I think musicianship doesnt matter when playing this piece..I'm sure Lang Lang can play this way better than Michelangeli, or anybody out there, cuz he's Chinese (playing a Chinese piece) and has the brilliant technique for it.
If u talk about Beethoven, of course people will listen to Brendel or others, but these kind of showy pieces, I have to say no one can ever reach LL's feet.
I also dont like his way of "mishandling" the piano sometimes, but at least his sound is brilliant, shiny anf li
Michelangeli: "I do not play for others, but only for myself in the service of the composer. It makes no difference whether there is an audience or not." Too bad for LL if he plays for my enjoyment and not his huge fees. And why did you put "not as refined" in quotation marks?
I believe liking Lang Lang is an aesthetic shortcoming; if that makes me vulgar (subtly or otherwise), so be it.
Calling him a "hack" is offensive: I wanted to offend so that people will take notice. I hope I succeeded.
@KevinR3i "No one knows what it means, but it's provocative" LoL
part of it was a master piece that was composed during WW2 to inspire people all over the China uprise against japs...
the other piece (you can easily tell..2 totally different mix-ups) was created solely for the purposes of deifying Mao...among other "epic works" (defined by the party), used for communism propaganda after the communism party took over, you can play/listen during the period of Chinese culture revolution.
this is a great piece and lang lang really played it to its best :) anyways i don't think this is extreme nationalism and stuff...i mean, people, think about it...it was WWII and people need something like this to boost their spirits to keep up the fight against fascism... and people please don't bias on this kind of stuff... history is history... besides, Chinese people consider the Yellow River their mother river... so this piece is very appropriate for that too :)
I'm Chinese. I feel that his orchestra is very good, but they don't understand the Chinese background of the piece, and although they play the piece well, they lack certain feeling a Chinese orchestra would have. Lang Lang seemed to be dragging the orchestra along.
I like Chinese version much better than the Russin one. Chinese version is more connected to me. Russian version lacks deeper understanding of the meaning of the Yellow River, appeal to be superficial.
@xFirebird925x Your semi-literate, vulgar response makes me suspect that you actually agree with me and are trying to make supporters of this music look like fools. If instead you are being honest, well, I hope that most people who enjoy this music are, their aesthetic shortcomings notwithstanding, decent and respectable people. To those people, my condolences in having someone like you try to speak for them.
@xFirebird925x I have the right from youtube. If you mean authority, I'll be the first to admit I'm no Alex Ross, but I've listened to hundreds of piano recording in my life, and I've seen LL in concert.
LL is a product of corporate hype; you are just buying into this hype.
Don't bother with my opinion; form your own. Listen to Michelangeli, Richter, Kuerti, etc., and then re-evaluate LL. We may still disagree, but at least then your opinion would be an educated one worthy of respect.
It's rather subtly vulgar in itself to declare the tastes of everyone else who likes Lang Lang as an "aesthetic shortcoming", just because the preference of others is "not as refined" as that of yours.
The fundamental purpose of creating music is for the enjoyment of others. If you find that some music does not suit your taste, you are entitled to write a comment, dislike, and leave
Calling someone who is playing for your enjoyment a "hack" is quite offensive and vulgar.
this is so pathetic! lang lang has the hardest part of all of them except for maybe the conductor, and he's the only one without music to play off of!
lol its funny coz all them europeans/americans look rly gloomy as though bombed in revenge by iraqis and the lang lang asian guys like laughing away on his own, enjoying the music lol
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Let me put it this way: if someone during world II composed a piece of music praising Hitler, do you think it is appropriate to perform this piece today (or ever)? I don't think so. This is the same issue here. This version of Yellow River was composed during the Cultural Revolution period (1970s) in China to sing praise to Mao who was a murderous monster. How anyone can think it is OK to perform this piece ever is beyond me.
@zhuqiushi168 Not true. This particular version that LangLang is playing here WAS rearranged in the early 1970s to sing praise to Mao. It includes the song "The Sun Rises from the East" which is a reference to Mao. Nobody should sing that song today as it is totally offensive.
The original Yellow River Cantata was indeed written during WWII and I have no problems with that version. Maybe it is people like you who need to read some history books?
@a6282 Yeah, very very offensive, like you are still living in your home-made nuclear bunker. Music changes its meanings in different periods. Get over it.
@a6282 Dude, the original song "the sun rises from the east" is a folk song of China to sing the hero who defended Japanese invaders named Liu Zhi Dan. And you just like these people who hate Wagner because Nazi like him.
By the way, Please give Mao an objective assessment ok? He is a great man though he made lots of mistake in the end.
@a6282 do you really care for us chinese? hypocrite your army has killed million civilian in nagasaki and hiroshima, 1 million in vietnam, 2 million in cambodia, i million in iraq and your government have been oppressing your own people, wake up retard.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
@narucondude Don't speak for all the Chinese in the world. Outside of the mainland, no one respects him. Mao did the least to help in WWII. He and his communists were in hiding most of the time while it was the nationalists who actually fought in the war to repel the Japanese invaders. Mainland propaganda is utterly disgusting.
It is still a well composed, melody filled and Lang Lang just makes the piano sing with a compelling reason to sing with it, even without words that are known. He does the best that only Lang Lang knows how to naturally.
I bought this album in the mid-70's. Loved it. The chinese culture, it's people, history and sucess are a testiment to the human spirit. As an American, (an American more humbled now than ever before) I'm always honored when I'm in the presents of Chinese folk. This music is great, as are it's people!
@amceagle1 Are you okay? Even I feel slightly sick reading what you typed. Do much exactly do you know about China's artistic history, or its culture? It's not a pretty sight at all, I'll give you that.
This song was composed during World War II. It was used to encourage Chinese people fight against Japanese invaders. I don't see why it is a problem to play this song by Europeans.
