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Lang Lang & Hành trình ngàn dặm - Câu chuyện của tôi
Sinh năm 1982 tại Thẩm Dương, một một thành phố công nghiệp ở miền bắc Trung Quốc, cha mẹ anh có sự nghiệp âm nhạc bị gián đoạn bởi Cách mạng Văn hóa. Lang Lang nổi lên là một trong những nghệ sĩ piano vĩ đại nhất cuối thế kỷ 20. Dù là người nổi tiếng nhưng rất ít người ở phương Tây biết tới cuộc hành trình đầy đau đớn từ thời thơ ấu của anh - một thần đồng âm nhạc, trải qua những năm tháng khó khăn ở Bắc Kinh và đạt tới thành công ngày hôm nay.
Lang Lang Và Hành Trình Ngàn Dặm là một câu chuyện đầy kịch tính của một gia đình đã hy sinh mọi thứ: cuộc hôn nhân của bố mẹ, sự an toàn về tài chính, tuổi thơ của Lang Lang và danh tiếng trong giới âm nhạc cổ điển Trung Quốc - nhờ niềm tin vào tài năng của cậu bé ấy. Câu chuyện tiết lộ mối quan hệ căng thẳng dữ dội giữa cậu bé Lang Lang và cha mình, người sẵn sàng đi đến bất cứ nơi đâu để giúp cho con trai mình trở thành một ngôi sao.
Ngay từ đầu câu chuyện, “Số Một” được nhắc đến nhiều lần, “là cụm từ cửa miệng của bố tôi, và cả mẹ tôi, họ luôn nhắc đi nhắc lại hết lần này tới lần khác. Đó cũng là cụm từ cửa miệng của bạn bè bố mẹ tôi và con cái họ”. Và trong văn hóa từ thời thơ ấu của Lang Lang, trở thành người giỏi nhất có nghĩa là có tất cả.
Tất cả mọi chuyện đều bắt đầu khi bố mẹ anh phát hiện ra rằng Lang Lang có năng khiếu âm nhạc.
Cha của Lang Lang là công nhân tại một nhà máy sản xuất ô tô nhưng mơ ước trở thành nghệ nhân chơi đàn nhị, còn mẹ khi mang thai luôn nghe nhạc cổ điển với hy vọng truyền cho con năng khiếu bẩm sinh. Với áp lực dữ dội từ người cha, và vị trí “Số Một” trong tâm thức, Lang Lang đã có mặt tại các cuộc thi piano từ nhỏ tới lớn từ khi lên 5 tuổi; rồi sau đó là các cuộc thi, luyện tập triền miên, và những xung đột với người cha có lúc đến khắc nghiệt."Cha tôi dù có khắt khe với tôi khi còn nhỏ nhưng ông ấy thực sự đã chia sẻ với tôi cả cuộc sống. Ông học và leo cùng tôi từng bước. Khi tôi đạt thành công cũng là lúc ông thực hiện được giấc mơ của mình. Buổi biểu diễn đó là khoảnh khắc tuyệt vời trong cuộc đời cha con tôi. Cha và mẹ có cách yêu khác nhau, họ cũng có những quan điểm khác biệt nhưng trong sự nghiệp của tôi cả hai đều có cùng điểm chung đó là ủng hộ hết sức", Lang Lang chia sẻ.
Còn với mẹ anh, người phụ nữ lặng lẽ đi cạnh những năm tháng luyện tập và thành công của Lang Lang mà không than vãn một lời, khiến cho Lang Lang luôn cảm nhận được sự thiếu vắng và hơi ấm của bà:“Mẹ yêu tôi tới mức không hề quan tâm tới hạnh phúc cá nhân. Đổi lại, tôi còn yêu mẹ nhiều hơn thế, và suốt những năm tháng đằng đẵng luyện tập 8, 9, 10 tiếng một ngày, tôi không bao giờ thôi cảm nhận về một nỗi đau thiếu mẹ. Trái tim tôi bật khóc vì mẹ. Tôi tiếp tục khóc vì mẹ suốt quãng đời thơ ấu của tôi, và nói thực lòng là, cả cho tới mãi sau này”.
Cùng với David Ritz, đồng tác giả của nhiều cuốn tự truyện ăn khách, Lang Lang Và Hành Trình Ngàn Dặm là một câu chuyện đầy cảm hứng, giúp cho độc giả cảm nhận và đánh giá cao lòng dũng cảm, cũng như những hy sinh cần thiết để đạt tới sự nổi tiếng, về cái giá mà những người làm cha làm mẹ và chính đứa trẻ phải trả cho danh xưng “thần đồng”.
Lang Lang Và Hành Trình Ngàn Dặm là một câu chuyện đầy kịch tính của một gia đình đã hy sinh mọi thứ: cuộc hôn nhân của bố mẹ, sự an toàn về tài chính, tuổi thơ của Lang Lang và danh tiếng trong giới âm nhạc cổ điển Trung Quốc - nhờ niềm tin vào tài năng của cậu bé ấy. Câu chuyện tiết lộ mối quan hệ căng thẳng dữ dội giữa cậu bé Lang Lang và cha mình, người sẵn sàng đi đến bất cứ nơi đâu để giúp cho con trai mình trở thành một ngôi sao.
