"I always wanted to do a full French classical album," Chinese pianist Lang Lang said in late January during an event to promote his new album, "Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns." "Initially, I wanted to focus on the Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, but later felt the need for some more vibrant works, so I thought of Saint-Saëns' 'Piano Concerto No. 2,' which I have always very much enjoyed playing."

A photo of internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group]

Released on March 1 by Deutsche Grammophon, "Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns" is available in both physical and digital versions. During its pre-sales period worldwide, the album managed to shoot to the top of music charts on Amazon. Pre-sale for a CD version of "Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns" is now available on the Chinese mainland.

"Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns" sees Lang join forces with his wife, pianist Gina Alice, the Gewandhausorchester, and conductor Andris Nelsons. 

"The Gewandhausorchester was indeed very serious this time, as if they were performing Beethoven or Brahms concertos," the Chinese virtuoso praised. "This orchestra has premiered the most works by Saint-Saëns, including the symphonies and the other two piano concertos. The Gewandhausorchester has a very distinctive sound, with strong focus and a solid presence even in softer moments, making it very suitable for such works. Nelsons really resembles his mentor Mariss Ivars Georgs Jansons, with that kind of emotion and dedication to art fully embodied in him."

Lang's version of "Piano Concerto No. 2" celebrates the historic association between Leipzig and Saint-Saëns' music, as the French composer premiered his "Piano Concerto No. 2" in Paris in May 1868, with its second performance alongside the Gewandhausorchester taking place in Leipzig in October of the same year.

On upcoming international performances in such cities as Berlin, San Diego, and Paris, Lang will perform Saint-Saëns' "Piano Concerto No. 2" and "Carnival of the Animals." As part of Lang's Saint-Saëns project, a film of the work recorded live in concert at Leipzig's Gewandhaus will be broadcast on ARTE on March 24, 2024, and will be available to watch internationally on DG's audio and video streaming platform STAGE+ on World Piano Day, March 28.

Album cover art for "Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns." [Image courtesy of Universal Music Group]

Lang Lang's new release also shines light on music by five female French composers largely overlooked until recently. On the new work, Lang Lang performs such compositions as "D'un jardin clair" by Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and "Romance sans paroles" from "Quatre pièces romantiques Op. 30" by Charlotte Sohy (1897-1955). 

"The world today is more diverse, and we must pay great attention to female composers. On this album, we specifically included works by five French female composers. People may not be familiar with them, but their music is truly fantastic," Lang noted. "This is my first time getting up close with the music of French female composers. In the current era, regardless of race, skin color, or gender, what matters is your artistic presentation. To record this album, I was able to uncover these beautiful treasures, and I am very pleased to introduce these great female composers to more people and to share their works with everyone."

Lang Lang attended a press event to premiere his album in Dolby Atmos format at a Beijing cinema with Dolby equipment, Jan. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group]

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