Arthur Rubinstein & Lang Lang - Performance Comparisons

[atchicago1]

So who is Lang Lang anyway?

[TheViolinAndMore]

Rubinstein = immaculate music .... LangLang = Music + convulsions

[TheViolinAndMore]

Rubinstein > Lang Lang

[h974483]

if you close your eyes and listen to both of the performances, you will find that there was such elegance in Rubinstein's playing, whereas the performance of Lang Lang is brilliant, with lots of embellishment on notes and phrases. Don't be so snobbish..Lang Lang is so young..

[oterdverg]

oh my god, lang lang is so FUCKING ugly when he plays. extremely fake.

[Ultrazone91]

Pleiade don't compare Rubinstein with lang lang...just few words: Rubinstein sings with his hands through the notes, lang lang sings with his body and through his face

[orleomarty]

Rubinstein was in the past and lang lang now, thats the point ;) and the trick all of those lang lang hating videos is to present some old fashioned pianists (i like them!) when they are talking philosophical things about music (or what the think philosophpy is) and THEN playing a piece. Lang lang is most often introduced without this blabla and then you might think if rubinstein pushes some keys it is in a "higher sphere" than lang langs but I think both using force to push some keys virtuos..

[methuseling]

people go on that u should close your eyes and listen well i tried it and fell asleep

[apluspianist]

Lang Lang is a brilliant, talented, clever and magical ACTOR but not musician!

[apluspianist]

What is the song Rubinstein is playing 2.10

[MegaYoshitsune]

I personally prefer the music of Rubinstein, although Lang Lang is good fun, and he seems like a really nice guy too.

[totalannihilator99]

I miss Rubinstein's genius. I'd love to learn that Bang Bang is dead.

[roflattheworld]

Horowitz ftw :P

[christopher19894]

Why are people hating on Lang Lang? He can probably feel the music just as well as Rubenstein could. And this is classical music, not pop music, the performer's character means nothing if they can play the music well. Have you seen Bernstein fooling around on the piano? With faces and everything. Oh my. He doesn't "get it" , he doesn't understand the art form of classical piano. Right?

[letmeinterrupt]

I don't think that Lang lang is the best pianist but he is definitely not the worst one. It's all SHOW business now and nobody would know about him if he wasn't acting so stupidly...Remember Gould? The guy was insane but still a genius. Why don't you compare him to what Rubinstein is saying here. BECAUSE YOU CAN'T! That means that Rubinsten's philosophy is for Rubinsten and does not describe every piano genius. => This video doesn't prove anything.

[etzjy3000]

So whats the point? Classical music is dying. Did you hear it, "dying". Less and less young people are listening. What we can do? Modernizing classical. You like or not. Today's artists have to have some ways to attract young streams. You can say you don't like Lang Lang. But for young people, how do you expect them tell the differences between Lang and Rubinstein? Young generation has to inherit classical. They should know why they listen Beethoven, not why they like Lang or Rubinstein.

[aizendarwin]

@etzjy3000

Music is an audio art...no need to see how the pianist makes some acrobatic moves. It is true that classical music is slowly dying but still classical is somehow more beautiful than the music nowadays, specially Lady Gaga's Songs which i really really hate. I see that you don't have enough knowledge in the music field, because you only distinguish one music period, the classical. There are some Romantic Music like the compositions of Rachmaninoff and Chopin.

[etzjy3000]

@aizendarwin I don't see your point. The point I'm making is the kind of music mainstream people are willing to accept now. So you "really really hate" Lady Gaga this is your perception and opinion. You may regard yourself as a "good taste". And be careful here, I never defense and will not defense on Langlang or Rubinstein. I'm just saying this is a trend. It's a trend, no matter you think it is good or not. And of course the classical I'm talking about is the "classical genre" not the period.

[roflattheworld]

@etzjy3000 And the demographics for classical music are quite promising... it's actually been growing in the past decade in popularity in North America. Apparently declining in Europe, though :(

[etzjy3000]

@roflattheworld Yeah I hope so. I think it is because most major orchestras have student programs.

[twooffour]

@etzjy3000

Dying how? Nothing's dying here - it may be a minority interest, but it always was that.

[etzjy3000]

@twooffour Like you said, it may be a minority interest. That's why I'm say "dying" not "dead".

[twooffour]

@etzjy3000

°_°

IT'S ALWAYS BEEN THAT. So I ugess it's always been dying.... takes a long time for it to die, eh. Maybe forever. °_°

[shaulyudbet]

The thing with Lang Lang is that he is over musical. It may sound weird but it's true. There comes a point where, by being over expressive, you make the people forget the the melody. It becomes, simply articulation, massive swells, huge fortes, and tiny pianos. People may say it's the most wonderful thing they ever heard, but they won't even remember it.