Ngay từ đầu câu chuyện, “Số Một” được nhắc đến nhiều lần, “là cụm từ cửa miệng của bố tôi, và cả mẹ tôi, họ luôn nhắc đi nhắc lại hết lần này tới lần khác. Đó cũng là cụm từ cửa miệng của bạn bè bố mẹ tôi và con cái họ”. Và trong văn hóa từ thời thơ ấu của Lang Lang, trở thành người giỏi nhất có nghĩa là có tất cả.
Tất cả mọi chuyện đều bắt đầu khi bố mẹ anh phát hiện ra rằng Lang Lang có năng khiếu âm nhạc.
Cha của Lang Lang là công nhân tại một nhà máy sản xuất ô tô nhưng mơ ước trở thành nghệ nhân chơi đàn nhị, còn mẹ khi mang thai luôn nghe nhạc cổ điển với hy vọng truyền cho con năng khiếu bẩm sinh. Với áp lực dữ dội từ người cha, và vị trí “Số Một” trong tâm thức, Lang Lang đã có mặt tại các cuộc thi piano từ nhỏ tới lớn từ khi lên 5 tuổi; rồi sau đó là các cuộc thi, luyện tập triền miên, và những xung đột với người cha có lúc đến khắc nghiệt."Cha tôi dù có khắt khe với tôi khi còn nhỏ nhưng ông ấy thực sự đã chia sẻ với tôi cả cuộc sống. Ông học và leo cùng tôi từng bước. Khi tôi đạt thành công cũng là lúc ông thực hiện được giấc mơ của mình. Buổi biểu diễn đó là khoảnh khắc tuyệt vời trong cuộc đời cha con tôi. Cha và mẹ có cách yêu khác nhau, họ cũng có những quan điểm khác biệt nhưng trong sự nghiệp của tôi cả hai đều có cùng điểm chung đó là ủng hộ hết sức", Lang Lang chia sẻ.
Còn với mẹ anh, người phụ nữ lặng lẽ đi cạnh những năm tháng luyện tập và thành công của Lang Lang mà không than vãn một lời, khiến cho Lang Lang luôn cảm nhận được sự thiếu vắng và hơi ấm của bà:“Mẹ yêu tôi tới mức không hề quan tâm tới hạnh phúc cá nhân. Đổi lại, tôi còn yêu mẹ nhiều hơn thế, và suốt những năm tháng đằng đẵng luyện tập 8, 9, 10 tiếng một ngày, tôi không bao giờ thôi cảm nhận về một nỗi đau thiếu mẹ. Trái tim tôi bật khóc vì mẹ. Tôi tiếp tục khóc vì mẹ suốt quãng đời thơ ấu của tôi, và nói thực lòng là, cả cho tới mãi sau này”.
Cùng với David Ritz, đồng tác giả của nhiều cuốn tự truyện ăn khách, Lang Lang Và Hành Trình Ngàn Dặm là một câu chuyện đầy cảm hứng, giúp cho độc giả cảm nhận và đánh giá cao lòng dũng cảm, cũng như những hy sinh cần thiết để đạt tới sự nổi tiếng, về cái giá mà những người làm cha làm mẹ và chính đứa trẻ phải trả cho danh xưng “thần đồng”.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
40 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Lang Lang
63 books11 followersJourney of a Thousand Miles
Number One was a phrase my father -- and, for that matter, my mother --repeated time and time again. It was a phrase spoken by my parents friends and by their friends children. Whenever adults discussed the great Chinese painters and sculptors from the ancient dynasties, there was always a single artist named as Number One. There was the Number One leader of a manufacturing plant, the Number One worker, the Number One scientist, the Number One car mechanic. In the culture of my childhood, being best was everything. It was the goal that drove us, the motivation that gave life meaning. And if, by chance or fate or the blessings of the generous universe, you were a child in whom talent was evident, Number One became your mantra. It became mine. I never begged my parents to take off the pressure. I accepted it; I even enjoyed it. It was a game, this contest among aspiring pianists, and although I may have been shy, I was bold, even at age five, when faced with a field of rivals.
Born in China to parents whose musical careers were interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, Lang Lang has emerged as one of the greatest pianists of our time. Yet despite his fame, few in the West know of the heart-wrenching journey from his early childhood as a prodigy in an industrial city in northern China to his difficult years in Beijing to his success today.
Journey of a Thousand Miles documents the remarkable, dramatic story of a family who sacrificed almost everything -- his parents marriage, financial security, Lang Langs childhood, and their reputation in Chinas insular classical music world -- for the belief in a young boys talent. And it reveals the devastating and intense relationship between a boy and his father, who was willing to go to any length to make his son a star.
