China" is not just a collection of songs; it is a celebration of Chinese culture and history through music. Lang Lang's interpretation of these pieces offers a fresh perspective, making it a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. With a duration of over two hours, this album is a comprehensive exploration of the musical landscape of China, offering a rich and immersive experience that will captivate listeners from start to finish.
Moon Is Bright Lullaby "Northeastern Cradle Song" (Arr. Z. Zhang for Piano)Traditional, Lang Lang
Coloured Clouds Chasing The MoonRen Guang, Lang Lang
River Waltz - From "The Painted Veil" Original SoundtrackAlexandre Desplat, Lang Lang, Prague Symphony Orchestra
The Merry Shepherd BoyHu-Wei Huang, Lang Lang
The Cowherd's FluteLuting He, Lang Lang
Dialogue in SongTraditional, Lang Lang
Little Mermaid Suite: Straw Hat DanceMingxin Du, Lang Lang
The Maiden's Prayer, Op. 4Tekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska, Lang Lang
Happy TimesZu Jianer, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 1, Missing Moon - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 2, Staccato Beans - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 3, Herdboy's Song - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 4, Blue Nun - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 7, Red Wilderness - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 5, Ancient Burial - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 6, Floating Clouds - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
8 Memories in Watercolour, Op. 1: No. 8, Sunrain - LiveTan Dun, Lang Lang
Dance of SpringYiqiang Sun, Lang Lang
Jasmine Flower (Arr. Schindler for Piano)Traditional, Lang Lang
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra "The Yellow River": I. Prelude: The Song of the Yellow River BoatmenXian Xinghai, Lang Lang, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Long Yu, Chen Shasha, Wu Yuxia
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra "The Yellow River": II. Ode to the Yellow RiverXian Xinghai, Lang Lang, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Long Yu, Chen Shasha, Wu Yuxia
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra "The Yellow River": III. The Yellow River in WrathXian Xinghai, Lang Lang, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Long Yu, Chen Shasha, Wu Yuxia
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra "The Yellow River": IV. Defend the Yellow RiverXian Xinghai, Lang Lang, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Long Yu, Chen Shasha, Wu Yuxia
Horses (After Pieces by Huang Hai Hwai, Chen Rao Xing and Shen Li Qun) (Arr. by Lang Lang and Lang Guo-ren)Huang Hai Hwai, Chen Rao Xing, Shen Li Qun, Lang Lang, Lang Guo-ren
Dance from QiuciZhao Ji-Ping, Zhang Jiali, Lang Lang
Spring Flowers in the Moonlit Night on the RiverTraditional, Fan Wei, Lang Lang
Forever You and MeNan Shu, Andrea Bocelli, Lei Jia, Lang Lang
Only For Love (Theme Song) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Jane Zhang, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Waiting - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
In the Bamboo Forest - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Longing in Silence (woman) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Zhou Xun, Yuan Li
Behind the Mask - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Sword Dance - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Punished Soul - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Lost Days - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Desire - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Exile to Snowy West - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Longing in Silence (man) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Teng Ge Er, Lang Lang, Yuan Li
A Duel of Minds - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Bridge Of Sacrifice - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Horsemen in Black - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
After Tonight - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Lady in Red - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Revenge - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Play Within a Play - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
The Banquet (Theme Music) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Susan Botti, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
A Night on the Lake Beneath the Maple BridgeWang Jianmin, Ji Wei, Lang Lang
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