[ThePVGS1]

Both artists are wonderful, but Rubinstein will always be the better artist. It will take Lang Lang miles to get at the quality of Rubinstein's playing, which may never happen.

I see "Lang Lang Gone Mad" as a terrible example of Lang Lang. No need to be silly! Lang Lang's "serious" videos are better.

p. s. I would advise you to ignore any comments from this 'berlinzerberus' as they, despite repeated reminders to stay civilized, continue to be rude, and will only make you uncomfortable.

[mattandtrissy]

Oh, so too true. Lang Lang, heretofore known as "Bang Wang". The clown prince of piano.

[darkblueangel1956]

POVERO LANG LANG !!!

Continuano ancora a fargli credere di essere un artista !!!

Vicino a Rubinstein, inoltre ... affonda senza pietà !!!

[mattandtrissy]

@darkblueangel1956 D'accordo, Lang Lang = Cazzo e cretino del primo ordinato.

[MrOnTheLevel]

Watching Lang Lang makes me feel physically sick, and not just because he's playing music that means the world to me. Give me Rubinstein any day! A truly great artist, who communicates his response to the music with passion, refinement and supreme musicianship. What else does one need? Certainly NOT Lang Lang's self-regarding showmanship! Excuse me while I vomit.

[mattandtrissy]

@MrOnTheLevel That's because Lang Lang is a complete jag-off. I'm vomiting with you.

[MrOnTheLevel]

Watching Lang Lang makes me feel physically sick, and not just because he's playing music that means the world to me. Give me Rubinstein any day! A truly great artist, who communicates his response to the music with passion, refinement and supreme musicianship. What else does one need? Certainly NOT Lang Langs self-regarding showmanship! Excuse me while I vomit.

[maxscriptguru]

I once saw Lang Lang perform live (I was in the 3rd row) years ago when he was 19 years old. He played the Liszt-Paganini pieces. He played them as good as they can be played by anyone. Simply incredible, I'll never ever forget that!

[mattandtrissy]

@maxscriptguru Holy crap! Third row!!!!! Woooooooo!!! Are you suggesting that it matters where you where sitting (other than the acoustics?) He played them as good as they can be played..... really? LOL!!! You have established yourself as an authority. Moron.

[hidkidd]

never mind the face look！If we only listen to the music! I think LangLang did the piece better than Arthur

[f1f1s]

Oh, one on the wittiest videos ever uploaded on YT!

Oh, for ages, music had been composed for european noblemen. Before that, it had been written for catholic churches. Every third chord of Bach contains a hidden religious idea. Unfortunately, it's hard to play the music of complete foreigners, who are Liszt, Prokofiev and 100,00 % of world-appraised composers to Bang Bang.

[marcxopoco]

Rubinstein compared to the Asian Liberace.

[funfor1life]

This video is so biased I feel pretty uncomfortable. Where's the probity? Where is the intellectual rigour? First of all they're obviously very different artists. But they're both artists and that's enough for you not to deride one of them (Lang Lang maybe)!

This video is as childish as can be.

PS- What is wrong about Lang Lang wanting to involve children in the process of playing the piano. "That's fine, that's the beginning and then they'll get interst(ed)". That's ok, isn't it?

[suzyandmac]

@funfor1life This video is merely offered as an example of the differences in performance styles. It is not intendd to mock either performer. The comments made on this video are down to personal opinion, including yours. As the author of this video I can honestly say that I prefer Lang Lang, regardless of the comments posted here. This video simply opens up a debate. Nothing more, nothing less.

[funfor1life]

@suzyandmac I was rather reacting to the harsh comments I could read. But it's nice to give this detail ;) Sorry for judging the video then

[victorfreiman]

@suzyandmac "it is not intended to mock either performer" !?!?!? then please explain this 0:51 - 1:08!!!!!

i must beg you to delete this video. it is very very unintelligent!

[xiangyik]

@victorfreiman If you think that mocks lang lang, then you obviously think lang lang is a joke. He plays like that. That is a fact. Do you think lang lang is unintelligent?

[xiangyik]

@funfor1life It's funny that you automatically assumed that this vid derides lang lang, because it obviously doesn't. That does however, seem to imply you recognize lang lang's inherent shittiness. Irony. Where's your probity? And you intellectual rigor? Your only justification is that they're both ... different. Duh. One's better. And then you assert without proof that lang lang is an artist. And then you make an even more crazy assertion that artists should not be criticized.

