The only thing that matters when you listen to music is what you feel inside, that undescriptable pleassure of the mind and soul. It is a personal experience than only twin souls con share and and understand. Lang Lang interpretation made my heart feel the love of God, the beauty of life at its deepest level. It
This is the first performance of Lang Lang that I've seen where he doesn't totally screw up the piece with overexaggerated facial expressions and by playing it at exaggerated tempos.
@SopranoSuperb that's true, it just sometimes seems like he does purposefully to add effect. I suppose in part that it could be that those from Asian countries (I hate to group all those from Asia together like that since all countries are very different) are generally more expressive facially . You have a valid point of view.
@izzyjamm4 Hmm perhaps you should listen to some singers singing the original then. He's playing it at about half speed, oh, except for the climax which is the correct speed for some reason…
It is simply beautifull, very deep and marvellous soul, Lang Lang does not use his incredible technique, he just has total respect for the Liszt-Schumann notes, for me one of the best versions of this piece (and I play it in concert, so I really know this piece).
Thank you for a such beautifull interpretation; Isabelle Oehmichen
Normal que les chinois nous passent devant. En Europe, on ne pense qu'au foot, à la télé-poubelle et au loto. En Chine, Lang Lang est connu même dans les régions les plus reculées. On a plongé, l'Asie s'élève. Logique...
I totally agree about the Bridgewater Hall recital - and it's the third one of Lang Lang's we've been to there. May I recommend the DVD of this same recital recorded in Vienna, if you want to re-live the experience?
I think Lang Lang is a truly emotional musical soul and he transmits this to the audience for a depth of experience that is lacking in so many other pianists. Bravo, Lang Lang!
The performance at the Bridgewater Hall was alot better than this because i think it was an emotional return for him 10 years to the day he first performed at the Bridgewater.
I have just heard Lang Lang play this as an encore in Manchester. It brought tears to my eyes - this recording on YouTube does not do justice to the atmosphere he created when he played it to us.
@dubbyagee1 I was there too it was an amazing recital, i believe now after hearing him live he has to be the greatest classical pianist on the planet at the moment. The ending to the Beethoven Sonata no.23 was awesome and at the end of the second half of the recital the Prokofiev Sonata was truly electrifying. The whole concert was a joy to listen to.
This person can not always devoted to a player. Drunk with my music, they left behind with the audience. Because the slow beginning, were concerned. The result is as expected. Spicy food is not enough to show you masturbate.
Utterly absurd interpretation. The opening is too slow and then his tempo accelerates to a point where the melodic lines are completely blurred. Lang Lang is no virtuoso or genious. He is merely a product of the Chinese marketing machine. The only pianist I liken him to is Liberace. Nothing more than a show-off.
Medical science is pleased to discover that brain cells CAN be regenerated, and the most dramatic catalyst is learning / playing / hearing / thinking seriious ("classical") music. "It is hard to find any part of the brain that is not positively influenced by classical music, especially the connection between the two hemispheres." All things are not equal: other "musical entertainments" do not have the same effect.
I do not like Lang Lang at all but I have to concede this time that his interpretation is beautiful and this is definitely one of the best video of this inspiring song on Youtube. But his expression still makes me laugh =)
This is the finest performance of Schumann's "Widmung" I have ever heard. Lang Lang is almost orchestral in his lovingly subtle interpretation of Schumann's glorious "Dedication". His styling of the harmonic interplay accompanying the melodic line can only be completed by a true master of pianistic artistry. To be critical of this work based upon the performer's facial histrionics is inane. "It takes a genius to build a monument; any dog can lift his leg upon it". We can learn from genius.
Of course..........this the "drum" (percussive) version of Wiedmung. I am sure that many "garage bands"will have fun with this one! If only Lang Lang could transcribe a congtrapuntal jazz version for the kazoo, or the pan pipes.....Ahhhh......what an encore that would make.(in Hell!)
This is to me a very disingenuous performance. I felt that the slow pace starting the piece removed the linear quality of the melodic line and made his playing sound like a student trying to get the notes under his fingers. Then when he raced into the recapitulation section he sped up to show he could mechanically smack out the most technically difficult section of the piece. This young artist has gotten very bad direction to be playing this way. Anyone know with whom he studied?
Chuckles - I never made presumptions about your abilities - only your taste. After Cziffra and Lhevinne, Lang Lang is pedantic (i.e. sucks!). FYI, I played Ballade #1 at age 13 - coda a bit challenging if played properly. Am now meandering thru Chopin Op 61 & some Brahms Hungarian Dances - but have developed an arthritic right wrist so these may never come to be. All the Best - can't wait to see your Chopin Op. 23 on YouTube. PS lighten up! dont take it so personally - you'll live much longer :)
BTW, The "visual" that Lang Lang gives is none too endearing...looks like he's having teeth drilled w/o the benefit of anesthesia....too bad. One has to close ones eyes in order to honestly judge his playing (which, by the way, is quite uninspired and bizzare). On the other hand, Byron Janis was never much to look at but made INCREDIBLE music that overpowered his (less than attractive) appearance. (OK, now, I shall have to endure endless tirades from small minded Lang Lang fans....bring it!)
I agree, flat, Insipid...too slow and definitely uninspired; (What am I saying?This positively SUCkS!) Mr. Lang Lang should at least wake up and not distract the listener with his highly affected somnambulistic gestations. Check out Katsuro Mizumoto for perhaps the most beautiful interpretations that I have ever heard!
@Chuckles543 i am certain that i play better than you do. - and most certain that you know little about good music. ps, i feel that i CAN play this better than lang lang.
