LANG LANG Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story

There have been a few classical musicians who've attained rock-star status: Liberace, Pavarotti, perhaps Yo-Yo Ma. But they've all been surpassed by Chinese pianist Lang Lang, whose youth—and incredible tradition-defying musical ascendance—seems to reflect the spirit of the times. At a time when China has emerged as one of the dominant world powers, all the while masking a poor human rights record, Lang's story has more relevance than ever. Lang’s journey spans several generations, and Feodor Chin's theater background helps him give a lively reading. In China a whole new generation of classical music fans is finding out about the great composers via the homegrown Lang’s dazzling star quality and amazing story. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]