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This archival episode of Here's the Thing features Alec Baldwin in conversation with world-renowned classical pianist Lang Lang, recorded live at WNYC's Green Space. They discuss Lang's intense upbringing in China under the guidance of his father, his early training and competition obsession, and his eventual pivot under mentor Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute. Lang shares personal stories about adjusting to American culture as a teenager, performing around the globe, and the deep emotional resonance of classical music. Throughout the interview, Lang reflects on the sacrifices of his childhood, his relationship with his parents, and the universal language that connects audiences everywhere.
The episode opens with iHeart branding, a brief human guarantee, and a series of commercial spots before Alec Baldwin introduces the show.
Alec Baldwin welcomes listeners and sets the stage for a deep dive into pianist Lang Lang's career and artistry.
Lang Lang recounts his upbringing, the impact of the Cultural Revolution, and his family's sacrifices for his musical talent.
The interview explores Lang Lang's rigorous training, the pressure of competitions, and the balance between ambition and artistry.
Lang Lang discusses key performances, including Carnegie Hall, the Beijing Olympics, and his growing international presence.
Lang Lang shares his approach to repertoire, the importance of interpretation, and his views on the emotional power of music.
The conversation turns to Lang Lang's global touring schedule, cultural exchanges, and how music bridges different societies.
Lang Lang explains the founding of his music foundation, its mission to nurture young talent, and his role as a mentor.
Lang Lang reflects on pivotal moments, challenges, and moments of self-doubt that shaped his artistic journey.
The episode concludes with final thoughts from Lang Lang, a closing thank you, and a series of commercial spots.
Competing vs. Becoming a Musicianinsight
The guest explains how his teacher Gary Graffman discouraged him from entering constant competitions, urging him to focus on deep repertoire rather than just chasing first-place prizes.
When asked what was missing from his rigorous childhood, the guest admits he missed out on video games, sports, sleep, and free time, though he notes he has made up for it later in life.
Performing Live in the Studiostory
The guest treats the live audience to a delicate and expressive performance of a piece from the movie Amélie right on stage.
Culture Shock in Philadelphiastory
The guest shares a humorous anecdote about his first day of high school in America, where his classmates looked at him like an alien for studying classical music and had never heard of Mozart.
Getting Fired by a Professorstory
The guest recounts a painful childhood moment when a professor told him he would never become a pianist and fired him from her class, leaving him with years of nightmares.
Finding Inspiration in Jazzinsight
When not performing classical music, the guest enjoys listening to jazz and credits icons like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea as major influences on his artistry.
“Rock star is the wrong word by definition, but classical star doesn't quite get at Lang”
“He and his signature bouffant were the obvious choice to open the Beijing Olympics, watched by 4 billion people”
“A musical prodigy, he was the son of two talented artists, forced to abandon their dreams by the Cultural Revolution”
“Just a few years after he won a national competition, at the age of five, his father abandoned everything else in his life to focus on his son's talent”
Dubbed “the hottest artist on the classical music planet” by The New York Times, pianist Lang Lang has reached a level of stardom rare for classical musicians. But his prominence is hard-won. Alec, who adores Lang Lang's charisma and talent, elicits from his guest stories of hardship during his childhood in northeastern China, and of his slow climb to the top, via Philadelphia. That's where fish-out-of-water Lang Lang showed up at the age of 15 and enrolled in public high school as well as conservatory. Throughout the interview, Lang Lang plays pieces from his latest album, Piano Book https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/us/artist/langlang/, a collection of pieces normally reserved for young learners, reinterpreted with brilliance and respect by the great master. Originally aired September 17th, 2019. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8,400 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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