@Rastaleus2 Ah, then why aren't you out touring or at least have one uploaded video to show us your genius? And I find that pretty funny; you think that you can play better than me without knowing me at all. Presumptuous prick
@Chuckles543 Tut-tut Chuckles, did I hit a nerve? Are we having a hissy fit? I am not being presumptious at all, my dear fellow (or girl, or transgender, or whatever a "Chuckles" is) It is abundantly obvious from your ignorant comments and base choice of language that your understanding and apreciation of good music rivals that of a spider monkey, as apparently does your intellect and vocabulary. (Please dont hold your breath until you turn blue)
@Rastaleus2 Ahh,my apologies.I would just like to know what about my comment was ignorant or what my base word choice is?However, I am absolutely amazed at your command of english: "abundantly obvious" "spider monkey" "trans-gender",you even almost spelled appreciation right!Haha, in all seriousness though,I am currently working on Busoni/Bach's Chaconne for the piano while polishing Liebestraume 3 and Chopin's first ballade. On violin, I recently finished Vitali/David's Chaconne.What about you?
someone explain to me why he ends this so heavily? I mean its a SOFT, romantic song... Yundi Li's version at the end is EXACTLY how its supposed to be played. I just dont understand... that ending ruined it for me lol... overal it was okay imo, just not the ending
This is a radically different Widmung by far than I've ever heard, but it has won me over. I like the exquisite rubato when the left hand takes the theme in the second section, and although he stretches that rubato to its very limits, it's clear he feels this music to the very core of his being. And there's great elan in the bravura sections. The surprise forte ending is like a splash of cold water in the face, but let's not be pedantic - this is truly marvelous playing .
I'm usually not one who enjoys especially when an artist "puts a new spin" on something. It usually strikes me as vulgar and self-serving. But this is both unexpected and lovely. The idea that this starts off gentle and tender, then grows into an explosive excitement. . . perfect. I'm fine with the ending. Love SHOULD be that way-- a pendulum between exuberant joy and tender reflection. Bravo.
@maximusjesse I see what you mean. But then everyone expects it to end beautifully slow but Lang Lang likes to surprise- he likes to be unpredictable,
it's fascinating watching Lang Lang. His expressions are sometimes funny and yet even though they make you laugh they basically show how lost in the music he gets and i think that's incredible
@Rinnow2 Exactly. There is too much immaturity around Lang Lang. They all say he's a bad pianist because of his expressions when he plays. He's probably as close to the music as one can get.
@mangp people has all days been critics.. Have you tried to read about the music history? Even the biggest composer we know today such as Liszt, and Chopin was critized.. as many people there is, so many oppinion you also have, at least our music is not guilty for this, and the music maintain being uplifting for people.
@xgianpatrick there is such a thing-- but reality, most of these people do not have not been trained in music. So thank you, but no thank you. Plus I doubt Lang Lang will take any advice from youtube "critics", that is why he is Lang Lang and youtube critics are youtube critics.
@xgianpatrick there is such a thing-- but reality, most of these people have not been musically trained. So thank you, but no thank you. Plus I doubt Lang Lang will take any advice from youtube "critics", that is why he is Lang Lang and youtube critics are only youtube critics.
@mangp How do you know who has or has not been trained? I expect that many of the commenters here are not, as you suggest, "stupid punks", but rather have significant training. While his facility is impressive, there are many reasons to object to the cult of Lang Lang, to his studied eccentricity, to his self-indulgent approach to all repertoire, to his distortion of phrases, to his uniformly glassy sound. One need not post one's own video to praise, so why to critique?
@xgianpatrick those of all which define "rendition" and without such things, there would not be variations of music as what we have now. Eras ago, musicians also tweaked music from other musicians to give their own personal touch. Comments such as, "I don't Lang lang" or "This doesnt sound good" or "Lang lang doesnt play well he only captivates people by his exaggerated piano playing" is not what I would call "intelligent criticism".
@mangp nothing wrong with being a critic, without criticism and a little bit of cynicism, nobody would ever improve their skill. and come on, there is something wrong w/ lang lang's facial expressions. they must be distracting to him.
@wombat12550 but he is obviously one of the most popular artists in the classical era. Because beside of the people that only can eat the old stiff style, he offers people style witch people can relate to, and is easey to sink. He is really helping the classical culture to be known in the masses without abuse or raping it(at least not more than many other musicians)
My thought on not having 5 stars, Lang's beautiful tone is too static. Originally written for soprano, his playing does not take flight because he is fussing around i.e., "suffering," with each and every melody note. This does not allow for the melody to be released from it's earthly confines. When he does allow the music to breath and move, he starts playing each melody note independently thus hampering the formation of a flowing line...3 stars for how not to play Dedication!
3 stars is reeally low. Are you so critic with every video on youtube?
He does'nt rush through the peace. and I would'nt be surprised if Liszt him self would interpret this in a suffer, as Liszt was critize of some of the similar things as lang lang is. But I'd like to listen to your favouret version? :)
@VSKCREW If you have time, view the version by Van Cliburn and then view Soprano Jessye Norman's version of the original song. Lang Lang is a wonderful artist, but in this he misses the point. Good luck.
@carlmatthes hmm the sound from that time disappoints me a lot, which is not Van Cliburns fault, it's a good interpretion, But is it just me or did he cut the whole section for the melody in left hand off?
I really can't understand this dosen't have 5 stars? he get's the melodi out of this incredibly! He is more clear that Yundi and others in this one.. It is so perfect! :D
especially the triplets are laying a great bottum, I think many makes a real mess out of them and makes them too loud.. This is just as it should be.
Lang Lang has his faults but when his playing is on it is absolutely stunningly beautiful and in this beautiful love song, Lang Lang's playing is matchless and wonderful.
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It's unfortunate that the climax of this piece actually happens in Lang Lang's pants. It's amazing to see such a self-indulgent pianists cream his jeans over his own pop-style playing but even more disturbing to see a listening populace who buys into his garbage. Why don't you people just watch porn? Oh, I forgot; porn generally involves two people as opposed to one person and a piano....or maybe just a dog for some of you. :) This video is pretty much just that, a turd.
Classical music isn't dead, and this is a good performance.
You are just one of those fools who judge pianists instead of individual performances. Hopefully you're just young and naive and that someday you'll develop a more mature perspective towards classical music.
I say this because again, this is a good performance. The fact that Lang Lang gives horrific performances of other repertoire such as the Hungarian Rhapsodies doesn't matter here.
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Why is it that you think this is a good performance? Any specifics? Bang Bang is probably the best description of this pianist. This is a pathetic and self-serving performance at best. Zero truth to the work itself.
