Lang Lang: Playing with Flying Keys

Lang Lang

Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Hardcover - Ages 9 UP 

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Summary: He started learning to play the piano when he was three years old in Shenyang, China. Today he is one of the world's most outstanding pianists. In this engrossing life story, adapted by Michael French, Lang Lang not only recounts the difficult, often thrilling, events of his early days, but also shares his perspective on his rapidly changing homeland. He thoughtfully explores the differences between East and West, especially in the realm of classical music and cultural life. Shining through his rags-to-riches story of a child prodigy who came of age as a renowned musician, Lang Lang's positive spirit, his dynamic personality, and his enduring passion for music will inspire readers of all ages.

Excerpt: I have many early childhood memories. Like strands in a tapestry, they weave a mixed impression--joy, hardship, hope, sadness, struggle, and success. Some strands stand out in vivid detail.

When I was two years old, a simple barracks apartment on the Shenyang air force base was our home. My father, a thin man of average height, was the silent type. In fact, he was stern and I have no memory of him smiling. He played professionally in the air force orchestra. We had very few luxuries, but they included an upright piano purchased by my parents when my father grew convinced I had a special gift for music. My mother later told me I could read musical notes before I learned the alphabet, and with my unusually large hands and long fingers, I loved gliding my fingertips on the keys. Of course, I couldn't touch the pedals. In fact, I could only touch the keys by placing pillows on my piano bench. But my father said I was creating music, that I knew intuitively when the notes harmonized. Most important to me, I was filling my ear with beautiful sounds that in turn filled my imagination with incredible stories I made up as I played for hours at a time.
Lang Lang is a renowned classical pianist who has performed with major orchestras all over the world. Although he is on tour most of the time, he has homes in Philadelphia, China, and Berlin.

About The Author: Michael French has adapted Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers, and is the author of more than 20 books. He lives in Santa Barbara, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.