An engaging, informative cultural commentator who bridges East and West, Lang Lang has written more than an autobiography: his book opens a door to China, where Lang Lang is a cultural icon, at a time when the worlds attention will be on Beijing. Journey of a Thousand Miles is an inspiring story that will give readers an appreciation for the courage and sacrifice it takes to achieve greatness."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 27, 2015
Un paseo en primera persona por la vida de este fenómeno del piano. Con no pocas dificultades y exigencias extremas made in China. Un gran referente para mi, pero no, yo no voy a ensayar 7-9 horas al día. 3 están bien. Tengo vida :-D
October 8, 2019
As a piano player, I highly regard Lang Lang. I've seen him live in concert and it is clear to see that his talent is immense - he is absolutely magnificent. His autobiography 'Journey of a Thousand Miles' is slightly interesting and telling of his life story; I don't really think it was anything special though.
I have huge respect for Lang Lang and his life story but I don't think it really translated well into book format - he just kept winning competitions and performing for big crowds (which is impressive but not that interesting). Again, I respect the man but his autobiography was not my favourite thing though some parts were still pretty interesting.
I have huge respect for Lang Lang and his life story but I don't think it really translated well into book format - he just kept winning competitions and performing for big crowds (which is impressive but not that interesting). Again, I respect the man but his autobiography was not my favourite thing though some parts were still pretty interesting.
November 14, 2025
"You may face a competitor who has more talent than you. You can't control that... But you can control how hard you work. You can make sure that you work harder than anyone."
The story of Lang Lang's journey to fame reveals the dark side of classical music - the toxic competition culture, backstabbing bribery and brutal prejudice which renders much of the industry to merely a game of winning. And winning big. He faced these harsh realities from such a young age, on top of living through poverty and the extreme demands of a very determined - and often cruel - father.
His parents sacrificed everything all in the name of their son's success. Growing up in Shenyang China, post-the cultural revolution, Lang Lang felt the weight of his grandparents' generations' lost ambitions - everything that they had wished to achieve, but couldn't, now rested upon him. From before his feet could even touch the floor from the piano stool, he had already begun competing, driven to becoming that "Number One" which everybody in his culture strove to be in their fields.
From his father giving up his career, to his family splitting apart entirely, leaving his mother home so that she could continue working to support him, you could say that this man sacrificed many things that would comprise a normal childhood.
Attaining musical mastery and technical brilliance was one mountain - but the ultimate transition into a completely different world upon his move to America was another. Still a mid-teenager (and already admitted to Curtis...) and he was navigating not only an entirely new language, but countless culture shocks - some good, some bad. "America is so easy! The homework is easy, and half the kids don't even do it anyway!" has to be my favourite...
His upbringing in China had accustomed him to compliance, and a vicious determination to win. But the gateway to his professional career was to come with him letting go of this drive. The drive to be "Number One" needed to go. With such a toxic culture of rivalry and competitiveness, music is degraded to a sort of sport. No longer art.
"The sublime works of Mozart or Liszt were not written to be the focus of a sporting event. They were written to touch the human heart. We are dealing with poetry..."
But such a shift of mindset is not easy. And the dejection he felt from the disappointment of his Chinese admirers who, upon his return, asked what new competitions he had won during his travels in America, increased his doubts more.
Though his career did not have a pretty beginning, his story does serve as an important commentary on the competition culture of the classical music industry - exploring the real meaning of music, and what a genuinely fulfilling musical career actually entails.
So much more respect for this genius now!
The story of Lang Lang's journey to fame reveals the dark side of classical music - the toxic competition culture, backstabbing bribery and brutal prejudice which renders much of the industry to merely a game of winning. And winning big. He faced these harsh realities from such a young age, on top of living through poverty and the extreme demands of a very determined - and often cruel - father.
His parents sacrificed everything all in the name of their son's success. Growing up in Shenyang China, post-the cultural revolution, Lang Lang felt the weight of his grandparents' generations' lost ambitions - everything that they had wished to achieve, but couldn't, now rested upon him. From before his feet could even touch the floor from the piano stool, he had already begun competing, driven to becoming that "Number One" which everybody in his culture strove to be in their fields.
From his father giving up his career, to his family splitting apart entirely, leaving his mother home so that she could continue working to support him, you could say that this man sacrificed many things that would comprise a normal childhood.
Attaining musical mastery and technical brilliance was one mountain - but the ultimate transition into a completely different world upon his move to America was another. Still a mid-teenager (and already admitted to Curtis...) and he was navigating not only an entirely new language, but countless culture shocks - some good, some bad. "America is so easy! The homework is easy, and half the kids don't even do it anyway!" has to be my favourite...
His upbringing in China had accustomed him to compliance, and a vicious determination to win. But the gateway to his professional career was to come with him letting go of this drive. The drive to be "Number One" needed to go. With such a toxic culture of rivalry and competitiveness, music is degraded to a sort of sport. No longer art.