[funfor1life]

@xiangyik Don't waste your time. I misunderstood the purpose of the video because to me it did not serve Lang Lang at all (I don't like him but respect him, just to say). I think that the vitriputive criticism he's been through is unfair and I wrongly presumed this video was in the same vein... What I meant by "both artists and that's enough for you not to..." was in fact that they are both acclaimed artists not only bty philistines) which means that they deserve respect. This is called probity.

[mattandtrissy]

@funfor1life You're a kissass. I'm guessing you already know that though, right? "They" don't deserve respect, there is only one artist here; That would be Rubinstein. He deserves respect, not Lang Lang. You need to attempt to form an opinion.

[mattandtrissy]

@xiangyik Holy shit. Nice post.

[mattandtrissy]

@funfor1life It would help if he didn't look like he was going to blow his load on every man, woman, and ( in this case) child, in a 20 meter perimeter.

[Sloopdogtheavenger]

i wish people weren't so stupid. just because like.. lang lang has a different idea of music doesn't mean he's a terrible musician or extremely wrong. it just means he has a different way of thinking.. and isn't that what music is about? different interpretations? shame on you bastards that are so tight about your own opinions that you forget the true meaning of music. shame on you all.

[Garrettguy457]

To insult either of these musicians only reflects your ignorance. They are both phenomenal painists both technically and musically. It is just who your prefer. You don't go around saying "OMGGG Yo-Yo Ma is such an idot, and dull loser of a cellist with all those facial expression. But Rostopovich was sophisticated and perfect one and has the best character etc. etc!" Don't talk in absolutes like that. If you are a musician you would understand the arrogance of most of these comments.

[mattandtrissy]

@Garrettguy457 Garrett, you're a fag. Comparing Rostropovich to Lang Lang is complete stupidity. Do you really suppose it's just the facial expressions that are retarded? Oh wait, you're a "musician", or that's clearly how you regard yourself. :)

[voymasobraoqAlonso]

I like Lang Lang when I dont look at his face

[jhardknox]

Chinks can't play Western music.

[GermanOperaSinger]

Rubinstein was a pianist who remained true to the art. Lang Lang is a sellout. Of course compared to the average Joe he's damn good, but coming from a family of musicians I've listened to many Chinese conservatory students who could outplay him. He thinks he can feign emotion with those clownish antics and ridiculous expressions but if you close your eyes what do you get? Nothing. Rubinstein weaved emotion into the music itself.

[pinkfloyddwc]

@GermanOperaSinger if i close my eyes i get a biased opinion from someone who thinks he knows it all and hates lang lang.. probably cause of his slanty eyes... (you ARE german after all ... the master race right?)

lang lang's performances are very emotionally charged even without watching him... don't know what you've been listening to

[GermanOperaSinger]

@pinkfloyddwc Are you retarded? If I really was the white supremacist you so ignorantly assumed do you really think I'd praise the JEWISH Rubenstein so highly? You just think I'm German because I have 'German' in my username, and because I'm 'German', I'm automatically a National Socialist? Who's really generalizing? I happen to be Chinese by blood, but I am a proud American. But unlike you, I don't base my musical taste off ethnic pride. If Lang Lang was a Jew I'd still think he was mediocre.

[pinkfloyddwc]

@GermanOperaSinger nope.. you're a nazi

[GermanOperaSinger]

@pinkfloyddwc How old are you, 12?

[pinkfloyddwc]

@GermanOperaSinger yes....

And Rubenstein is a Jewish Nazi! didn't you know? read up on your history!

[samsungisahottie]

@GermanOperaSinger shutup



[heavymedlarruti666]

lang lang is not an idiot. you are! hes getting a commercial noob ok but he actually can play the piano on a very very high nivel ..i triied to wrtie englisch hhaha

[SugarTomAppleRoger]

OK. Lang Lang has made a lot more money and is much more famous, but that does not mean that Rubenstein was hopeless in comparison.

[justlooseit8567]

I don't think you can compare these too...It's like comparing a Ferrari and a Lamborghini...They are both incredible cars, yet are completely different.

Just like the cars, Lang Lang and Rubinstein are both giants of the piano yet completely different in style and sound.

Bottom line is, you cannot compare the two as they are different in every way, except for the fact that they are beautiful pianists and deserve utmost respect

[MrVladimirHorowitz]

Please, I dislike it when people make derogatory comments about these great artists, both are, not just Rubinstein. I think the reason people make comments about Lang Lang are because they are jealous, can you play like that? I would like to hear you if you can, then make your comments. I agree sometimes Lang Lang acts but he is a great pianist and very musical

Love Horowitz's best friend x

[PsychotikPandora]

i m totally agree with you, this two mens are not the same conception's of artistic composition and it s not the same time to (fiftees years for exemple and 1982 at our days)

[mattandtrissy]

@MrVladimirHorowitz Another kissass. There is very little that is great about Lang Lang. He would do better in chinese porn I think. Moron. He is not terribly musical, dumbass.