Explain what you mean by "judging pianists instead of individual performances?" This performance sucks, so......fast finger and a good tone do not a good pianist make. Are you getting it yet?
Surely you realize the difference between saying Bang Bang is a bad pianist and Bang Bang gave a bad performance? The former is a naive and foolish thing to say, and the latter is a perfectly reasonable thing to say.
With this performance, however, I like how Lang Lang is able to generate passion and excitement. His phrasing also feels natural and surprisingly restrained given that it is Bang Bang who is playing.
Also, this notion of "truth to the work itself" is mostly meaningless.
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I don't know what I'm talking about? really? You're the one who needs the music appreciation class my friend. See, orchestral music in movies is called....(drumroll please...) MOVIE MUSIC you idiot. What do you mean by "develop music"? Are you referring to the Europeans and Russians? Are you retarded?
Thank you.. But what I'm telling you to stick to the point, is that in movie through all time, they have used the classical composings from Chopin, and Liszt and all those famouse composers, in movies and theatre etc..
These Guys Developed music in THEORY and explored and increased the possibillities around music.
Like the simpliest thing as making popmusic all you need is a simple cadence I'm reffering to the whole world.
In a sense, classical music IS dead to the wide public. now, stupid rock and pop take the front ranks. But remember this: the difference between classical and popular music is that popular music appeals to one generation; classical music appeals to all. When that generation dies out, so will that type of popular music. Classical music, however, is here to stay.
@LetTheMusicFlow1 I agree... The information period is all about being current and catching the moment and not to hold on for too long, because it will just last for a cup of coffee where Classical music is slidely different. Great things take time, and experience and heart to create, which is something most people dosen't use today I think. I might be wrong.
@LetTheMusicFlow1 Agreed. I played in rock bands for many years and finally left it behind because there's no substance or depth to it. I would also add that classical music endures whereas pop/rock is purely a passing fad. Will people remember Michael Jackson in 50 years ? I doubt it. Beethoven ? Yes I'd say so.
@LetTheMusicFlow1 don't get me wrong. i play classical music on the piano a lot, and enjoy it, but rock music is not stupid. in fact, most of the influences and origins for rock come from elements in classical music, along with jazz
@LetTheMusicFlow1 There are a few quality pop musicians though. Their music is loved by many different generations all over the world, and it will live forever, I think. But I have to agree that most others are not worth listening to.
@LetTheMusicFlow1 i like classical musics but ur opinion will be old-fashioned. Classical music shows only european culture. There are many cultures on the earth. You just picked one.
What are you on about? The words of Earl Wild, one of the greatest virtuosos still alive:
"I wish people would stop talking about film music as if it were on some lower level than serious music. Film music can be so tremendous. And a lot of it is certainly better than some of the stuff we hear today thats suppose to be so new and cerebral."
"He talks about transposition - he has a thing about transposing Chopin into keys that work better for him - recording, and refers to the unfortunate Lang Lang once again, this time to call him "the J Lo of the Piano.""
yeah, that's what "I'm on about." Wow, you are the dipshit now, aren't you?
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That's the thing with someone like you. You don't have the background and/or common sense to understand what I'm referring to. God knows you suck as a pianist if you think Lang Lang is anything to revere. Talented? Sure. Great pianist? LMAO!!!!
And you of course, with the style and class that you display here, have the background and common sense that I lack? Well whoopee doo for you! YOUR opinions are THE only ones that we must condescend to? I absolutely hate wee weeing on your parade but I don't play the piano and I do have immense respect for talent AND Lang Lang as a pianist, irrespective of what you may think or say
When Lang Lang finished playing this Schubert must have let out a sigh of sheer delight!!! What a pleasure to hear someone play the piano so well that it sings! Bravo young man!!!
This is a wonderful performance. As he gets older, calmer, and more mature as an artist I look forward to more performances like this and less performances like his Hungarian Rhapsodies.
Es la mejor interpretación que he escuchado de esta obra...es realmente impresionante su sonido y su sentimiento que trasmite la obra. Increible,admirable
I didn't even know Lang Lang could play like this. First time I have ever seen him so calm and still. I like Cliburn's better but I am a new fan of Lang Lang after hearing this!!
This in an incredibly lovely performance. I have heard Cliburn play this live a couple of times. Cliburn is wonderful but Lang Lang is superb. I admit he does weird things but when he isn't horsing around Lang Lang is an incredible artist.
The original version written as a piano and vocal piece (vocal >main melody , piano >accompanying) was written by Schumann in 1840 said to be a wedding gift to his wife, very simple though, then years later liszt made his transcription of it in 1849, much more elaborate. Liszt's version is not like schumann's musical poem version in the fact that it doesnt have that boisterous and pounding ending, don't get me wrong I love liszt.Personally I think Lang Lang and his playing is a piece of shit.:-)
..and once more it's Schumann/Liszt...there are so many recordings of Liszt's arrangement of Widmung on here..I wish I could find a piano version of the original, as Schuman wrote it. There are some with singers, but I'd love to hear one with just the piano as well :(
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Visit your father's bedroom when he's on top of your mother....he'll have the same expression on his face.....certainly doesn't mean he plays this well....
It all depends on what your cup of tea is. If you like classical, okay you like classical. If you like certain interpretations, that's okay too. if you like death metal or rap, that's also good. Just be open for everything.
Yes i do know what it is about. I don't like or hate lang lang- hes in the middle. He needs to take more time with his notes but does an okay job getting the romance in. It looks like he has brain problems when he makes his faces.
My apologies to all the Lang Lang fans out there, but I really don't like this guy. I think he thinks he plays better than he really does. It sounded very nice, but there was no intensity. On the one hand, it was boring. On the other hand, it was stupid.
Bang Bang, lol, that's good! He's an entertainer/showman. Cliburn allied great technique with musicality and didn't impose his ego on the music. Now that's what makes a true artist.
