Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn: First Piano Concertos

"On this evidence, Lang Lang is already superbly accomplished. Especially in the first movement, however, the performance leaves an impression of individual moments intensely lived . . ." --International Record Review, September 2003

"No quarrels over his technical mastery: He's got accurate fingers (no smudges here), exceptional dynamic and timbral control (listen to the magical return of the A section in the second movement), and sufficient power for the climaxes . . . This performance has plenty of personality in its handling of details." --Fanfare, January 2004

 "Piano power . . . Chinese pianist Lang Lang's debut disc on Deutsche Grammophon will excite, astound and enthral . . . The orchestra is sensitive to every one of Lang Lang's tempos and rubatos, supporting him so that each virtuosic intricacy of the piano part shines through . . .The piano playing is mature, deeply felt, with a sense of bravado and almost nonchalant abandon. Lang Lang's wonderfully sensitive touch in the beautifully gently second movement dazzles us, before he produces even more incredible pyrotechnics in the frenetic, cheeky scherzo. The final movement is pure Russian dance and Tchaikovskian optimism -- the piano is uniformly characterful and crisp. Lang Lang has such total command of his instrument and its possibilities that it seems like the work of someone well beyond his 21 years . . . We say . . . Lang Lang is fast becoming a celebrity in the piano world. His debut with DG is full of panache and brilliance . . . Astounding." --Classic FM, September 2003

". . . with breathtaking virtuosity, he is totally at ease in the bravura passages of the Tchaikovsky." --Gramophone, September 2003