Liszt: My Piano Hero

"His approach to the piano is predominantly affectionate and respectful. While capable of producing massive sounds, he very seldom loses tonal control; indeed, his tone is frequently seductive." BBC Music Magazine, November 2011 ***

"There is some quite exquisite playing here (Consolation No. 3, 'Un sospiro' and the rarely-heard Romance 'O pourquoi donc' that opens the programme) and bursts of electrifying dexterity (Grand galop chromatique and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6). The First Concerto is exciting and hard driven though not without a real sense of repose where required." Classic FM Magazine, November 2011 ****

"Lang Lang's glittering career now moves from dubious beginnings...to an increasing range and maturity...His stealthy tempo for "La campanella" allows for a super-glitter and articulacy that even the most seasoned pianist might envy, while in "Un sospiro" his relaxed poetry and technique are masterly at every level. His Schubert-Liszt "Ave Maria" has all the communicative ardour that has endeared him to millions." Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011

"His talents are most generously indulged, however, in the Paganini study "La Campanella", a showcase of effusive flurries, sudden shifts of mood and rippling trills sweeping the entire length of the keyboard, all delivered with a restrained but dashing brio." The Independent, 8th September 2011 ****

"Lang Lang's gifts get a fruitful showcase in Liszt's Piano Concerto No 1, performed with the Vienna Philharmonic and Valery Gergiev. None of the parties proves too bombastic...In the slow pieces we can take some comfort in our star pianist's delicacy, however, when Liszt is being the showman, Lang Lang's extreme virtuosity keeps removing the music's soul" The Times, 3rd September 2011 ***