"The sublime works of Mozart or Liszt were not written to be the focus of a sporting event. They were written to touch the human heart. We are dealing with poetry..."
But such a shift of mindset is not easy. And the dejection he felt from the disappointment of his Chinese admirers who, upon his return, asked what new competitions he had won during his travels in America, increased his doubts more.
Though his career did not have a pretty beginning, his story does serve as an important commentary on the competition culture of the classical music industry - exploring the real meaning of music, and what a genuinely fulfilling musical career actually entails.
So much more respect for this genius now!
May 9, 2024
Spannend, hochinteressant, emotional und sehr gut geschrieben
January 26, 2015
Utterly captivating and engrossing. Who would ever think that a memoir would be such? And yet, Lang Lang's utter dedication, his father's unyielding ambition, his mother's sacrificial love, and even glimpses of China, proved impossible for me to put down.
September 5, 2008
Great book! A must read for all pianists, and those who love autobiographies.
October 19, 2019
This is why I love book clubs; I get introduced to books that I normally wouldn't gravitate towards.
February 11, 2014
On New Year’s Eve we went to the cinema to see the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year Concert beamed live from Berlin. I found this an incredible experience. It was the first classical concert I’ve ever ‘attended’. Sir Simon Rattle is the conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, and he is amazing. But the highlight for me was a young, charismatic Chinese guy called Lang Lang. He was phenomenal. I was mesmerised by his performance – totally blown away by what he could do with/on a piano.
So I wanted to learn more about him. I ordered 'Journey of a Thousand Miles' from the library and loved it. Like the wonderful Chinese ballet dancer, Li Cunxin, author of 'Mao’s Last Dancer', Lang Lang came from a poor background. Chinese couples were allowed to have only one child, at the time he was born in 1982, so all the Langs’ hopes were focused on this their only child. Lang Lang’s parents were both accomplished musicians, who’d had neither the money nor the opportunity to turn professional themselves. It was obvious that Lang Lang was gifted, so they sacrificed living as a family in order to launch his career. Lang Lang’s mother stayed in their home town of Shenyang to earn money for the three of them, while the nine year old went to live with his father in Beijing, where he could study with the best teachers.
Lang Lang’s father was a stern disciplinarian, who insisted on hours of practice every day. Consequently, Lang Lang’s childhood was difficult – he missed his mother dreadfully and resented his father’s overbearing ways. Everything about his life was regimented: he had to compete for a place in the academy; he had to compete to be taught by the best music teacher and he had to enter and win the most prestigious competitions. There was very little time to be a child. He had to be ‘Number One’ in everything he did.
By the time he was 13, he had played at the Beijing Concert Hall and had won over the public and the critics, achieving recognition and success. At the age of 14, he played before the President of China at the inauguration of the China National Symphony Orchestra. He was invited to America and won a scholarship to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In America, he learned to become ‘a poet of the piano’, as opposed to a technically gifted competitor. He also began to enjoy a much more rounded lifestyle. He had a new aim – to work towards an international career that would ‘satisfy’ and ‘sustain’ him for the rest of his life.
And this is what has happened: Lang Lang graduated from Curtis in 2002 and has become one of the world’s most acclaimed pianists winning many prestigious awards. He attempts to inspire young musicians and to make classical music fun and relevant. He is an environmental ambassador for China. He is an International Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF and has travelled the world sharing his music. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, once told him that his ‘responsibility as an artist went beyond music’. His ‘art must serve people and peace’.
Classical music has now become relevant for me since I saw Lang Lang playing the piano on New Year’s Eve.
His story is told simply and honestly.
So I wanted to learn more about him. I ordered 'Journey of a Thousand Miles' from the library and loved it. Like the wonderful Chinese ballet dancer, Li Cunxin, author of 'Mao’s Last Dancer', Lang Lang came from a poor background. Chinese couples were allowed to have only one child, at the time he was born in 1982, so all the Langs’ hopes were focused on this their only child. Lang Lang’s parents were both accomplished musicians, who’d had neither the money nor the opportunity to turn professional themselves. It was obvious that Lang Lang was gifted, so they sacrificed living as a family in order to launch his career. Lang Lang’s mother stayed in their home town of Shenyang to earn money for the three of them, while the nine year old went to live with his father in Beijing, where he could study with the best teachers.
Lang Lang’s father was a stern disciplinarian, who insisted on hours of practice every day. Consequently, Lang Lang’s childhood was difficult – he missed his mother dreadfully and resented his father’s overbearing ways. Everything about his life was regimented: he had to compete for a place in the academy; he had to compete to be taught by the best music teacher and he had to enter and win the most prestigious competitions. There was very little time to be a child. He had to be ‘Number One’ in everything he did.