That is true. The original piece this Concerto was based off of was the Yellow River Cantata which was actually sort of like an opera. That was composed during World War II. The Concerto itself was composed much later.
@mengyl It might have something to do with the main theme being politicised/bastardised by Madam Mao during the cultural revolution, and at one point because the defacto national anthem of China..
a6282: You can just simply continue to against what you are against. Some people are just simple and stubborn. I cannot agree that you are helping Chinese or you care Chinese . To understand why, I suggest you spend your whole life to study Chinese history and culture. It's better to puzzle yourself for your whole life why Chinese people are still loving this kind of songs. I am a member of a Chinese choir in North America. We are still singing songs that you would against. Ha Ha, we love to.
This music was composed in 1939 which spoke of the oppression of Chinese people under the invaders (western armies and Japanese) and called for all to take up arms to defend China. Lang Lang has done nothing wrong by playing this music. In fact, I love to hear this music as an ordinary Chinese. I believe most Chinese like this. Please don't hurt our feelings, especially to the seniors who survived from the wars.
@meihua320 This music was not composed in 1939 as you stated. This piece that Lang Lang plays was rearranged during the "Cultural Revolution" period. It contains a song that pays tribute to Mao ("The Sun Rises from the East"). As long as this version is performed, it will continue to receive criticism as Mao was nothing but a murderous monster. To sing praise to Mao is unconscionable in today's world.
I have no objection if people performed the original 1939 "Yellow River Cantata".
Chinese politics, whether good or bad, they are Chinese Style!
China must get stronger, learn from all the past lessons! China will grow, no matter how tough, China will become a strong, positive force in this world, just like the beautiful, powerful, everlasting Yellow River!
That performance just move me, I don't want to know any about Chinese politics, the MUSIC was important than anythings, I live in Taiwan, and I just proud of LangLang, he not only a virtuoso of China, but also a GREAT MUSICIAN in the whole world!!
Hey guys/girls, simmer down. What matters here is that just listen to the music and enjoy it, if you can't enjoy it, then shut this window down. Simple, the end, period. Why must y'all flare up over a piece of Chinese music? I myself am a Chinese, but born in S'pore, and I think that all this piece says is a united nation, that kind of stuff. So, guys/girls, just cool down.
Why does Lang Lang and the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow still involve themselves with a piece of communist propaganda? While they play the tune of "The Sun Raises from the East" which pays tribute to Mao, don't they realize they are singing the praises of a murder who was responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of Chinese people?! What were they thinking?!
Well let's think, the China IS communist as are the Chinese people, who by the way love Mao and what he has done for their country. And second of all, this piece is played for people that can enjoy music. Not people that want to argue politics.
For your information, the vast majority of Chinese people are not communists and they hate Mao. Second of all, this piece was composed and performed for political purposes. It is fair game for anyone who wants to criticize it for its political content.
It's past already you tard, all that's left is the music. Rather than being stupidly influenced by the music, we can now actively admire how influential it is. You are such a tard
No, it is no the past, you idiot. Communists are still in control in China. Look at it this way, if someone wrote a song about Hitler in the 30's and some prominent artist today starts to sing it on stage, do you think the Holocaust survivors will just stand by and say nothing? I am speaking up on behave of the tens of millions of Chinese who were murdered by Mao and the Chinese communists. Wake up, people! Lang Lang is such an idiot and so are you, vincent.
mind you, I'm Chinese, and I do not think you on any stage represent me or us. You must be quite arrogant to say you represent such a mass of people. You, like other American pigs, see Holocaust and the Revolution as the same, but they are very different indeed. Those who had died died, nothing could be done about it. I don't like Lang Lang as a pianist but I don't like you more for your arrogance
Vincent, any human being, American or non-American, can and should speak up for injustice in the world. When Mao and the Chinese communists murdered tens of millions of people, it is a holocaust no matter how you look at it. The actions of Mao and the Chinese communists cannot be justified. I hope people like you and Lang Lang still have some conscience left deep down and acknowledge that murdering ten of millions of people is wrong and that such things should be condemned for eternity.
Mao's actions are justified to wipe out foreign poison rubbed into Chinese's minds. Why are you so against Communists? Is it because you're afraid of losing your precious little car? I know many people is killed, but as a philosopher said, true remorse is inexistent, you yourself have not experienced it, stop pretending you care.
vincent, what kind of Chinese are you? Are you related to Mao or a communist? If you grew up in China, live there and are a communist, then I understand where you come from. You sound like one of those ignorant xenophobes. Mao was a monster and his murdering of tens of millions of people cannot be justified. All free people are against communists. A musician like Lang Lang who prospers and lives in the free world should never endorse a dictator like Mao and the murderous communists.
Tard, stop pretending you care, it's not even your American pig's business. I am fully aware of Mao's deeds and indeed lots of people were killed for a reason you can't seem to accept. But please, the music is good in terms of its glamor, its structure and its effectiveness. Literally no normal person would care about its political message, as they will not be affected by it anymore.
vincent, it is my business as it is for anyone who opposes the murderous actions of Mao and the communists. For you to defend Mao and the communists is unconscionable. This piece of music is pure political propaganda. Of course people are affected by it today. I know its origins and nobody in the world will convince me otherwise. I have nothing more to say to you. It seems you are either brainwashed or perhaps are one of the communist party elite who benefits from the communist state.
Tard, I'm actually a wise man who sees no need for such a fuss around a good piece of music. It's like saying you don't like curry because an Indian killed your friend's friend's mother's son's granddaughter's husband. And I assure you, it's none of your business and stop pretending. It makes you a blind hypocrite.