[GGbreizh]

@MrVladimirHorowitz Then you shouldn't comment either since you don't play as well as him. You don't have to be a performer to make comment on a performer. This is the way of thinking of a child.

[accs4]

Rubinstein was great, but Lang Lang is something else.  :P

[tiandaye]

Well.......I don't think making faces is a great issue as long as you can produce great music. However, it is indeed a matter of fact that Lang lacks the flow and peace within his performances. And of course Rubinstein is great :)

[Philosochen]

art doesnt mean "to appeal to the people".u people just miss the very point of art.lang lang is more professional than rubinstein.but i believe both r cordial about it though

[mattandtrissy]

@Philosochen Are you a stupid ass? He is more professional? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Xiphosss]

I hate Lang Lang, he's an actor, not a musician. Look at Rubinstein, Horrowitz, and others, they're VERY VERY serious and they concentrate on what they plays, not to agitate and to get stupid things!

[libetta]

@Xiphosss

people has the tendency to judge him by his facial expressions and mostly dismiss his musical potential.

[mattandtrissy]

@libetta Do people "has" the tendency to mistake the fact that you sound like you're from the backwoods of some god-forsaken hillybilly state for actual intellictual input? Just wondering.

[libetta]

@mattandtrissy

thanks for highlighting my single error in grammar. but you didn't make sense any better than my very comment. do you have anything to say against/about lang lang or you jus want to fight?

[ThePVGS1]

@Xiphosss Get a life.

[Xiphosss]

@ThePVGS1 LOL, you tell me to get a life? THAT IS REALITY WHAT I TOLD. Idiot.

[ThePVGS1]

You called me an idiot? How disrespectful! Please rephrase.

[ThePVGS1]

I hate you.

[ThePVGS1]

He is serious too.

[mattandtrissy]

@Xiphosss Lang Lang is a beat off. :)

[Martel211996]

I had a feeling you would compare the Liszt. The first thing I did was that. Lang Lang has a wonderful Technique we can all agree. Had he only taken away the circus acts it would be wonderful. Look at Lugansky, He also makes faces and body movments sometimes, but it goes with the flow and its not constant and you dont have that urge to laugh like you do with lang lang.

[mattandtrissy]

@Martel211996 Because Lugansky doesn't play like a fuck off. :)

[berlinzerberus]

what a great difference between both: here the ingenious and sophisticated cosmopolitan,a distinguished character of the highest calibre,there the silly and stupid showman,uneducated and dull,actually missing always the point what he is doing.

[ThePinkFloydPig]

@berlinzerberus Lang Lang is not uneducated and he has inspired thousands of chinese youngsters to learn and play the piano and that is a hell of a lot. Even though Rubinstein played for so many years and experienced it all, I think they are bot very good, indeed.

[The9chri6]

Rubinstein è migliore...

[barendschipper]

First is to listen. When that is great, all discussion is over. Langlang sounds great, as well as Rubinstein:

As for the faces: Rubinstein comes from another culture time period. "Don't show your emotions". Langlang comes from our open, direct time: look at the open face of Youri Egorov our world top violinist.

Rubinstein's was a reading-, not a tv audience,

people loved serious philosophy, not quick TV.

Look at LangLang and Rubinstein and look at you and your great grand father. Love both.

[mattandtrissy]

@barendschipper Lang Lang sounds great......in your opinion. You simple dipshit. :)

[soami2u]

Lang Lang has a perverse idea of what art is...he seemingly thinks it is playing "down" to audiences, when true art is bringing the audience "up" to the artist's level...Rubinstein got it right!

[pinkfloyddwc]

@soami2u not everybody can pick up the feeling of just the music... most people actually need the help of a good performer to aid the listener... visually...

unless you have any musical understanding, that prokofiev is just a jumble of notes... I love it without seeing any performer, but again.. most people don't get it

stop being so stuffy ...

[twooffour]

@soami2u

The "down" approach has its sense, as well.

Just to make you aware of it, unless you've studied science, almost everything you know about it (especially the advanced fields they haven't taught you in school) comes from "dumbed down" material.

[lola020202]

hahaha incredible...but true

[demosj]

I was going to point out that the video excerpt of Lang Lang was from him informally practicing - then I realized he played like that on stage.

[mikejr41387]

job well done!