By the time he was 13, he had played at the Beijing Concert Hall and had won over the public and the critics, achieving recognition and success. At the age of 14, he played before the President of China at the inauguration of the China National Symphony Orchestra. He was invited to America and won a scholarship to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In America, he learned to become ‘a poet of the piano’, as opposed to a technically gifted competitor. He also began to enjoy a much more rounded lifestyle. He had a new aim – to work towards an international career that would ‘satisfy’ and ‘sustain’ him for the rest of his life.
And this is what has happened: Lang Lang graduated from Curtis in 2002 and has become one of the world’s most acclaimed pianists winning many prestigious awards. He attempts to inspire young musicians and to make classical music fun and relevant. He is an environmental ambassador for China. He is an International Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF and has travelled the world sharing his music. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, once told him that his ‘responsibility as an artist went beyond music’. His ‘art must serve people and peace’.
Classical music has now become relevant for me since I saw Lang Lang playing the piano on New Year’s Eve.
His story is told simply and honestly.
January 24, 2020
Lang Lang is one of my favorite classical artists. I really enjoy watching him perform on YouTube and listening to his music. I had no idea that behind his masterful playing was such a deeply sad childhood. Reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder - is that the price of fame? Lang Lang’s story touched me and moved me to tears. There is no question that he is an amazing pianist, but his life story is amazing as well. I’m astonished by the sacrifices he and his family were willing to make for his art- especially his mother.
Pop Sugar 2020 Reading Challenge- A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympics. A large portion of this book is set in Beijing.
Pop Sugar 2020 Reading Challenge- A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympics. A large portion of this book is set in Beijing.
November 20, 2024
one of the first biographies ive ever read. i read it during the peak of my piano journey, only made me hate him more. my mom made me read this book.
June 2, 2025
Pincelada al dictado
Más allá de que interese el piano o este pianista en concreto, vale mucho la pena la lectura para comprender un poco más la represión y el sistema educativo en China.
Más allá de que interese el piano o este pianista en concreto, vale mucho la pena la lectura para comprender un poco más la represión y el sistema educativo en China.
February 16, 2017
audio book
November 23, 2008
Out of my normal book zone - but it was great! Lang lang - a young man with immense musical talent - according to the accolades.
This is a story of his growing up - one of the Chinese generation where only one child was allowed each family, and therefore that child was doted on by all, and the competition to have that one succeed was immense.
Throughout his story, he gave the reader a glimpse of how it was to live in a country with great ranges of wealth and relative freedoms, eventually finding that his talent took him beyond his own country to the larger world.
If Lang lang really wrote most of this himself (as he clearly had a writer assist him to some degree), he is truly a remarkable, reflective, modest, and warmhearted person.
This is a story of his growing up - one of the Chinese generation where only one child was allowed each family, and therefore that child was doted on by all, and the competition to have that one succeed was immense.
Throughout his story, he gave the reader a glimpse of how it was to live in a country with great ranges of wealth and relative freedoms, eventually finding that his talent took him beyond his own country to the larger world.
If Lang lang really wrote most of this himself (as he clearly had a writer assist him to some degree), he is truly a remarkable, reflective, modest, and warmhearted person.
June 21, 2013
I found out about this book through my piano teacher. She recommend to me. It's so powerful book and can influence the readers greatly. Every word in the book strikes my heart. Reading his autobiography motivates me of how I should be working harder and practicing more. The amount of time he practices everyday makes me feel like I'm just a trash laying on the streets compare to him. He played those sonatinas and sonatas when he was only 3 or 5, while I'm still learning sonatas myself at the age of 14. I started crying when the part he got fired by his teacher and his father was so out of mind that he want Lang Lang to die. The way they delineated the story was so vivid that I feel like I can see the whole thing happening in front of my. It's an amazing book.
January 25, 2009
(Full Review on my blog here: http://handsfullmom.blogspot.com/2009... )
This book captivated me from the first chapter -- the story of Lang's family and the pressure on this young pianist saddened me. His dad's whole life was spent in making sure his son practiced enough to be "Number One" in the world. I started to understand Chinese culture (and the Beijing Olympics) better by reading this. In their culture, it isn't enough to be good; you have to be better than everyone else or it doesn't mean anything. The constant ranking and obsession with who is best coupled with a one-child policy makes for very scary childhoods.
This book captivated me from the first chapter -- the story of Lang's family and the pressure on this young pianist saddened me. His dad's whole life was spent in making sure his son practiced enough to be "Number One" in the world. I started to understand Chinese culture (and the Beijing Olympics) better by reading this. In their culture, it isn't enough to be good; you have to be better than everyone else or it doesn't mean anything. The constant ranking and obsession with who is best coupled with a one-child policy makes for very scary childhoods.
April 10, 2009
This book was just about right for a day in bed with a sore throat. A very easy read between the cough drops, not too challenging The ghost writer feels too present for me. I doubt that Lang Lang has yet the perspective to analyze what his driven father did. Yet the kid totally fulfilled his father's dream! The parents of this pianist are equaled in the US occasionally by some parents who drive their kids to be super athletes (e.g. tennis parents). I enjoyed the book most for its insights into China, with its emphasis on grades and competition. I heard Lang Lang play last fall!