Typically I don't argue online, especially on not this forum, yet as a Chinese who actually truly understand what China's history is and what China had suffered in the recent history, I have to say, you and anyone who take the same view point should go back and look at your own history, mind you part of the suffering China had in the past century came from American invasion, militarily and economically. Mind you many people are being killed right now by your government and your army! Think hard!
youfulei2008, Why does my objection to the murderous actions of Mao and the Chinese communists make people like you feel uneasy? If you are an ordinary Chinese, you should be on the side of the Chinese people, not on the side of Mao and the communists. On the the hand, if you are a member of the Chinese Communist Party, then I understand.
Give me a break, as a common Chinese, I know what I stand for and never should any hypocrite tell me what I should do. What's most amazing is your lame tactic of accusing anyone who disagrees with you communist. Are you still living in the McCarthy era, pal? Learn your own historical and ongoing murderous actions before criticizing anyone else. What we deal inside our own country is none of your business.
To youfulei2008: So, what do you stand for as a common Chinese? Are you saying somehow the atrocities committed by Mao and the Chinese Communist Party were OK? Why do you sound so defensive? I have no problems criticizing American (or any other part of the world for that matter. But that is beyond the point.) Why is it so hard for you to face the unpleasant truth in your own culture and history? Lang Lang did something wrong and I called him on it. What is your problem with that?
a6282Compared with your country we perhaps do enjoy less democracy or something for which you laud yourself every day at the moment But the most important thing is that we know we are progressing and our government is making effort and we think listening to someone who doesnt understand even a little about China but so arrogant trying t0 critise everything as longashe thinks is not right, is annoying andwhy do you always try to raise something political even when you listen to a piece of music?
This song is written when Japanese invaded China during the world war 2. it is not written for some particular person or party. idiot. read some history.
I know the history of this piece very well. The original song was written during the second Sino-Japanese War era. However, this version that Lang Lang plays was rearranged during the Cultural Revolution period. This particular movement contains the song "The Sun Rises from the East" and thus makes it into a piece of political propaganda. By playing this piece Lang Lang is paying tribute to Mao and the communist party. Perhaps it is you who should learn something about Chinese history.
I can give him 4 stars, but I have to say, listen to this really is in a totally different mood, feels like touring the Yellow River for pleasure.
The title of this movement is Defend the Yellow River, it presented hard-core bloody fight during the War. I still prefer the classical version by Yin's 70's that I have seen in Utube.
Well it was written by a group of Chinese composers. Yin Chengzong who was part of that group was the one who premiered the piece. He also knocked the piece down, played like a machine.. True, only Chinese pianists would play this piece because it has too much connotations with China. I would feel awkward playing it although I would never have the fingers to play that off no matter how much I practice.
All I can say is WOW! Lang Lang just played his heart out. Hahah do you have the other mvts on youtube? I'm writing a dissertation on this piece.. I love it and hate it at the same time. So kitsch! I wonder how the orchestra felt to play songs also also associated with the Soviet regime.
I cant agree more with you that Lang Lang just played his heart out. I think this pice was written by a Chinese composer and I believe that only a Chinese pianist can play this piece with the real and right feeling.
Like Bedrich Smetana's "My Country" and Antonin Dvorak's "The New World", my personal opinion is that only Czech Philharmonic orchestra can make the right expression.
Smetana's Ma Vlast is one of my favorite orchestral pieces.. Nothing like listening to the Czech Philharmonic play those. I heard an all Dvorak concert by them and was in awe! Great timpanist.
You should try listening to Grieg's Holberg Suite by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!
Lang Lang is just a complete joy to watch!!!!! My goodness! He makes it look so effortless! It probably is for him! Ah, man I love Lang Lang! What sweet heart!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
what a pathetic parody on brahms, chopin, lizst and tchaikowsky. i guess chinese classical composers have nothing better to offer. very weak empty composition. and lang lang............well...............he is still mr bang bang!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
fisic aspect?
Yeah, LL looks like a 'f' and acts like... hmm... Lang Lang. He is so ugly looking when he plays, but fortunately you can scroll down so you don't have to watch to the video.
At least he plays well. Of course he is not at the same level than really great pianists like Horowitz and Hamelin, but he is still quite good.
Anyhow, I think that he is acting, but you can't be sure. Does he play piano like that when he is at home alone? (I love Gould. He was weird too, but he didn't act)
If you compare him to many other chinese musicians, lang lang cannot be called ugly :)
There is a certain level of *drama* when it comes to performing anything onstage. I don't really like to watch those affectations either. But I still highly respect lang lang as a musician.
姿態太誇張了 有點噁心
kokileefaikoki 2 weeks ago
I think musicianship doesnt matter when playing this piece..I'm sure Lang Lang can play this way better than Michelangeli, or anybody out there, cuz he's Chinese (playing a Chinese piece) and has the brilliant technique for it.
If u talk about Beethoven, of course people will listen to Brendel or others, but these kind of showy pieces, I have to say no one can ever reach LL's feet.
I also dont like his way of "mishandling" the piano sometimes, but at least his sound is brilliant, shiny anf li
eifjvn 3 months ago
非要加个东方红进去。恶心
xialishanqing 3 months ago
@xialishanqing 你觉得自己很弱智吗？
wuailiminff 1 month ago
@wuailiminff 我觉得东方红让冼星海显得很弱智
xialishanqing 1 month ago
@xialishanqing 说别人弱智的人先去check下自己的脑袋吧。
wuailiminff 1 month ago
@xialishanqing 东方红那段是整曲的高潮，我和我周围很多朋友都觉得很好听，说听得脑皮发麻。不知你怎么会觉得恶心。。。
wenxiaoyuan 1 month ago
@wenxiaoyuan 东方红本来就是整个乐章中的一个部分，并且成为脍炙人口的乐章，看看下面的英文评论对这首乐曲的赞美，怎么偏偏就你有意见，除了赤裸裸的人身攻击之外你还说得出什么？大师居然被你说是弱智，我看真正的弱智就是你。有本事你也去创作一首大家都觉得赞的乐曲让我们傻眼吧
wuailiminff 1 month ago
Comment removed
wenxiaoyuan 1 month ago
@wuailiminff 我什么时候说弱智了？？？？？我是在反驳@xialishanqing 。。。
wenxiaoyuan 1 month ago
@wenxiaoyuan 不好意思，回复错了，不是说你，我是讲他，抱歉啊
wuailiminff 1 month ago
il est le fills de god !!!!
