Tuesday 2nd September 2014 saw the launch of the greatly anticipated Lang Lang Piano Academy and its first series of books mastering the piano in which Lang Lang, one of the world’s most prolific and highest-profile recording artists, explores piano technique.
Lang Lang joined Faber Music Ltd along with many notable members of the music press, trade and education for an exclusive Private Audience event at London Waterloo’s 1901 Art’s Club. Guests were treated to excerpts from the books, played by the master himself including Burgmüller Arabesque (level 2) and an arrangement of traditional Chinese tune Jasmine Flower (level 1).
In addition to meeting with key music retailers, writers and educationalists Lang Lang also appeared live on BBC 1 The One Show as part of the One Show Music Festival week, demonstrating aspects of his piano technique covered in the mastering the piano books to presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones, as well as presenting guest Dame Helen Mirren with her very own copy of mastering the piano level 2. Earlier in the evening, Lang Lang appeared live on BBC Radio 3 In Tune with Sean Rafferty, where he answered listeners questions about piano technique and the series, as well as performing some pieces from the books. On BBC Radio 4 Front Row with John Wilson, Lang Lang gave an inspiring masterclass style interview and listeners can still catch him talking to Charlotte Green on Classic FM Charlotte Green’s Culture Club this Sunday 7th September at 3pm.
This new series comes at a time when Lang Lang is more committed than ever to his work on education projects and charitable activities and he talked openly about his passion for inspiring the next generation of young players, and that through publishing these books Faber Music was fulfilling his own ‘childhood dream’. Throughout his prestigious career Lang Lang has remained passionate about the importance of inspiring new generations of young pianists, and his extraordinary talent and charisma has inspired millions to take up the piano. In China alone, “the Lang Lang effect” is credited with encouraging over 40 million children to learn the instrument.
‘We are thrilled to be working with Lang Lang on this major, new initiative to bring his vision for music education to fruition. Yesterday’s launch was an absolute triumph and marks the start of an exciting chapter for Faber Music and the Lang Lang Piano Academy’.
Kathryn Knight, Director of Publishing and Business Development, Faber Music
LANG LANG PIANO ACADEMY: MASTERING THE PIANO
Published by Faber Music, Levels 1, 2 and 3 (September 2014), Levels 4 and 5 (October 2014)
Priced £8.99-£9.99