January 27, 2016
I had the opportunity to hear Lang Lang preform with the Utah Symphony in October of 2015. I was so impressed with his performance I looked him up to learn more about him. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book in the process! It was a fascinating story of an incredibly talented boy, who be came incredible though unbelievable amounts of practice and sacrifice. I appreciated the insights into Chinese culture, and what he thought of American culture as he was studying here. He really is an unbelievable pianist, and this was a very fulfilling read for me after seeing him preform.
August 6, 2022
Tolles Buch!
Mitreißend wird in dieser Autobiografie der Aufstieg des Weltpianisten Lang Lang erzählt, der alles andere als einfach war .
Für seine Karriere hat er seine Mutter jahrelang nicht gesehen und übte bis zu zehn Stunden am Tag auf dem Klavier.
Es ist ein eindrucksvoller Blick hinter die Kulissen, der klarmacht, dass berühmte Musiker oft sehr sehr viel für ihren Erfolg geopfert haben.
Mitreißend wird in dieser Autobiografie der Aufstieg des Weltpianisten Lang Lang erzählt, der alles andere als einfach war .
Für seine Karriere hat er seine Mutter jahrelang nicht gesehen und übte bis zu zehn Stunden am Tag auf dem Klavier.
Es ist ein eindrucksvoller Blick hinter die Kulissen, der klarmacht, dass berühmte Musiker oft sehr sehr viel für ihren Erfolg geopfert haben.
August 31, 2016
Super interesting book! I loved reading about his childhood and the passion and intensity he grew up with. Sometimes it is sad to see what children miss when they are following a dream or forced by parents to succeed--but Lang lang seems to have found a balance and a purpose.
January 17, 2016
That was awesome and I'm OK being mediocre :-)
July 17, 2017
L'exemple parfait du parent qui reporte à l'extrême son ambition sur son enfant.
Manque d'émotion, mais intéressant !
Manque d'émotion, mais intéressant !
May 14, 2018
Classical music and piano lovers may enjoy this inspiring autobiography as much as I did, written by prodigy concert pianist, Lang Lang. I was touched by the brave honesty of his confidences about his love of music and how his exceptional success came about through excessive hard effort and the pressure (or despite it) imposed on him by an obsessive father.
Lang Lang was born in a small town during China’s cultural revolution to musical parents during the imposition of the country’s one-child policy. Imagine the pressure experienced by many single children living under these circumstances. In a culture where ‘being Number One’ was the only way of uplifting them from extreme poverty children (and their parents) became highly competitive. In Lang Lang’s case, his father’s expectations rose from his own failed musical ambitions, forcing militarist-style pressure on Lang Lang to succeed.
His methods included separating Lang Lang from his beloved mother at the age of six to prevent her “cosseting” and “spoiling” him, asserting that her motherly love and attention would render him weak and distracted. Lang Lang suffered verbal abuse, almost inhuman exertion and a seemingly loveless, even cruel relationship with his father, who left his own job, taking Lang Lang to a poverty-stricken life in Beijing in order to supervise him and ensure that he received tuition from the best teachers, while his mother supported them back home with her meagre salary.
Despite his isolation from other children Lang Lang learned to make friends and establish his reputation for excellence, winning piano competitions until his sponsorship to attend a top New York school. His father insisted on following him everywhere, and the story is as much about Lang Lang’s musical journey as it is about the father/son relationship. I also found it interesting to gain Lang Lang’s perspectives on the differences between Eastern and Western musical enjoyment, brought about by differing cultures and views on musicianship.
His informal, honest writing had my heart wringing with emotion for this talented boy. Any other child may have deserted the piano to escape a relentless father, but it was Lang Lang’s own love for the music that won out in the end. He deserves every ounce of the respect and fame he’s achieved. I loved every moment of this book and listening to the pieces he wrote about during his piano competitions and concerts.
Lang Lang was born in a small town during China’s cultural revolution to musical parents during the imposition of the country’s one-child policy. Imagine the pressure experienced by many single children living under these circumstances. In a culture where ‘being Number One’ was the only way of uplifting them from extreme poverty children (and their parents) became highly competitive. In Lang Lang’s case, his father’s expectations rose from his own failed musical ambitions, forcing militarist-style pressure on Lang Lang to succeed.
His methods included separating Lang Lang from his beloved mother at the age of six to prevent her “cosseting” and “spoiling” him, asserting that her motherly love and attention would render him weak and distracted. Lang Lang suffered verbal abuse, almost inhuman exertion and a seemingly loveless, even cruel relationship with his father, who left his own job, taking Lang Lang to a poverty-stricken life in Beijing in order to supervise him and ensure that he received tuition from the best teachers, while his mother supported them back home with her meagre salary.