Spyonelili35 5 months ago
I never believe the music can be so powerful
Land1776 5 months ago
WOW!
perfectroad 6 months ago
great!
jxlee2011 6 months ago
this orchestra has such power to move the audience
Moyoxi 6 months ago 2
Michelangeli: "I do not play for others, but only for myself in the service of the composer. It makes no difference whether there is an audience or not." Too bad for LL if he plays for my enjoyment and not his huge fees. And why did you put "not as refined" in quotation marks?
I believe liking Lang Lang is an aesthetic shortcoming; if that makes me vulgar (subtly or otherwise), so be it.
Calling him a "hack" is offensive: I wanted to offend so that people will take notice. I hope I succeeded.
grouchocatman 7 months ago
Would someone explain to me what this piece about? with detail,inbox me thx...i'm having hart time to figure out
KevinR3i 7 months ago
@KevinR3i "No one knows what it means, but it's provocative" LoL
part of it was a master piece that was composed during WW2 to inspire people all over the China uprise against japs...
the other piece (you can easily tell..2 totally different mix-ups) was created solely for the purposes of deifying Mao...among other "epic works" (defined by the party), used for communism propaganda after the communism party took over, you can play/listen during the period of Chinese culture revolution.
xialishanqing 1 month ago
best!!
mthq58 7 months ago
Those who employ words like 'crap' & 'retard' only reflect what they are themselves: retard & crap.
bhaihay1 8 months ago
I hope he will play this in Boston next March.
tongchen1226 8 months ago
这首曲子非常地振奋人心。。。郎朗把这首曲子发挥到了极致。。。 @^_^@ 但是为什么我总能听到一些人在发表一些跟音乐完全无关的东西？！ 我们能不能不要把话说得太绝？？？ 再说了，我们大多数人只是来欣赏的，不是来听他们骂街的。
xFirebird925x 9 months ago
this is a great piece and lang lang really played it to its best :) anyways i don't think this is extreme nationalism and stuff...i mean, people, think about it...it was WWII and people need something like this to boost their spirits to keep up the fight against fascism... and people please don't bias on this kind of stuff... history is history... besides, Chinese people consider the Yellow River their mother river... so this piece is very appropriate for that too :)
xFirebird925x 9 months ago 7
@TaiGekTou. Just shut up if you don't know history.
lmq0209 9 months ago
Absolutely fantastic. And Lang Lang makes it look so easy. 5 stars.
LermyteJos 11 months ago 3
holy shit the piano person is awesome
Adversary2007 1 year ago 2
Quelle interprétation...! Magistral ! Bravo à Lang Lang, ce génie du piano !!
Merci à semjase pour le partage.
TheSublima 1 year ago
i like
duiduisg 1 year ago
I'm Chinese. I feel that his orchestra is very good, but they don't understand the Chinese background of the piece, and although they play the piece well, they lack certain feeling a Chinese orchestra would have. Lang Lang seemed to be dragging the orchestra along.
joosh1125 1 year ago
@joosh1125 probably cause they needed more string instruments than brass
goopro45 1 year ago
@joosh1125 if you chinese people see like this than you should stop playing european music because you "don't understand" it either.
i dont agree with you guys
roflmao9999 1 year ago
@roflmao9999 Stop playing European Music...except Yellow River was not composed by Europeans but the Chinese....
vietrice13 1 year ago
@joosh1125 Yes, they're all straight faced, but you can't expect those grandpas and grandmas to be as crazy as young Lang Lang.
Travaillons 1 year ago
this is the only song that Lang Lang really plays extremely well, he's playing style fits this kind of music perfectly
but all other european classic pieces that he played sound really bad
warset 1 year ago
I like Chinese version much better than the Russin one. Chinese version is more connected to me. Russian version lacks deeper understanding of the meaning of the Yellow River, appeal to be superficial.
zanehu 1 year ago
As a Chinese, though not from People's Republic of China, I still think this music is too cheesy! =D
Nationalism/Communism overkill to the max.
schizer 1 year ago
espectacular gracias por compartirlo
mauriciorome 1 year ago
钢琴协奏曲《黄河》，朗朗和Russian Musicians的合作意义深远。朗朗的演奏不辱“黄河之子”之美称；俄罗斯音乐家严肃严谨的创作态度和无可挑剔的精湛表演令人叹为观止。
音乐无界，激情无限，历史无情，艺术无价。 -- 多谢分享！
aawpiano2007 1 year ago 11
This comment has received too many negative votes show
A yellow river of piss is what his playing smells like.
bsd300d 1 year ago
@bsd300d get a life.
jan1an 10 months ago
beautiful!
jungeunxxx 1 year ago
Th Trombone Part is not authentic feel, which should have more echo, and deeper.