It does not matter what anyone thinks about
crbrico 1 month ago
The only thing that matters when you listen to music is what you feel inside, that undescriptable pleassure of the mind and soul. It is a personal experience than only twin souls con share and and understand. Lang Lang interpretation made my heart feel the love of God, the beauty of life at its deepest level. It
crbrico 1 month ago
Y.Y Y.Y
imsohornynwet 3 months ago
:)
katonarobertgyula 3 months ago
This is the first performance of Lang Lang that I've seen where he doesn't totally screw up the piece with overexaggerated facial expressions and by playing it at exaggerated tempos.
izzyjamm4 4 months ago in playlist Classical Hits
@izzyjamm4
He's a piano player...why does his countenance matter if he is portraying emotion through his hands instead of face?
SopranoSuperb 4 months ago
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izzyjamm4 3 months ago
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@SopranoSuperb that's true, it just sometimes seems like he does purposefully to add effect. I suppose in part that it could be that those from Asian countries (I hate to group all those from Asia together like that since all countries are very different) are generally more expressive facially . You have a valid point of view.
izzyjamm4 3 months ago
@izzyjamm4 Hmm perhaps you should listen to some singers singing the original then. He's playing it at about half speed, oh, except for the climax which is the correct speed for some reason…
rjdotorg 1 month ago
Wonderful playing of this piece! You don't have to appreciate all of his interpretations of various music but this one is awesome in my opinion!
yRenoy 4 months ago
It is simply beautifull, very deep and marvellous soul, Lang Lang does not use his incredible technique, he just has total respect for the Liszt-Schumann notes, for me one of the best versions of this piece (and I play it in concert, so I really know this piece).
Thank you for a such beautifull interpretation; Isabelle Oehmichen
ioehmichen 4 months ago
Quit stabbing my heart with Widmung, Lang Lang baby!
g7727 4 months ago in playlist More videos from Virtuosicpianist
He's good lol, stop being such critics. I don't watch him, just listen.
teresahan1991 4 months ago 2
ya gotta hear JANINA FIALKOWSKA's version!
rjdoddswr450f 5 months ago
I see a beautiful heart within him. He is so sincere in music. I can feel the love with him that he expresses throughout.
iif5 5 months ago
Van Cliburn Don´t forget the mother of cliburn learn with Arthur Friedheim alumn of FRANZ LISZT
1q2w3e4r660 8 months ago
Normal que les chinois nous passent devant. En Europe, on ne pense qu'au foot, à la télé-poubelle et au loto. En Chine, Lang Lang est connu même dans les régions les plus reculées. On a plongé, l'Asie s'élève. Logique...
micheltennil 9 months ago
彈得可真好 好有感情
PETER1281 9 months ago
@PETER1281 说得没错!
hoboofdoom9111 5 months ago
I totally agree about the Bridgewater Hall recital - and it's the third one of Lang Lang's we've been to there. May I recommend the DVD of this same recital recorded in Vienna, if you want to re-live the experience?
I think Lang Lang is a truly emotional musical soul and he transmits this to the audience for a depth of experience that is lacking in so many other pianists. Bravo, Lang Lang!
dubbyagee1 9 months ago
The performance at the Bridgewater Hall was alot better than this because i think it was an emotional return for him 10 years to the day he first performed at the Bridgewater.
TheGreatRichter 9 months ago
I have just heard Lang Lang play this as an encore in Manchester. It brought tears to my eyes - this recording on YouTube does not do justice to the atmosphere he created when he played it to us.
dubbyagee1 9 months ago
@dubbyagee1 I was there too it was an amazing recital, i believe now after hearing him live he has to be the greatest classical pianist on the planet at the moment. The ending to the Beethoven Sonata no.23 was awesome and at the end of the second half of the recital the Prokofiev Sonata was truly electrifying. The whole concert was a joy to listen to.
TheGreatRichter 9 months ago
@dubbyagee1 The Widmung was just amazing too I always thought Yundi Li's version was the best till I heard Lang Lang.
TheGreatRichter 9 months ago
This person can not always devoted to a player. Drunk with my music, they left behind with the audience. Because the slow beginning, were concerned. The result is as expected. Spicy food is not enough to show you masturbate.
nakami2001 10 months ago
Utterly absurd interpretation. The opening is too slow and then his tempo accelerates to a point where the melodic lines are completely blurred. Lang Lang is no virtuoso or genious. He is merely a product of the Chinese marketing machine. The only pianist I liken him to is Liberace. Nothing more than a show-off.
Chopin1974l 10 months ago
Listen to Yundi Li, there is no contest as to who is the REAL artist!
FerozaLaBonne 10 months ago 8
@FerozaLaBonne Yund Li is amazing in comparison, there is no doubt.
TheEpicion 4 months ago
Medical science is pleased to discover that brain cells CAN be regenerated, and the most dramatic catalyst is learning / playing / hearing / thinking seriious ("classical") music. "It is hard to find any part of the brain that is not positively influenced by classical music, especially the connection between the two hemispheres." All things are not equal: other "musical entertainments" do not have the same effect.
sfkcbf 11 months ago
Lovely interpretation.
mcpetropolis 11 months ago 3
@mcpetropolis Agree :)
alexei6003 9 months ago
A lovely sensitive interpretation of a much beloved composition by a piano virtuoso! Thank you Virtuosicpianist for the posting!
CanadaPisces 11 months ago
@CanadaPisces Thank you, James, for this beautiful rendition. Thank you, Virtuosicpianist , for posting.
Herur22 11 months ago
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A lovely sensitive interpretation of a much beloved composition by a piano virtuoso!
Thank you Virtuosicpianist for the posting!
CanadaPisces 11 months ago
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CanadaPisces 11 months ago
I don't care what anyone says, I think Lang Lang is brilliant!
A virtuoso. Technically faultless.
I'm sorry but the 35 people who dislike this video don't know what they're talking about.
ImaGhoti 11 months ago
youtube.com/watch?v=xAxF8d5-yys <-- a better interpretation :)
zhangshinyi 1 year ago
ok =)
I do not like Lang Lang at all but I have to concede this time that his interpretation is beautiful and this is definitely one of the best video of this inspiring song on Youtube. But his expression still makes me laugh =)
MrTugLih 1 year ago
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i sooo love this !!
hjiuhfhrehui 1 year ago
Insomma...un po' come viene...molto libero e rivisitato
tremblez100 1 year ago
Alucinante !! Simplemente hermoso !!