Despite his isolation from other children Lang Lang learned to make friends and establish his reputation for excellence, winning piano competitions until his sponsorship to attend a top New York school. His father insisted on following him everywhere, and the story is as much about Lang Lang’s musical journey as it is about the father/son relationship. I also found it interesting to gain Lang Lang’s perspectives on the differences between Eastern and Western musical enjoyment, brought about by differing cultures and views on musicianship.
His informal, honest writing had my heart wringing with emotion for this talented boy. Any other child may have deserted the piano to escape a relentless father, but it was Lang Lang’s own love for the music that won out in the end. He deserves every ounce of the respect and fame he’s achieved. I loved every moment of this book and listening to the pieces he wrote about during his piano competitions and concerts.
December 24, 2022
This is a hardcore 3.5, but I rounded up.
Although I'm a pianist, I only vaguely heard about Lang Lang. Obviously, I don't listen to classical musicians that much, and don't follow the classical labels or concert series, so I only had the slightest idea of who he was.
This book was both ok, and great, mostly because it reconnected me to my own journey with piano. When I was young, I went to contests too. Of course, they weren't international contests, and I was never near his level of mastery, but I was always shocked when I heard how much my fellow competitors practiced. Often, I was the only non-Asian entry in any given contest. My mom casually asked other parents how much their child practiced, and was stunned to find that they practiced 3-4 hours a day. I could barely manage a half hour.
What was so interesting about this book was how Lang Lang made me understand not only where this work ethic comes from, but also the intensity of the fallout from the Cultural Revolution. Mixed with China's one-child policy, I see now how all the hopes of a family could be pinned on one child.
Spoilers here:
Here, Lang paints this picture not only well, but somehow - casually. His father was a tyrant of perfection, while his mother (who provided for them) was the kind, supportive woman he was blocked from getting close to - in honor of practicing.
What is a bit stunning about all of this is just how simply Lang Lang was built for the piano. Not physically, but mentally, he possesses a playfulness, competetive spirit, and simple focus that allows him to rise from living in Shenyung's poorer neighborhoods to subbing in for Andre Watts at Ravinia.
There are glimpses of insight into his thinking which are interesting- how Tom and Jerry inspired his practice or how he learned emotion from a Japanese pianist. However, the timeline of the book is nothing shocking. He grew up poor, loved piano, practiced hard, had a tyrant father who loved him, and then succeeded.
Still, it's a lovely journey to witness, especially if you're looking to reconnect with piano or what it takes to be brilliant.
ps - I really enjoyed 'The Secret Piano' for anyone interested in pianists in China's Cultural Revolution.
Although I'm a pianist, I only vaguely heard about Lang Lang. Obviously, I don't listen to classical musicians that much, and don't follow the classical labels or concert series, so I only had the slightest idea of who he was.
This book was both ok, and great, mostly because it reconnected me to my own journey with piano. When I was young, I went to contests too. Of course, they weren't international contests, and I was never near his level of mastery, but I was always shocked when I heard how much my fellow competitors practiced. Often, I was the only non-Asian entry in any given contest. My mom casually asked other parents how much their child practiced, and was stunned to find that they practiced 3-4 hours a day. I could barely manage a half hour.
What was so interesting about this book was how Lang Lang made me understand not only where this work ethic comes from, but also the intensity of the fallout from the Cultural Revolution. Mixed with China's one-child policy, I see now how all the hopes of a family could be pinned on one child.
Spoilers here:
Here, Lang paints this picture not only well, but somehow - casually. His father was a tyrant of perfection, while his mother (who provided for them) was the kind, supportive woman he was blocked from getting close to - in honor of practicing.
What is a bit stunning about all of this is just how simply Lang Lang was built for the piano. Not physically, but mentally, he possesses a playfulness, competetive spirit, and simple focus that allows him to rise from living in Shenyung's poorer neighborhoods to subbing in for Andre Watts at Ravinia.
There are glimpses of insight into his thinking which are interesting- how Tom and Jerry inspired his practice or how he learned emotion from a Japanese pianist. However, the timeline of the book is nothing shocking. He grew up poor, loved piano, practiced hard, had a tyrant father who loved him, and then succeeded.
Still, it's a lovely journey to witness, especially if you're looking to reconnect with piano or what it takes to be brilliant.
ps - I really enjoyed 'The Secret Piano' for anyone interested in pianists in China's Cultural Revolution.
January 20, 2023
A heartbreaking and educational story of a life of extreme talent. One of the things I found interesting was the specific cultural influences the “1 Child Only” rule of urban China had on family dynamics and the economy. It caused so much hurt, but also much forced progress. Lots of good and lots of bad. He takes us on his ride of obsession, preoccupation with perfection, stardom, to ultimately enjoying balance. Seeing him go from being unable to accept less than the highest of praise from every critic to understanding that some will never understand his sometimes unconventional style of is a great lesson. With his influences from China, Germany, Russia, and the U.S., he brings something new to the piano - hence a “journey of a thousand miles”
If you’ve never heard of Lang Lang or haven’t seen him perform, look him up on YouTube!
