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发帖数: 866 | 1 朗朗是庞巴迪赞助的
http://www.bjtonline.com/s/article/lang-lang-2627.html
What has been your favorite trip so far in a private jet?
I usually travel with my mother and my management team. But one time I had a
party on a Global Express with some friends on a flight within China. We
had champagne and watched movies. That was fun.
How does flying privately compare with airline travel for you?
On a private jet you have everything. You have all kinds of food and drinks
and you are not wasting time on a security line. When you sit on a
commercial plane it is like very hard practice. When you are on a private
jet it is like, "Wow–life is great."
Where do you live most of the time?
Hard to say really. It is hotel rooms and airplanes.
What did it feel like to play at the Beijing Olympics, knowing that more
than a billion people might be watching you?
It was the experience of a lifetime but not the most exciting moment of my
life. When you have that one huge lucky break, that is even more exciting,
because [before it] you were a nobody.
What was your "huge lucky break"?
It was in the summer of 1999 when I was the substitute for Andre Watts at
the Ravinia Festival north of Chicago. It was not a normal concert. It was
called the "Concert of the Century" with the Chicago Symphony and the iconic
Isaac Stern [the renowned violinist who died in 2001]. He actually
introduced me to the audience. That was absolutely my lucky break.
You've said television cartoons inspired you to play piano. Do you still
watch cartoons?
Yes. I love South Park, Family Guy and The Simpsons.
In your book, you relate a story of how your father ordered you to kill
yourself after you failed an audition when you were nine. How did that
episode affect your life?
It was a real crazy moment and very painful for a long time. But my father
has changed a lot over the years and now we are good friends, so it's OK.
What is the one favorite piece of music you play?
Really hard to say. It is like asking, "What is your favorite food?" At
different times you like different foods. Today it is Mozart because that is
what I am playing tomorrow night. But next week I am playing something else
. I am always changing.
Who are some of the other musicians you listen to?
I like Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli and Leonard
Bernstein, but I also like popular musicians like Justin Timberlake and
Christina Aguilera.
One writer said you were more famous than the Beatles. Do you think you are?
Of course not. The Beatles are amazing and I had a great opportunity to plan
an event with Paul McCartney. I had met him the first time at the London
Bridge awards and he was really funny. He said, "You are a classical
musician and I am also classic: classic rock."
Have you always played with a lot of physical intensity?
I always try to play very precise and very passionate. Every concert,
for me and for the audience, is a life experience. | s**********w
发帖数: 866 | 2 You've played with a wide variety of artists. Are you tempted to pursue
other genres more often?
Sure. Next year I would like to do something totally different, maybe
"Summertime" [the jazz standard from George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess],
and record an album with many kinds of artists, including jazz and country.
I haven't figured it out yet, but certainly the jazz will be incredible.
Last year I had a duets tour with Herbie Hancock and we played seven cities
in the U.S. and 10 in Europe. I learned a lot from him on how to improvise
and develop an instinct for jazz harmony.
Do you have any hobbies?
Movies are my biggest hobby. I am actually now on my way to Sony Pictures
Studios, where some friends are going to show me around.
I love sports. Last night I had the great privilege to perform in Houston,
where my countryman, Yao Ming, plays for the Houston Rockets [NBA basketball
team]. I had a really nice dinner with him and his wife and parents. There
were so many things that we had in common, not only because we are both
Chinese, but also because so many things are similar growing up as a
musician or as an athlete. It was really cool. I gain a lot of inspiration
watching NBA games or European soccer championships.
How many hours a day do you practice?
It used to be seven hours and now it is only two, sometimes even less
because of my traveling. But with the Bombardier jets I can practice more
because I save a lot of travel time.
You've already accomplished much in your life. What is your next big goal?
I started the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, whose aim is
to help young people learn music by providing scholarships. I have one goal
and it is to help support the next generation of musicians and help schools
create after-school music classes. I want to work with teachers and
volunteers to help create a healthier environment for music studies, because
we are in very difficult times, especially in the United States, with
schools cutting budgets. The very first thing they do is to cut art and
music. This is very unhealthy.
You talk a lot about the need to be number one. What does being number one
mean to you?
It means to do your best. It is not really a number, it is a commitment,
your discipline, your will and your goal. If you are true to yourself, you
will get the best out of yourself. That is my understanding of number one.
Fast Facts
NAME: Lang Lang
AGE: 28
OCCUPATION: Classical pianist
TRANSPORTATION: Private jets supplied by Bombardier. Favorites are Global
Express XRS and Learjet 60XR. |
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