Ferrosaurio 1 year ago
he's a bit of a drama queen & can't stick to the tempo with the bling ending......
nath2964 1 year ago
This is the finest performance of Schumann's "Widmung" I have ever heard. Lang Lang is almost orchestral in his lovingly subtle interpretation of Schumann's glorious "Dedication". His styling of the harmonic interplay accompanying the melodic line can only be completed by a true master of pianistic artistry. To be critical of this work based upon the performer's facial histrionics is inane. "It takes a genius to build a monument; any dog can lift his leg upon it". We can learn from genius.
music784151 1 year ago 2
Martha Argerich
grunt12000 1 year ago
Of course..........this the "drum" (percussive) version of Wiedmung. I am sure that many "garage bands"will have fun with this one! If only Lang Lang could transcribe a congtrapuntal jazz version for the kazoo, or the pan pipes.....Ahhhh......what an encore that would make.(in Hell!)
Rastaleus2 1 year ago
This is to me a very disingenuous performance. I felt that the slow pace starting the piece removed the linear quality of the melodic line and made his playing sound like a student trying to get the notes under his fingers. Then when he raced into the recapitulation section he sped up to show he could mechanically smack out the most technically difficult section of the piece. This young artist has gotten very bad direction to be playing this way. Anyone know with whom he studied?
Greg07623 1 year ago
Chuckles - I never made presumptions about your abilities - only your taste. After Cziffra and Lhevinne, Lang Lang is pedantic (i.e. sucks!). FYI, I played Ballade #1 at age 13 - coda a bit challenging if played properly. Am now meandering thru Chopin Op 61 & some Brahms Hungarian Dances - but have developed an arthritic right wrist so these may never come to be. All the Best - can't wait to see your Chopin Op. 23 on YouTube. PS lighten up! dont take it so personally - you'll live much longer :)
Rastaleus2 1 year ago
This is the most beautiful interpretation of Widmung I have heard. Absolutely sublime!
janington 1 year ago
Lang Lang alle Ehre, ... ob es Schumann so langsam gefallen hätte, ... ich bin mir nicht sicher!
florianbischof 1 year ago
you suck rastaleus2 lang lang is twice the man you'll ever be thumbs up if you agree
Athing222 1 year ago 4
BTW, The "visual" that Lang Lang gives is none too endearing...looks like he's having teeth drilled w/o the benefit of anesthesia....too bad. One has to close ones eyes in order to honestly judge his playing (which, by the way, is quite uninspired and bizzare). On the other hand, Byron Janis was never much to look at but made INCREDIBLE music that overpowered his (less than attractive) appearance. (OK, now, I shall have to endure endless tirades from small minded Lang Lang fans....bring it!)
Rastaleus2 1 year ago
interpretation is supposed in music poserskill, therefore everything is supposed in music
damgoodballers 1 year ago
I agree, flat, Insipid...too slow and definitely uninspired; (What am I saying?This positively SUCkS!) Mr. Lang Lang should at least wake up and not distract the listener with his highly affected somnambulistic gestations. Check out Katsuro Mizumoto for perhaps the most beautiful interpretations that I have ever heard!
sgivas 1 year ago
@sgivas You must be able to play better than this then? If not then, since you say this sucks, you must suck a looooot more.
Chuckles543 1 year ago 4
@Chuckles543 i am certain that i play better than you do. - and most certain that you know little about good music. ps, i feel that i CAN play this better than lang lang.
Rastaleus2 1 year ago
@Rastaleus2 Ah, then why aren't you out touring or at least have one uploaded video to show us your genius? And I find that pretty funny; you think that you can play better than me without knowing me at all. Presumptuous prick
Chuckles543 1 year ago 6
@Chuckles543 Tut-tut Chuckles, did I hit a nerve? Are we having a hissy fit? I am not being presumptious at all, my dear fellow (or girl, or transgender, or whatever a "Chuckles" is) It is abundantly obvious from your ignorant comments and base choice of language that your understanding and apreciation of good music rivals that of a spider monkey, as apparently does your intellect and vocabulary. (Please dont hold your breath until you turn blue)
Rastaleus2 1 year ago
@Rastaleus2 Ahh,my apologies.I would just like to know what about my comment was ignorant or what my base word choice is?However, I am absolutely amazed at your command of english: "abundantly obvious" "spider monkey" "trans-gender",you even almost spelled appreciation right!Haha, in all seriousness though,I am currently working on Busoni/Bach's Chaconne for the piano while polishing Liebestraume 3 and Chopin's first ballade. On violin, I recently finished Vitali/David's Chaconne.What about you?
Chuckles543 1 year ago 4
@Chuckles543 rastaleus2 just finished playing Mary Had a Little Lamb and has moved on to Row Row Row Your Boat
Athing222 1 year ago 3
@Athing222 P.S. He started playing piano 70 years ago.
Athing222 1 year ago
@Chuckles543 Wow...
vomut86 1 year ago
minus 5 stars
eddopianist1 1 year ago
someone explain to me why he ends this so heavily? I mean its a SOFT, romantic song... Yundi Li's version at the end is EXACTLY how its supposed to be played. I just dont understand... that ending ruined it for me lol... overal it was okay imo, just not the ending
damgoodballers 1 year ago
@damgoodballers
Nothing is supposed in music.
poserskill 1 year ago
@damgoodballers In the music sheet it says at the end "crescendo" and in most of them at the las chord there is a forte mark.
PS: Sorry for my english.
hellboyreloaded 1 year ago
nevermind his expressions. just close your eyes and it's like magic.
kinkyshuri 1 year ago
This is a radically different Widmung by far than I've ever heard, but it has won me over. I like the exquisite rubato when the left hand takes the theme in the second section, and although he stretches that rubato to its very limits, it's clear he feels this music to the very core of his being. And there's great elan in the bravura sections. The surprise forte ending is like a splash of cold water in the face, but let's not be pedantic - this is truly marvelous playing .
