By Paul Freeman [2015 Interview]

Lang Lang -- Bravo! Bravo!

He has often been acclaimed as the world's greatest pianist. With an appreciation for diverse musical forms, styles and genres, Lang Lang has broadened the appeal of classical music Credit that to an engaging personality and fabulous flair on stage, in addition to technical virtuosity.

He injured his left arm, pushing himself too hard, for too many hours, in exhaustive practice sessions. That hampered him for more than a year. But Lang Lang returned to the stage in 2018 triumphantly. His devotion to his art is unsurpassable.

Now 36, the pianist continues to dazzle audiences. In 2019, he has released a new album, "Piano Book," featuring the pieces which have most influenced him through his life.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lang Lang prior to the animated, charismatic performer's 2015 solo recital of Bach, Tchaikovsky and Chopin works at Stanford University's Bing Concert Hall.

Who inspired the great classical pianists of our time? Well, let's see, perhaps Glen Gould, Arthur Rubinstein, Sergei Rachmaninoff? And, of course, animation legends Tom and Jerry.

Lang Lang, the Chinese-born piano superstar says that, when he was a toddler, the animated MGM cat and mouse sparked his interest in the keyboard. The cartoon was called "The Cat Concerto."

"Jerry played magnificent Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2," Lang Lang tells Pop Culture Classics.

Now Lang Lang is inspiring aspiring musicians throughout the world. He began piano lessons at age three. At five, he won the Shenyang Piano Competition and gave his first recital.

His father is a musician who plays the traditional Chinese stringed instrument, the erhu.

"That influenced me in some ways," Lang Lang says. "Erhu has some special tone color and conveys music with imaginative phrasing."

His father pushed him to practice. But Lang Lang appreciated the prompting. "I did not feel much pressure. I just tried to study the piano as broadly and profoundly as I could," he says. "My parents' sacrifices were for me. I could feel that. And it made me practice harder. They supported me throughout my career."

Lang Lang, the prodigy, found his own imaginative phrasing and tones on piano. He triumphed in international competitions. In his early teens, Lang Lang moved to America and studied with the great piano teacher Gary Graffman.

The transition to this country brought its challenges. "It was language, especially speaking and listening," Lang Lang says.

Lang Lang became the first Chinese pianist to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic and various American symphonies.

When he was 17, as a last-minute substitution for renowned pianist Andre Watts, Lang Lang performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the "Gala of the Century." It made him an overnight sensation and he was in demand as a soloist in the world's most prestigious concert halls.

Lang Lang was inclined towards shyness growing up, but performing brought out his inner flair. He's known for his flamboyant showmanship. "I open my heart the most when I'm playing music," he says.

His playing reflects his desire to convey emotion and creativity. "I need to find many things that are not taught, even cannot be taught."

His acclaimed recordings include the latest release, "The Mozart Album."

Lang Lang's fame extends far beyond classical music aficionados. He performed at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony and, with Placido Domingo, at the World Cup. At Grammy Awards shows, he has collaborated with Metallica and, most recently, Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer. Other musical partners have included Julio Iglesias and Herbie Hancock.

Lang Lang was the featured soloist on the Golden Globe-winning score for "The Painted Veil," as well as the soundtrack of "The Banquet." He even brought Prokofiev's 7th Piano Sonata to the soundtrack of the popular computer game "Gran Turismo."

Time Magazine included Lang Lang in its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Called "the world's ambassador of the keyboard" by The New Yorker, Lang Lang helps children experience music through his work for the United Nations, as well as with his own Lang Lang International Music Foundation. He mentors rising young performers. He gives master classes at such institutions as Julliard and Manhattan School of Music, as well as China's top conservatories.

"It's very important. There are millions of young people playing piano in China, they need some good guidance. Music and art will influence children deeply on mentally growing . It will influence them with great aesthetic wisdom. The most important part is for parents to encourage and inspire their children, to support their study."

As for the approach parents and teachers should take with their beginning pianists, Lang Lang says, "Discipline is the foundation, and in the course of study, you have to let children feel the beauty and joy of music."

Lang Lang wants to give youngsters some of the same joy music has brought him, since Tom and Jerry's musical merriment first captivated him.

He says one of his greatest satisfactions is "to help young people achieve some music dream, by offering them performance and educational opportunities."

In the book, "Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story," which he co-wrote with David Ritz, Lang Lang told of his own opportunities and the remarkable ways in which he fulfilled them.

Lang Lang is driven to lift his music to even greater heights. "Performance for me is condensed life journey. I immerse myself completely, when I'm practicing or performing. I always love to find a new moment or a new view in music. I would like to always convey better and more diverse music."

For the latest on this artist, visit www.langlangofficial.com.