YYwb 1 year ago
Well..... I definitely wouldn't call this a masterpiece of music. I guess it's a piece like Radetzky March, but for the Chinese.
poloshia 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This music is crap. And Lang Lang is a hack. Anybody who thinks otherwise, please listen to Michelangeli and learn what real musicianship is.
grouchocatman 1 year ago
@grouchocatman guess what?! i think your head is FULL of crap and what not. LEARN TO RESPECT OTHERS, U RETARD.
xFirebird925x 9 months ago
@xFirebird925x Your semi-literate, vulgar response makes me suspect that you actually agree with me and are trying to make supporters of this music look like fools. If instead you are being honest, well, I hope that most people who enjoy this music are, their aesthetic shortcomings notwithstanding, decent and respectable people. To those people, my condolences in having someone like you try to speak for them.
grouchocatman 9 months ago
@grouchocatman well i think U should learn to respect music as it is as it is U who called this piece crap in the first place, not me.
xFirebird925x 8 months ago
@grouchocatman oh, and what right do u hav to call Lang Lang a hack anyway? It's not for U to decide, seeing that he's already so famous worldwide.
xFirebird925x 8 months ago
@xFirebird925x I have the right from youtube. If you mean authority, I'll be the first to admit I'm no Alex Ross, but I've listened to hundreds of piano recording in my life, and I've seen LL in concert.
LL is a product of corporate hype; you are just buying into this hype.
Don't bother with my opinion; form your own. Listen to Michelangeli, Richter, Kuerti, etc., and then re-evaluate LL. We may still disagree, but at least then your opinion would be an educated one worthy of respect.
grouchocatman 8 months ago
@grouchocatman
It's rather subtly vulgar in itself to declare the tastes of everyone else who likes Lang Lang as an "aesthetic shortcoming", just because the preference of others is "not as refined" as that of yours.
The fundamental purpose of creating music is for the enjoyment of others. If you find that some music does not suit your taste, you are entitled to write a comment, dislike, and leave
Calling someone who is playing for your enjoyment a "hack" is quite offensive and vulgar.
Ilperon 7 months ago
after listen to this, i believe music can trully bring all races together. at least at the very moment when this is being played
MegamanXArcher 1 year ago
If you want to talk about politics, go elsewhere please.
This place is for people who appreciate music. Shame on you all
bxi48 1 year ago 2
Love it...amazing
thrushmusichark 1 year ago
2:47 ish, that guy looks murderous O_O
clariny90 1 year ago
@clariny90 owh.why haven't you die?
mongcoforlife 1 year ago
@clariny90 awh.so this is the dead person commenting on you tube?you're horrible!
mongcoforlife 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@clariny90 awh.why haven't you die?
mongcoforlife 1 year ago
Lang Lang shows them what tempo HE wants to play at, 0:45.
A little abrupt the change is, I think.
KarrotKun1 1 year ago 2
this is so pathetic! lang lang has the hardest part of all of them except for maybe the conductor, and he's the only one without music to play off of!
Musicownz1997 1 year ago
lol its funny coz all them europeans/americans look rly gloomy as though bombed in revenge by iraqis and the lang lang asian guys like laughing away on his own, enjoying the music lol
weipu93 1 year ago
Lang lang was the only one smiling. He enjoys his job.
samcho2010 1 year ago
Music is music. Leave the politics of it. If it sounds nice just appreciate it. If otherwise, criticisms would be fair.
muttonsword 1 year ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Let me put it this way: if someone during world II composed a piece of music praising Hitler, do you think it is appropriate to perform this piece today (or ever)? I don't think so. This is the same issue here. This version of Yellow River was composed during the Cultural Revolution period (1970s) in China to sing praise to Mao who was a murderous monster. How anyone can think it is OK to perform this piece ever is beyond me.
a6282 1 year ago
@a6282 Sorry guy, this song was composed during the World War 2. You need to read some books before you say something stupid here.
zhuqiushi168 1 year ago
@zhuqiushi168 Not true. This particular version that LangLang is playing here WAS rearranged in the early 1970s to sing praise to Mao. It includes the song "The Sun Rises from the East" which is a reference to Mao. Nobody should sing that song today as it is totally offensive.
The original Yellow River Cantata was indeed written during WWII and I have no problems with that version. Maybe it is people like you who need to read some history books?
a6282 1 year ago
@a6282 Yeah, very very offensive, like you are still living in your home-made nuclear bunker. Music changes its meanings in different periods. Get over it.
duhlive 1 year ago
@a6282 thanks for being the only other person on youtube who seems to share my views. it's amazing how ignorant people can be.
zhangshinyi 1 year ago
@a6282 Dude, the original song "the sun rises from the east" is a folk song of China to sing the hero who defended Japanese invaders named Liu Zhi Dan. And you just like these people who hate Wagner because Nazi like him.
By the way, Please give Mao an objective assessment ok? He is a great man though he made lots of mistake in the end.
zhuqiushi168 1 year ago
@zhuqiushi168 agreed :O
xFirebird925x 9 months ago
@a6282 do you really care for us chinese? hypocrite your army has killed million civilian in nagasaki and hiroshima, 1 million in vietnam, 2 million in cambodia, i million in iraq and your government have been oppressing your own people, wake up retard.
basia056 1 year ago
@a6282 yea mao's cultural revolution set china back 50 years, but we chinese still respect him cuz he pushed the japs out of china
narucondude 1 year ago
@narucondude well, you have a point, but it is the 2 bombs that really did it.
Scotty0011 1 year ago
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@narucondude Don't speak for all the Chinese in the world. Outside of the mainland, no one respects him. Mao did the least to help in WWII. He and his communists were in hiding most of the time while it was the nationalists who actually fought in the war to repel the Japanese invaders. Mainland propaganda is utterly disgusting.
TaiGekTou 11 months ago
@TaiGekTou fuck you sb....
1986babyjohn 10 months ago
Well put. I completely agree with you.
beeve2000 1 year ago
It is still a well composed, melody filled and Lang Lang just makes the piano sing with a compelling reason to sing with it, even without words that are known. He does the best that only Lang Lang knows how to naturally.