MISHA1119 1 year ago
So nice ~
sakulamusic 1 year ago
I'm usually not one who enjoys especially when an artist "puts a new spin" on something. It usually strikes me as vulgar and self-serving. But this is both unexpected and lovely. The idea that this starts off gentle and tender, then grows into an explosive excitement. . . perfect. I'm fine with the ending. Love SHOULD be that way-- a pendulum between exuberant joy and tender reflection. Bravo.
gimmeachallenge 1 year ago 3
This is FLAT. Simply flat.
See how other pianists interpret and play the piece and you know what I mean.
brianchau2000 1 year ago
I expected worse, but I was rather impressed by this. However, my impression was ruined by how he ended the piece. Does anyone feel the same way?
maximusjesse 1 year ago
@maximusjesse I see what you mean. But then everyone expects it to end beautifully slow but Lang Lang likes to surprise- he likes to be unpredictable,
Rinnow2 1 year ago
Bravo Lang Lang.....suoni divinamente e con grandissima maestria....
NuovoCurioso 1 year ago 2
it's fascinating watching Lang Lang. His expressions are sometimes funny and yet even though they make you laugh they basically show how lost in the music he gets and i think that's incredible
Rinnow2 1 year ago
@Rinnow2 Exactly. There is too much immaturity around Lang Lang. They all say he's a bad pianist because of his expressions when he plays. He's probably as close to the music as one can get.
1Lisztener1 1 year ago
i don't like lang lang's performance before i saw this video but after watching this, i started to like lang lang!
iamMZchin 1 year ago
This is wonderful, but I think I still prefer Van Cliburn.
garfreed 1 year ago
Siete invidiosi....ma sapete suonare meglio di lui???
NuovoCurioso 1 year ago
Unpretentious beauty.
DDBconducts 1 year ago
If this is supposed to be an accompaniment to the song Widmung, then it is totally the wrong speed, it should be fast
KARINADIVA 2 years ago
everyone's such A critic now a days.... just shut up and post a VIDEO REPLY on how it is "truly" done. stupid punks.
mangp 2 years ago 29
@mangp people has all days been critics.. Have you tried to read about the music history? Even the biggest composer we know today such as Liszt, and Chopin was critized.. as many people there is, so many oppinion you also have, at least our music is not guilty for this, and the music maintain being uplifting for people.
VSKCREW 1 year ago
@VSKCREW no offense. But what you just said did not make sense to me.
mangp 1 year ago
@mangp That people always has been like this?
VSKCREW 1 year ago
@mangp In your case against the cult of the amateur critic
, don't deny the importance of connaisseurship. There is such a thing as useful, intelligent criticism without an attached "I can do better' video.
xgianpatrick 7 months ago
@xgianpatrick there is such a thing-- but reality, most of these people do not have not been trained in music. So thank you, but no thank you. Plus I doubt Lang Lang will take any advice from youtube "critics", that is why he is Lang Lang and youtube critics are youtube critics.
mangp 6 months ago
@xgianpatrick there is such a thing-- but reality, most of these people have not been musically trained. So thank you, but no thank you. Plus I doubt Lang Lang will take any advice from youtube "critics", that is why he is Lang Lang and youtube critics are only youtube critics.
mangp 6 months ago
@mangp How do you know who has or has not been trained? I expect that many of the commenters here are not, as you suggest, "stupid punks", but rather have significant training. While his facility is impressive, there are many reasons to object to the cult of Lang Lang, to his studied eccentricity, to his self-indulgent approach to all repertoire, to his distortion of phrases, to his uniformly glassy sound. One need not post one's own video to praise, so why to critique?
xgianpatrick 6 months ago
@xgianpatrick those of all which define "rendition" and without such things, there would not be variations of music as what we have now. Eras ago, musicians also tweaked music from other musicians to give their own personal touch. Comments such as, "I don't Lang lang" or "This doesnt sound good" or "Lang lang doesnt play well he only captivates people by his exaggerated piano playing" is not what I would call "intelligent criticism".
mangp 6 months ago
@mangp nothing wrong with being a critic, without criticism and a little bit of cynicism, nobody would ever improve their skill. and come on, there is something wrong w/ lang lang's facial expressions. they must be distracting to him.
hellomotobleh 6 months ago
@hellomotobleh lol.
mangp 5 months ago
lang lang just tries to convince us he's musical with his silly faces. His planing is truely dry and quite simply sub par
wombat12550 2 years ago 2
you have no ear . unless you are a dumb , no one would try to convince somebody with silly faces .
Dennischek 2 years ago
@wombat12550 but he is obviously one of the most popular artists in the classical era. Because beside of the people that only can eat the old stiff style, he offers people style witch people can relate to, and is easey to sink. He is really helping the classical culture to be known in the masses without abuse or raping it(at least not more than many other musicians)
VSKCREW 2 years ago
I see what you mean... I'm just not feeling it, somehow.
lordcroesus 2 years ago
My thought on not having 5 stars, Lang's beautiful tone is too static. Originally written for soprano, his playing does not take flight because he is fussing around i.e., "suffering," with each and every melody note. This does not allow for the melody to be released from it's earthly confines. When he does allow the music to breath and move, he starts playing each melody note independently thus hampering the formation of a flowing line...3 stars for how not to play Dedication!
carlmatthes 2 years ago 5
3 stars is reeally low. Are you so critic with every video on youtube?
He does'nt rush through the peace. and I would'nt be surprised if Liszt him self would interpret this in a suffer, as Liszt was critize of some of the similar things as lang lang is. But I'd like to listen to your favouret version? :)
VSKCREW 2 years ago
@VSKCREW If you have time, view the version by Van Cliburn and then view Soprano Jessye Norman's version of the original song. Lang Lang is a wonderful artist, but in this he misses the point. Good luck.
carlmatthes 2 years ago 3
@carlmatthes hmm the sound from that time disappoints me a lot, which is not Van Cliburns fault, it's a good interpretion, But is it just me or did he cut the whole section for the melody in left hand off?
VSKCREW 2 years ago
@carlmatthes
whats your opinion of Li Yundi's interpretation?
