Lang Lang: Playing With Flying Keys

By: Lang Lang, Michael French

Narrated by: Andrew Pang

Lang Lang started learning to play the piano when he was three years old in Shenyang, China. Today he is one of the world’s most outstanding pianists. In this engrossing life story, adapted by Michael French, Lang Lang not only recounts the difficult, often thrilling, events of his early days, but also shares his perspective on his rapidly changing homeland. He thoughtfully explores the differences between East and West, especially in the realm of classical music and cultural life. Shining through his rags-to-riches story of a child prodigy who came of age as a renowned musician, Lang Lang’s positive spirit, his dynamic personality, and his enduring passion for music will inspire listeners of all ages.©2008 Lang Lang; (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

For teens

Being a pianist, I wanted to know Lang Lang's experience as a pianist. What I heard (received) was void of musical experience. Instead, it was about winning or not winning. There was no sense of concern/accomplishment artistically. Thus, it seems to have been written for teenagers who are perhaps less interested in what it is like to play/practice/compete than how nice/mean people were, and whether our protagonist won/lost. Often, performances were skipped entirely, going from preparation to results, without a word of experience on the bench, at the keys.