DoninWhiting 2 years ago 3
I bought this album in the mid-70's. Loved it. The chinese culture, it's people, history and sucess are a testiment to the human spirit. As an American, (an American more humbled now than ever before) I'm always honored when I'm in the presents of Chinese folk. This music is great, as are it's people!
amceagle1 2 years ago 74
@amceagle1 That's really cool that you put yourself in a big box and surprise them!
dangitwu 1 year ago
@amceagle1 i might have to look for this!
markmarshall39 1 year ago
@amceagle1 Are you okay? Even I feel slightly sick reading what you typed. Do much exactly do you know about China's artistic history, or its culture? It's not a pretty sight at all, I'll give you that.
xiangyik 1 year ago
I find it rather ironic that a bunch of Europeans are playing a song composed on orders of Mao's wife during the culture revolution.
3GreteL3 2 years ago
This song was composed during World War II. It was used to encourage Chinese people fight against Japanese invaders. I don't see why it is a problem to play this song by Europeans.
mengyl 2 years ago 60
I didn't say it was a problem. Besides, this wasn't composed in World War II, the original Yellow River Canata was composed in World War II.
3GreteL3 2 years ago
That is true. The original piece this Concerto was based off of was the Yellow River Cantata which was actually sort of like an opera. That was composed during World War II. The Concerto itself was composed much later.
modelstatue 2 years ago
@mengyl It might have something to do with the main theme being politicised/bastardised by Madam Mao during the cultural revolution, and at one point because the defacto national anthem of China..
bphendri 1 year ago
it's part of the history that we have to admit.
garyi123 2 years ago
LMAO ya it is indeed funny
emeralddreams888 1 year ago
whoa whoa whoa....a6282 and meihua320...are we listening to awesome music or fighting?? cmon...ASIAN PRIDE PEOPLE ASIAN PRIDE!!!!
dli123456 2 years ago 5
this piano has a very abrasive sound.....
LetTheMusicFlow1 2 years ago
a6282: You can just simply continue to against what you are against. Some people are just simple and stubborn. I cannot agree that you are helping Chinese or you care Chinese . To understand why, I suggest you spend your whole life to study Chinese history and culture. It's better to puzzle yourself for your whole life why Chinese people are still loving this kind of songs. I am a member of a Chinese choir in North America. We are still singing songs that you would against. Ha Ha, we love to.
meihua320 2 years ago
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3GreteL3 2 years ago
This music was composed in 1939 which spoke of the oppression of Chinese people under the invaders (western armies and Japanese) and called for all to take up arms to defend China. Lang Lang has done nothing wrong by playing this music. In fact, I love to hear this music as an ordinary Chinese. I believe most Chinese like this. Please don't hurt our feelings, especially to the seniors who survived from the wars.
meihua320 2 years ago 2
@meihua320 This music was not composed in 1939 as you stated. This piece that Lang Lang plays was rearranged during the "Cultural Revolution" period. It contains a song that pays tribute to Mao ("The Sun Rises from the East"). As long as this version is performed, it will continue to receive criticism as Mao was nothing but a murderous monster. To sing praise to Mao is unconscionable in today's world.
I have no objection if people performed the original 1939 "Yellow River Cantata".
a6282 2 years ago
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3GreteL3 2 years ago
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3GreteL3 2 years ago
Chinese politics, whether good or bad, they are Chinese Style!
China must get stronger, learn from all the past lessons! China will grow, no matter how tough, China will become a strong, positive force in this world, just like the beautiful, powerful, everlasting Yellow River!
ttt3399 2 years ago 2
That performance just move me, I don't want to know any about Chinese politics, the MUSIC was important than anythings, I live in Taiwan, and I just proud of LangLang, he not only a virtuoso of China, but also a GREAT MUSICIAN in the whole world!!
華人之光!!
tension44444 2 years ago 8
geez. .. . . . . i wonder how he like learn that honking song....... it must took him a year 2 learn it suscribe
queenacheong 2 years ago
Hey guys/girls, simmer down. What matters here is that just listen to the music and enjoy it, if you can't enjoy it, then shut this window down. Simple, the end, period. Why must y'all flare up over a piece of Chinese music? I myself am a Chinese, but born in S'pore, and I think that all this piece says is a united nation, that kind of stuff. So, guys/girls, just cool down.
hearttune98 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Dude ,his yellow river concerto sound like a technical piece ,it doesn't sound chinese ,it just a plain and technical song
IMusicFanatic 2 years ago
geezz. stop with the politics and listen to this great music! FUCK POLITICS
blahblahblahunited 2 years ago 5
can't believe you faggots are arguing about politics on a music video
just lol
WyvernLord 2 years ago 4
3:10 whoo look at that, grandma and girl next door
vincentws03 2 years ago
Why does Lang Lang and the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow still involve themselves with a piece of communist propaganda? While they play the tune of "The Sun Raises from the East" which pays tribute to Mao, don't they realize they are singing the praises of a murder who was responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of Chinese people?! What were they thinking?!
a6282 2 years ago
Well let's think, the China IS communist as are the Chinese people, who by the way love Mao and what he has done for their country. And second of all, this piece is played for people that can enjoy music. Not people that want to argue politics.
hopingformagic 2 years ago
yup that's exactly right
pianoplayer1396 2 years ago
For your information, the vast majority of Chinese people are not communists and they hate Mao. Second of all, this piece was composed and performed for political purposes. It is fair game for anyone who wants to criticize it for its political content.
a6282 2 years ago
It's past already you tard, all that's left is the music. Rather than being stupidly influenced by the music, we can now actively admire how influential it is. You are such a tard
vincentws03 2 years ago
No, it is no the past, you idiot. Communists are still in control in China. Look at it this way, if someone wrote a song about Hitler in the 30's and some prominent artist today starts to sing it on stage, do you think the Holocaust survivors will just stand by and say nothing? I am speaking up on behave of the tens of millions of Chinese who were murdered by Mao and the Chinese communists. Wake up, people! Lang Lang is such an idiot and so are you, vincent.