McMingDynasty 1 year ago
I really can't understand this dosen't have 5 stars? he get's the melodi out of this incredibly! He is more clear that Yundi and others in this one.. It is so perfect! :D
especially the triplets are laying a great bottum, I think many makes a real mess out of them and makes them too loud.. This is just as it should be.
VSKCREW 2 years ago
Comment removed
VSKCREW 2 years ago
Lang Lang has his faults but when his playing is on it is absolutely stunningly beautiful and in this beautiful love song, Lang Lang's playing is matchless and wonderful.
playgued 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Too Bad Lang Bang wasn't present at Tiananman square in front of a tank way back when........
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Comment removed
softsound88 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Bang Bang should just jack off ON the piano instead of IN it (his pants might appreciate it too......)
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
It's unfortunate that the climax of this piece actually happens in Lang Lang's pants. It's amazing to see such a self-indulgent pianists cream his jeans over his own pop-style playing but even more disturbing to see a listening populace who buys into his garbage. Why don't you people just watch porn? Oh, I forgot; porn generally involves two people as opposed to one person and a piano....or maybe just a dog for some of you. :) This video is pretty much just that, a turd.
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Just shows he can play a solemn version, without the showmanship. One of the best piano players currently out there.
censchot 2 years ago
I cant believe my ears, this LangLang vid is so good.! thanks for posting
rabbitpiano 2 years ago
真的好棒~
開頭他右手小指製造的清楚透明音色~
整曲張力夠強!!
seremerow 2 years ago
Hey lang lang I'm your biggest fan.
Cantabilex33 2 years ago
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It's no wonder classical music is all but dead........
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Classical music isn't dead, and this is a good performance.
You are just one of those fools who judge pianists instead of individual performances. Hopefully you're just young and naive and that someday you'll develop a more mature perspective towards classical music.
I say this because again, this is a good performance. The fact that Lang Lang gives horrific performances of other repertoire such as the Hungarian Rhapsodies doesn't matter here.
SlyFox616 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Why is it that you think this is a good performance? Any specifics? Bang Bang is probably the best description of this pianist. This is a pathetic and self-serving performance at best. Zero truth to the work itself.
Explain what you mean by "judging pianists instead of individual performances?" This performance sucks, so......fast finger and a good tone do not a good pianist make. Are you getting it yet?
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Surely you realize the difference between saying Bang Bang is a bad pianist and Bang Bang gave a bad performance? The former is a naive and foolish thing to say, and the latter is a perfectly reasonable thing to say.
With this performance, however, I like how Lang Lang is able to generate passion and excitement. His phrasing also feels natural and surprisingly restrained given that it is Bang Bang who is playing.
Also, this notion of "truth to the work itself" is mostly meaningless.
SlyFox616 2 years ago
classical music dead? I think you should open your eyes.. how come that there is almost somekind of classical music in most movies today?
And who did actually develop music?
You obviously don't know what you're talking about...
VSKCREW 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I don't know what I'm talking about? really? You're the one who needs the music appreciation class my friend. See, orchestral music in movies is called....(drumroll please...) MOVIE MUSIC you idiot. What do you mean by "develop music"? Are you referring to the Europeans and Russians? Are you retarded?
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Thank you.. But what I'm telling you to stick to the point, is that in movie through all time, they have used the classical composings from Chopin, and Liszt and all those famouse composers, in movies and theatre etc..
These Guys Developed music in THEORY and explored and increased the possibillities around music.
Like the simpliest thing as making popmusic all you need is a simple cadence I'm reffering to the whole world.
Classical music is anything but dead.
VSKCREW 2 years ago 2
In a sense, classical music IS dead to the wide public. now, stupid rock and pop take the front ranks. But remember this: the difference between classical and popular music is that popular music appeals to one generation; classical music appeals to all. When that generation dies out, so will that type of popular music. Classical music, however, is here to stay.
LetTheMusicFlow1 2 years ago 56
@LetTheMusicFlow1 I agree... The information period is all about being current and catching the moment and not to hold on for too long, because it will just last for a cup of coffee where Classical music is slidely different. Great things take time, and experience and heart to create, which is something most people dosen't use today I think. I might be wrong.
VSKCREW 2 years ago
Exactly, oh and by the way, that quote was taken directly from Jim Shrada (pardon the spelling) on KUSC 91.5. XD
LetTheMusicFlow1 2 years ago
@LetTheMusicFlow1 Agreed. I played in rock bands for many years and finally left it behind because there's no substance or depth to it. I would also add that classical music endures whereas pop/rock is purely a passing fad. Will people remember Michael Jackson in 50 years ? I doubt it. Beethoven ? Yes I'd say so.
dmcII 1 year ago
@LetTheMusicFlow1 don't get me wrong. i play classical music on the piano a lot, and enjoy it, but rock music is not stupid. in fact, most of the influences and origins for rock come from elements in classical music, along with jazz
azncommie97 1 year ago
@LetTheMusicFlow1 There are a few quality pop musicians though. Their music is loved by many different generations all over the world, and it will live forever, I think. But I have to agree that most others are not worth listening to.
kutie1976 1 year ago
@LetTheMusicFlow1 i like classical musics but ur opinion will be old-fashioned. Classical music shows only european culture. There are many cultures on the earth. You just picked one.
hpcube 1 year ago
What are you on about? The words of Earl Wild, one of the greatest virtuosos still alive:
"I wish people would stop talking about film music as if it were on some lower level than serious music. Film music can be so tremendous. And a lot of it is certainly better than some of the stuff we hear today thats suppose to be so new and cerebral."
Certainly a damn sight better than atonality.
demosj 2 years ago
"He talks about transposition - he has a thing about transposing Chopin into keys that work better for him - recording, and refers to the unfortunate Lang Lang once again, this time to call him "the J Lo of the Piano.""
yeah, that's what "I'm on about." Wow, you are the dipshit now, aren't you?
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Nice, but I like Van Cliburn's interpretation better. The tempo at the beginning is far too slow for my taste...
zerlina2203 2 years ago 2
Exactly. No cohesion throughout the piece.
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
A passionate performance of a passionate composer.
ronwilliams753 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
He's a jag-off. He must eat a lot of shit cuz he's sure got the grin. No wonder Earl Wild thinks he's a poser.
