Le Piano Absolu: L'éducation D'un Prodige (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
A fellow piano teacher recommended this autobiography of world famous pianist, Lang Lang, at a music teachers association meeting. It was a quick read, but wow was it fascinating! I had absolutely no idea the kind of dedication and work lies behind some of the young prodigies that emerge on the world scene. According to Lang Lang, in China it is everything to be Number One. Propelled by his father’s obsessive drive and his mother’s enduring love, that’s the pianist that Lang Lang was destined to be ever since winning his first competition at the age of five: Number One.As a piano teacher, it was interesting to read of the different personalities of Lang Lang’s teachers and how they impacted him – either positively or negatively. Even in the cruel, critical world of competitive piano playing, Lang Lang blossomed and enjoyed music the most when his teacher, while highly qualified, was encouraging and cared about him as a person. Even though Lang Lang suffered at times because of his father’s indefatigable pressure to be Number One, I appreciated his desire to honor him and reconcile their differences. He also acknowledges that he wouldn’t be who he is today were it not for his father. Lang Lang’s story paints a vivid picture of what it looks like to be wholly devoted to a cause. Even though I love playing the piano, I am mindful that ultimately my cause is Jesus Christ. I am inspired to make my devotion to Him more of a living reality every day. This book made me really think about balance. I understand that musicians, professional athletes, etc. must devote a lot of time to become as excellent as they are, but this book made me think that at some point it becomes too much. Too much of a person's self is devoted to one thing. Lang Lang sacrificed so much time with his mom, it made me sad for him and his mom. I wonder if as he gets older, looking back, will he still think it was worth it--not just being away from his mother, but giving up a "normal" childhood (which can be such a relative thing, I realize), and not having other interests and experiences. That being said, his career was his family's ticket out of poverty so maybe it was worth it for the good of his family? I still don't know what I think. At times during the book I would think the situation was over the top, and then at times I recognized that it was extremely rewarding to him.
What do You think about Le Piano Absolu: L'éducation D'un Prodige (2008)?
Great book! A must read for all pianists, and those who love autobiographies.
—lanette
My mom loved this book and suggested it to me.
—socialrejectz