a6282 2 years ago
mind you, I'm Chinese, and I do not think you on any stage represent me or us. You must be quite arrogant to say you represent such a mass of people. You, like other American pigs, see Holocaust and the Revolution as the same, but they are very different indeed. Those who had died died, nothing could be done about it. I don't like Lang Lang as a pianist but I don't like you more for your arrogance
vincentws03 2 years ago
Vincent, any human being, American or non-American, can and should speak up for injustice in the world. When Mao and the Chinese communists murdered tens of millions of people, it is a holocaust no matter how you look at it. The actions of Mao and the Chinese communists cannot be justified. I hope people like you and Lang Lang still have some conscience left deep down and acknowledge that murdering ten of millions of people is wrong and that such things should be condemned for eternity.
a6282 2 years ago
Mao's actions are justified to wipe out foreign poison rubbed into Chinese's minds. Why are you so against Communists? Is it because you're afraid of losing your precious little car? I know many people is killed, but as a philosopher said, true remorse is inexistent, you yourself have not experienced it, stop pretending you care.
vincentws03 2 years ago
vincent, what kind of Chinese are you? Are you related to Mao or a communist? If you grew up in China, live there and are a communist, then I understand where you come from. You sound like one of those ignorant xenophobes. Mao was a monster and his murdering of tens of millions of people cannot be justified. All free people are against communists. A musician like Lang Lang who prospers and lives in the free world should never endorse a dictator like Mao and the murderous communists.
a6282 2 years ago
Tard, stop pretending you care, it's not even your American pig's business. I am fully aware of Mao's deeds and indeed lots of people were killed for a reason you can't seem to accept. But please, the music is good in terms of its glamor, its structure and its effectiveness. Literally no normal person would care about its political message, as they will not be affected by it anymore.
vincentws03 2 years ago
vincent, it is my business as it is for anyone who opposes the murderous actions of Mao and the communists. For you to defend Mao and the communists is unconscionable. This piece of music is pure political propaganda. Of course people are affected by it today. I know its origins and nobody in the world will convince me otherwise. I have nothing more to say to you. It seems you are either brainwashed or perhaps are one of the communist party elite who benefits from the communist state.
a6282 2 years ago
Tard, I'm actually a wise man who sees no need for such a fuss around a good piece of music. It's like saying you don't like curry because an Indian killed your friend's friend's mother's son's granddaughter's husband. And I assure you, it's none of your business and stop pretending. It makes you a blind hypocrite.
vincentws03 2 years ago
Typically I don't argue online, especially on not this forum, yet as a Chinese who actually truly understand what China's history is and what China had suffered in the recent history, I have to say, you and anyone who take the same view point should go back and look at your own history, mind you part of the suffering China had in the past century came from American invasion, militarily and economically. Mind you many people are being killed right now by your government and your army! Think hard!
youfulei2008 2 years ago
youfulei2008, Why does my objection to the murderous actions of Mao and the Chinese communists make people like you feel uneasy? If you are an ordinary Chinese, you should be on the side of the Chinese people, not on the side of Mao and the communists. On the the hand, if you are a member of the Chinese Communist Party, then I understand.
a6282 2 years ago
Give me a break, as a common Chinese, I know what I stand for and never should any hypocrite tell me what I should do. What's most amazing is your lame tactic of accusing anyone who disagrees with you communist. Are you still living in the McCarthy era, pal? Learn your own historical and ongoing murderous actions before criticizing anyone else. What we deal inside our own country is none of your business.
youfulei2008 2 years ago 2
To youfulei2008: So, what do you stand for as a common Chinese? Are you saying somehow the atrocities committed by Mao and the Chinese Communist Party were OK? Why do you sound so defensive? I have no problems criticizing American (or any other part of the world for that matter. But that is beyond the point.) Why is it so hard for you to face the unpleasant truth in your own culture and history? Lang Lang did something wrong and I called him on it. What is your problem with that?
a6282 2 years ago
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Jackyctgx 2 years ago
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a6282Compared with your country we perhaps do enjoy less democracy or something for which you laud yourself every day at the moment But the most important thing is that we know we are progressing and our government is making effort and we think listening to someone who doesnt understand even a little about China but so arrogant trying t0 critise everything as longashe thinks is not right, is annoying andwhy do you always try to raise something political even when you listen to a piece of music?
Jackyctgx 2 years ago
This song is written when Japanese invaded China during the world war 2. it is not written for some particular person or party. idiot. read some history.
yzha2 2 years ago 2
I know the history of this piece very well. The original song was written during the second Sino-Japanese War era. However, this version that Lang Lang plays was rearranged during the Cultural Revolution period. This particular movement contains the song "The Sun Rises from the East" and thus makes it into a piece of political propaganda. By playing this piece Lang Lang is paying tribute to Mao and the communist party. Perhaps it is you who should learn something about Chinese history.
a6282 2 years ago
He played well and credit to the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow that is the best orchestra for the piece.
wikct2 2 years ago
He played incrediblely powerful. My blood was pumped.
wikct2 2 years ago 3
ah!!! kamatay!!..
totally awesome!!!..
joysquirt87 2 years ago
holy.. that is just an incredible piece of music
evzboh 2 years ago 2
i dream to be him one day. hes the best pianist!! :D
blazedlush 2 years ago
Perfect Piece!
Every bit is savoring!
Every Orchestra member there is so professional theres no words to describe that.
sin00612 2 years ago
OH.... ! My beloved Great China !!1 Lang Lang ! You are so great !
hongkongmwong168 2 years ago 4
This is not Xian Xinghai's original "Yellow river cantata".
It is "Defend the Yellow river", the 4th movement of Yin Chengzong's arrangement of Xian Xinghai's original named "Yellow river piano concerto".