This one is my favorites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss2GF...
Notable Quote: “In the culture of my childhood, being best was everything. It was the goal that drove us, the motivation that gave life meaning.”
If you’ve never heard of Lang Lang or haven’t seen him perform, look him up on YouTube!
This one is my favorites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss2GF...
Notable Quote: “In the culture of my childhood, being best was everything. It was the goal that drove us, the motivation that gave life meaning.”
February 2, 2019
Boy, if pretentious were a novel this is what it would look like. I am not denying that Lang Lang is most prominent and talented concert pianists in the modern era. Definitely can't question that. Yet, this book takes that and portrays it in a way that makes you want to question if they are actually telling the truth. The story of Lang Lang is showed in pieces, and each of these pieces are all melodramatic. I'm sure that he had a difficult career path, but this book definitely does not truthfully depict it.
The language was very hard to read. It was almost as if it was translated from another language. Choppy sentences and weird long weirds out of nowhere really disturbed the flow of this autobiography.
Yet, I have to acknowledge the storytelling ability this book has is quite entertaining. As a pianist, it is very connectable and personable and provides a lot of good context. Recommend if you are a pianist; if you are not, my apologies, but do not bother.
The language was very hard to read. It was almost as if it was translated from another language. Choppy sentences and weird long weirds out of nowhere really disturbed the flow of this autobiography.
Yet, I have to acknowledge the storytelling ability this book has is quite entertaining. As a pianist, it is very connectable and personable and provides a lot of good context. Recommend if you are a pianist; if you are not, my apologies, but do not bother.
January 2, 2024
An extremely well written autobiography. The first half of the book was almost difficult to read as you would have thought it bordered on child abuse in the way his father encouraged Lang Lang to become a pianist. It isn't until later in the book I realized there is a "Chinese" way of education and performance. I was viewing from the "American" perspective where things are much different in education and performance expectations. Lang Lang himself makes this apparent in the book.
He has truly experienced a lot in his (currently) 42 years. There is a point in the book where you see a "turn about is fair play" moment. SPOILER: You don't understand the title of the book until the very last paragraph of the book. This is definitly worth a read. Chapters are short and easy to read. It's well written with a co-writer, David Ritz.
I enjoy Lang Lang's artistry and now have a greater appreciation for it and his talented abilities.
He has truly experienced a lot in his (currently) 42 years. There is a point in the book where you see a "turn about is fair play" moment. SPOILER: You don't understand the title of the book until the very last paragraph of the book. This is definitly worth a read. Chapters are short and easy to read. It's well written with a co-writer, David Ritz.
I enjoy Lang Lang's artistry and now have a greater appreciation for it and his talented abilities.
November 26, 2022
Amazing book! I know Lang Lang first through Youtube when I first started learning piano (I have quit now actually :(( so sad) and I worked in a restaurant called Home Hanoi in my sophomore year. There I had the chance to serve Lang Lang, his wife and his mother. However, I didn't get a photo with him so I literally have no proof anything happened. After I read this book, it teaches me that the his tiger father play a very important role in his career. Eventhough Lang Lang feels suffocated by his father drives and push, he admits without his father, he would be no where near successful as he is today. This book guide me to change my life if I want to be successful! I hope everyone reading this will be consistent with your goals and fight your way through life. Thank you!
BTW: Practice makes perfect!!!
BTW: Practice makes perfect!!!
May 20, 2017
Riveting, inspiring, emotional...all in one book detailing the life of someone who fought parental guidance yet prevailed under pressure. An insight into the work and dedication this young man put in to achieve the fame and critical acclaim he has today. I had the pleasure of meeting Lang Lang multiple times in Toronto and sat beside his parents during a concert in Roy Thomson Hall and his story stuck with me...tempting me to prod and question his parents style of upbringing, motivation and force. A must read for musicians, educators and music enthusiasts alike.
April 1, 2020
Lucky enough to listen to Lang Lang perform live. But only after reading this book, I understand why the sound he makes so incredible. Behind his success is the whole story about the Chinese culture, the obsession of a family to make their only child being "number one" despite poverty in years, the tremendous pressure from Lang Lang's father, etc.
His facial expression during performances is often criticised, and he moves a lot.. but what's the matter? People should actually listen and feel what he tries to say in his music.
His facial expression during performances is often criticised, and he moves a lot.. but what's the matter? People should actually listen and feel what he tries to say in his music.
June 4, 2024
Wow! What a remarkable journey taken by this extraordinary pianist! When he displayed exceptional talent on the piano at age 3, his parents sacrificed so much to get him the best teacher possible. By the time he’s 9, his father takes him to Beijing without his loving mother and demands unnatural discipline with his piano playing. It’s all very intense to our “soft” ears, but Lang Lang overcomes every obstacle and accomplishes more than ever expected. He brings such enthusiasm, joy, and supreme talent to his playing. I have a new musical hero!
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