Lang Lang’s 2011 Performance at Albert Hall
by apernot
Regarding Lang Lang’s 2011 performance of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No 1 at Albert Hall, I thought the performance was superb but, in all honesty, I enjoyed it more the second time with my eyes closed. Lang Lang’s exaggerated facial expressions and hand movements in slow motion were distracting from the music itself. At times, I also found that it made it difficult to take him seriously as a professional musician. The passion and excitement that Lang Lang felt while performing would have translated into his playing without all of the unnecessary theatrics. The overdone expressions and movements took away from the performance rather than added to it. The camera movements also had a tendency to draw my attention away from the music to the bright blue dresses of the violinists, the red dress of the cellist, the conductor’s bad haircut or the ornate columns of Albert Hall.
The performance itself seemed flawless. It was particularly impressive that Lang Lang played the entire time without looking at a sheet of music. Also, there were several sections during this performance where I was amazed at his ability to play such technically involved music at such high speeds, specifically in the last couple of minutes of the piece. Lang Lang demonstrated his skill throughout the show in several different aspects. The powerful notes were hit hard and some of the high parts were played as delicately as a whisper. Transitions between the different sections were smooth. Particularly during a section, a little more than half way through, where the music begins to build toward what sounds like a big climax, indicated by an increase in tempo and volume, but right before it reaches the pinnacle, seamlessly transitions into a section that is soft and delicate, the exact opposite of the previous one. Conductor Edward Gardner and the BBC Symphony Orchestra also gave an outstanding performance and are not to be overlooked. In my opinion the standing ovation for Lang Lang, the conductor and orchestra was well-deserved.
The Thousand-Year Ears 
I too was amazed in the passion that Lang Lang played with in his 2011 performance at Albert Hall. He truly displayed a mastery of the work he was playing and I think his skill, along with his immense passion, contributed to an excellent performance. I was also astonished in the speed at which he played, and moved his fingers. I know what he played is very difficult, but he made it look so easy.
Personally, I enjoyed the overly exaggerated movements that Lang Lang made while playing this piece. I feel that at times performances by symphonies are too easily dismissed because of their apparent stuffiness. While I know that every musician was playing their heart out during the video we watched in class, Lang Lang really pushed that point home with his physical energy. Performers with a similar energy should not be a necessary part of every symphony, but his enthusiasm was a nice change of pace and made the concerto seem more exciting and relatable.
There is no denying Lang Lang’s virtuosity. Personally, I don’t mind his theatrics when he plays. I might disagree with some of his interpretation on certain songs but his antics make watching him fun. I think its interesting to compare his playing style with that of Vladimir Horowitz. They have always been polar opposites in my mind.
At first glance, his facial expressions and movements appear superficial and fake. However, having watched and read more about him, I have discovered that he is genuinely that passionate about playing piano. I don’t always agree with his interpretations but he definitely adds an interesting and fun aspect of performance.
I agree with you that his exaggerated showmanship is distracting himself from the music. It would not be a big problem if it only affects himself. However, I can’t help notice that the cellist in the background keep looking at Lang Lang during the performance. This will be a big problem.
I actually liked Lang Lang’s maybe little exaggerated facial expression. I mean unlike opera or musical, I always find just orchestra performance little plain in terms of visual display. Lang Lang’s facial expression gives me something to watch and help me engage in music more
I think that is part of Lang Lang’s style. Even if it can get a little distracting sometimes, it allows me to feel the energy with which he plays. Also, the fact that he plays the piano instead of, for instance, the violin makes it less distracting since he is just sitting in one place.
That actually makes me wonder whether I appreciate Lindsey Stirling more for for her music performance or for her dancing.
I agree that his theatrics are somewhat distracting from the music, but it seems an essential point of his persona at this point. I have no doubt that his passion is genuine, but the theatrics are likely part of an effort to make himself stand out. Clearly it’s been an effective marketing tool, so I doubt he’ll stop any time soon, even if it detracts from the more “traditional” aspects of the performance.
Although I understand how you may find Lang Lang’s entertainment techniques distracting, I find it allows him to distinguish himself from the many other great pianists today. Similar to how the aria’s we listened to in class were meant to be individually ornamented by the performer, I have no problem with Lang Lang’s ornamentation of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No 1.
I actually had a chance to see Lang Lang’s performance in person in China when I was young. He has displayed the characteristic enthusiasm since then, which I guess is the way he expresses his passion and understanding of a music piece. However, it is a bit distracting to see his whole body moving along with his playing, to be honest.
Lang Lang has been known extremely well for his use (or perhaps considered “abuse” by many) of showmanship. Though at times I agree with the fact that his focus on the technical virtuosity and irrelevant expressions ruin the emotions that are meant to be portrayed through the various masterpieces he has interpreted, I’ve always believed that interpretations are not meant to be restricted by the expectations of the public, or even those of the creators of these music for that matter. If he wishes to show off, let it be. As a number of you have pointed out, his performances usually do satisfy our eyes, and though many would argue that music is solely for the ears, I may beg to differ, if we’re talking about the 21st century.
Another part of my belief is that I generally respect those who experiment with music. This is an example of Lang Lang who explores the “fun” side of music:
As for his passion for music, this is a video I had stumbled upon several months ago, when I was surfing through Lang Lang’s various performances. Yes, he may seem goofy at times, but this video certainly shows how passionate he is for music:
I think that Lang Lang’s theatrics make the music more of a wholesome experience. I love the appeal to multiple senses, and it turns the music into a physical, as well as, cognitive experience. Perhaps, i am just looking at this from a dancer’s point of view. I don’t think it is distracting, rather enhancing the music.