Alquanole 2 years ago 3
Lang Lang plays pretty good on this song, but I still prefer the way world-leading pianist Yin Chengzong plays.
talentedpianogirl 2 years ago 2
I love how completely into Lang Lang is while he plays, it's pretty cool to watch.
Sauvium 2 years ago 3
Bravo!!!!!
I would be the first to give Lang Lang a standing ovation! That is so brilliant and he's the best pianist I've ever seen!!
eleenaliong 2 years ago 2
masterpiece....... no words to explain the feeling of this masterpiece i love it so much....
tannguyen1381990 2 years ago
i think the one played in china (also by Lang Lang) was a lot better than this one
the Russian orchestra doesnt quite know how to play this piece...
warset 2 years ago 6
I feel the contrary. The Russians are very good professionals.
cheval63sg 2 years ago
wow this is not the first time ive heard this piece but somehow this performance gave me goosebumps.
marklung 2 years ago 4
It seems like only orchestras in China can play this piece well......
Taanaty 2 years ago 6
probably cuz they understand the style! :)
modelstatue 2 years ago
I can give him 4 stars, but I have to say, listen to this really is in a totally different mood, feels like touring the Yellow River for pleasure.
The title of this movement is Defend the Yellow River, it presented hard-core bloody fight during the War. I still prefer the classical version by Yin's 70's that I have seen in Utube.
2h12uchangle 2 years ago 2
Omg das ist so fantastisch......
so hammer......aber ja he
Es wäre cool,daß Lang lang mit Berliner Philharmonik diese Stück zusammen spielen können....................
yakoamnn 2 years ago
make me feel home sick.
Rosana880 2 years ago
WOW!!! This is definitely a masterpiece!!!!
martinaji 2 years ago
u know that a person wrote this song when he was only 14 and he died i have no reason why!
mynameiscrystal05 2 years ago
Well it was written by a group of Chinese composers. Yin Chengzong who was part of that group was the one who premiered the piece. He also knocked the piece down, played like a machine.. True, only Chinese pianists would play this piece because it has too much connotations with China. I would feel awkward playing it although I would never have the fingers to play that off no matter how much I practice.
glojet111 2 years ago
All I can say is WOW! Lang Lang just played his heart out. Hahah do you have the other mvts on youtube? I'm writing a dissertation on this piece.. I love it and hate it at the same time. So kitsch! I wonder how the orchestra felt to play songs also also associated with the Soviet regime.
glojet111 2 years ago
I cant agree more with you that Lang Lang just played his heart out. I think this pice was written by a Chinese composer and I believe that only a Chinese pianist can play this piece with the real and right feeling.
Like Bedrich Smetana's "My Country" and Antonin Dvorak's "The New World", my personal opinion is that only Czech Philharmonic orchestra can make the right expression.
odie720706 2 years ago
Smetana's Ma Vlast is one of my favorite orchestral pieces.. Nothing like listening to the Czech Philharmonic play those. I heard an all Dvorak concert by them and was in awe! Great timpanist.
You should try listening to Grieg's Holberg Suite by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!
glojet111 2 years ago
LOLS Lang Lang looks so happy playing the piano. It just makes his performance more interesting and enjoyable. =)
For me, at least. =D
ohxsnaps 3 years ago 4
He is enjoying his music world despite what kind of comment others give.
A pure musician should have a pure mind.
HellePegasus 3 years ago
Lang Lang is just a complete joy to watch!!!!! My goodness! He makes it look so effortless! It probably is for him! Ah, man I love Lang Lang! What sweet heart!
MusicBeautyLove 3 years ago 4
"defend the yellow river" luv it! it was created during sino-japan war back in 193x
zhengjdc 3 years ago 3
lang lang got fat on this one !
betolala 3 years ago
he was always fat back then
callenishss 3 years ago 2
what was with the 100 pianos anyway?
TheMadman2006 3 years ago
for me, this is sex music
peixotoraul 3 years ago 2
weird way to compliment it...
6clonedcows 3 years ago
lawlz
mrxerosquared 3 years ago
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for me, this is kindergarden on speed-music.
JJKjaer 3 years ago
Wonderful !
sgt21692 3 years ago 2
Quite a rousing performance.
rsho963 3 years ago 6
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Really like the music, although it doesn't have the beauty of, say, Beethoven.
wetlevis 3 years ago
nooob
caeksauce8 3 years ago
The best :D
dzeljpiano 3 years ago 5
I prefer this smaller orchestra to the other video with 100 pianos.
honeybear47 3 years ago 2
Thanks for posting.
honeybear47 3 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
what a pathetic parody on brahms, chopin, lizst and tchaikowsky. i guess chinese classical composers have nothing better to offer. very weak empty composition. and lang lang............well...............he is still mr bang bang!
korglove 3 years ago
Tuning of this piano is bad.
syusyusss 3 years ago
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Lang Lang looks like a fag.
noumenasafe 3 years ago
you no are pianist , you dont understend the music , you only view the fisic aspect
oh my god
vestre6464 3 years ago 10
This comment has received too many negative votes show
fisic aspect?
Yeah, LL looks like a 'f' and acts like... hmm... Lang Lang. He is so ugly looking when he plays, but fortunately you can scroll down so you don't have to watch to the video.
At least he plays well. Of course he is not at the same level than really great pianists like Horowitz and Hamelin, but he is still quite good.
Anyhow, I think that he is acting, but you can't be sure. Does he play piano like that when he is at home alone? (I love Gould. He was weird too, but he didn't act)
wallyllaw 3 years ago
If you compare him to many other chinese musicians, lang lang cannot be called ugly :)
There is a certain level of *drama* when it comes to performing anything onstage. I don't really like to watch those affectations either. But I still highly respect lang lang as a musician.
babyeinstein12 3 years ago