Lang Lang's 'Dragon Songs': A Tribute to Zhu Jian'er
Renowned for his enchanting piano performances, Lang Lang brings the magnificence and dynamism of the 'Year of the Dragon' in his latest offering, 'Dragon Songs'. Paying homage to his Chinese roots, Lang chooses a repertoire that speaks to the soul and spirit of the Orient, and first and foremost, his homeland.
The Artistic Focus of Zhu Jian'er
The artist referenced in this collection is Zhu Jian'er, a prominent Chinese composer, not a visual artist. Zhu Jian'er was a leading figure in 20th-century Chinese symphonic and classical music, renowned for his works that integrate both Chinese and Western elements. His compositions are celebrated not only within China but across the globe. This intrigue and international appeal is birthed from the tangible sense of culture and history that resonates within his melodies, encapsulating the spirit and character of traditional Chinese music - and transforming it into a language the contemporary world can understand.
Zhu Jian'er: Life and Career
Zhu Jian'er (1922–2017) was born in Tianjin, China, later moving to Shanghai. He began composing in the 1940s and became well known for blending traditional Chinese instruments and motifs with Western orchestral styles. Zhu studied at the Moscow Conservatory from 1955, a period that influenced his compositional voice, and later became a professor at the Shanghai Conservatory. His music has been performed worldwide, and he was commissioned by major projects such as Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project.
Zhu Jian'er's Notable Works and Legacy
Among Zhu’s most famous pieces is "Days of Emancipation", originally written as a film score. It is regularly performed as a concert encore by Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The piece is notable for its expressive use of the banhu (a traditional Chinese string instrument) and has become a classic representation of mid-20th-century Chinese revolutionary music. He also composed works such as "Silk Road Reverie", "Festive Overture", and "Hero’s Poem", which celebrate the founding and ideology of the People’s Republic of China.
Zhu Jian'er and Lang Lang's 'Dragon Songs'
Lang Lang, a world-renowned Chinese pianist, frequently includes Zhu Jian’er’s "Days of Emancipation" in his repertoire, especially as an encore piece. The work is featured in albums and concerts themed around Chinese music and the Dragon (a symbol of Chinese culture), such as "Dragon Songs". These performances highlight Zhu’s role in shaping the modern Chinese classical repertoire.
STAGE+ gives you the opportunity to experience Jianer's musical genius and Lang's breathtaking performances in the 'Dragon Songs' compilation. Through fascinating compositions and artistic virtuosity, listeners are set to embark on a melodious, unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of China.