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Has anyone, besides Earl Wild, obviously, (whoever HE hoped to be) EVER told you that you have top drawer style and class?
petelovesbevsills 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sure, Johana Harris and Ruth Slenczynska (probably haven't heard of them either). MORON.
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Who cares?
petelovesbevsills 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
That's the thing with someone like you. You don't have the background and/or common sense to understand what I'm referring to. God knows you suck as a pianist if you think Lang Lang is anything to revere. Talented? Sure. Great pianist? LMAO!!!!
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
And you of course, with the style and class that you display here, have the background and common sense that I lack? Well whoopee doo for you! YOUR opinions are THE only ones that we must condescend to? I absolutely hate wee weeing on your parade but I don't play the piano and I do have immense respect for talent AND Lang Lang as a pianist, irrespective of what you may think or say
petelovesbevsills 2 years ago 2
When Lang Lang finished playing this Schubert must have let out a sigh of sheer delight!!! What a pleasure to hear someone play the piano so well that it sings! Bravo young man!!!
petelovesbevsills 2 years ago
This is a Liszt transcription of a Schumann lied, not Schubert.
I agree with you as to Lang Lang's playing though.
SlyFox616 2 years ago
No one is better than Yundi Li on this piece. Lang Lang is in perfect pace at the begining. Unfortunately,, he turns in bang bang at the end ...
Rubatoforever 2 years ago
You can't say NO ONE is better than Yundi Li's one .
DennisChoy1 2 years ago
the first pianist with pleasant speed!! really wonderful!!!
Never heared it nicer before
MrPilfi 2 years ago 4
This is a wonderful performance. As he gets older, calmer, and more mature as an artist I look forward to more performances like this and less performances like his Hungarian Rhapsodies.
SlyFox616 2 years ago
I think this is really lovely. Most players get too carried away with this piece, but Lang Lang demonstrates genuine restraint and poesy here.
I'm not saying anyone is the best or the greatest or whatever, but his rendering of this work is quite lovely here.
daniel15671 2 years ago 4
I love how thoughtfully he plays this! In the beginning his tempo was perfect, not too fast like so many others.
Irelandlass7789 2 years ago 2
like a music box
davus0 2 years ago
Es la mejor interpretación que he escuchado de esta obra...es realmente impresionante su sonido y su sentimiento que trasmite la obra. Increible,admirable
Taniushkiya 2 years ago
I didn't even know Lang Lang could play like this. First time I have ever seen him so calm and still. I like Cliburn's better but I am a new fan of Lang Lang after hearing this!!
lynndelano 2 years ago
lynndelano,
You might like Lang Lang playing Liszt's Liebestraum
He is at his best in these lovely pieces,
Best wishes
luvinblume
luvinblume 2 years ago
This in an incredibly lovely performance. I have heard Cliburn play this live a couple of times. Cliburn is wonderful but Lang Lang is superb. I admit he does weird things but when he isn't horsing around Lang Lang is an incredible artist.
playgued 2 years ago 4
I'm confused as to who wrote this piece! Did Schumann write it, Liszt, or both of them together?
pizzaboy456783 2 years ago
The original version written as a piano and vocal piece (vocal >main melody , piano >accompanying) was written by Schumann in 1840 said to be a wedding gift to his wife, very simple though, then years later liszt made his transcription of it in 1849, much more elaborate. Liszt's version is not like schumann's musical poem version in the fact that it doesnt have that boisterous and pounding ending, don't get me wrong I love liszt.Personally I think Lang Lang and his playing is a piece of shit.:-)
MindorffJodl 2 years ago
Schumann wrote the original (a vocal piece), but Liszt made this arrangement.
alexandredebritos 2 years ago
..and once more it's Schumann/Liszt...there are so many recordings of Liszt's arrangement of Widmung on here..I wish I could find a piano version of the original, as Schuman wrote it. There are some with singers, but I'd love to hear one with just the piano as well :(
KayLillian 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Visit your father's bedroom when he's on top of your mother....he'll have the same expression on his face.....certainly doesn't mean he plays this well....
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Comment removed
Cantabilex33 2 years ago
It all depends on what your cup of tea is. If you like classical, okay you like classical. If you like certain interpretations, that's okay too. if you like death metal or rap, that's also good. Just be open for everything.
victoryxfailure 2 years ago
ROFL
bit7492 2 years ago
A lot of people don't like Lang Land because they think he acts. He just has too much emotions on his face.
For me, i like him. And he's a truely great pianist.
I don't give a shit about what others think.
RAINZHOU09 2 years ago
Yes i do know what it is about. I don't like or hate lang lang- hes in the middle. He needs to take more time with his notes but does an okay job getting the romance in. It looks like he has brain problems when he makes his faces.
delta9r9r2 2 years ago
d elta9r9r2
perhaps if you close your eyes and listen and enjoy? and wish we could play like him
Advice from an old (really) lady lol
luvinblume
luvinblume 2 years ago
well i can..... sort of. im learnin this song. got like the first 20 measures down- just started.
delta9r9r2 2 years ago
LOL!!!!!!
mattandtrissy 2 years ago
Do any of you critics know what Widmung is about.
i doubt it,
Thankyou lang Lang for your lovely performance of this song of perfect love.
Luvinblume
luvinblume 2 years ago
My apologies to all the Lang Lang fans out there, but I really don't like this guy. I think he thinks he plays better than he really does. It sounded very nice, but there was no intensity. On the one hand, it was boring. On the other hand, it was stupid.
theoryjoe 2 years ago
Lol at Bang Bang, good to see he is still banging away.
Watch the Van Cilburn version of this and then ask yourself who is the superior pianist. Bang Bang is a joke.
NEDM77 2 years ago
although i like lang lang, he plays it badly in the latter part, just wt u said, banging
van cliburn is still the best version of this piece
Tiszt 2 years ago
Bang Bang, lol, that's good! He's an entertainer/showman. Cliburn allied great technique with musicality and didn't impose his ego on the music. Now that's what makes a true artist.
boxers7x5 2 years ago
What a warm sound...goosebumps.
lovethepiano 2 years ago