Thanks in large part to Lang Lang haters, in less than 2 weeks this thread has become the #14 most replied-to thread in Pianist Corner out of over 25,000 threads. Keep it up guys! I think we can make it to #1!

Let's see now, wasn't he the guy pushing Tzimon Barto's career? That hasn't worked out too well, I think. Given how that panned out, I am not so sure I would even want to mention him in connection with LL, if I were an LL fan.

I'm pretty sure there is no prize given for this.

But of course. If you are indiscriminate, you can find all sorts of "good reviews".

What a childish statement to make. You don't like Lang Lang, I get it. There's no need though to insult the tastes of those that do. Perhaps people with higher intellect, discrimination, and certainly understanding than you. This old argument that if you like Lang Lang you are somehow lowbrow is a tired and sad one at best.

This entire discussion is childish.

Because we're all child-like inside, like Lang Lang

This entire discussion is childish.

speaking of talking me down -- Chris G -- you're from portland; have you seen the series Portlandia? it's a hoot.

I feel like I understand most of the opinions out there even if I don't understand why the people who hold those opinions are so passionate about them - he's just a guy who plays a piano.

Right! Who is that guy Eschenbach anyway? Instead, we'll mention some Internet critic known as "wr"...You amuse me, in a sad way.

What a childish statement to make. You don't like Lang Lang, I get it. There's no need though to insult the tastes of those that do. Perhaps people with higher intellect, discrimination, and certainly understanding than you. This old argument that if you like Lang Lang you are somehow lowbrow is a tired and sad one at best.

There's nothing "childish" about it. Picking random derogatory words to describe what others are saying seems a good deal more so, to me.

Did I say I don't like Lang Lang? But of course, the tastes of those who do may be questioned as well as anyone else's. I gotta love the thinking: 1.) Lang Lang is wonderful because he is bringing classical music to many people who otherwise have no interest in it, and 2.) pointing out that his popularity is at least in part dependent on those very same people, who obviously are not well-versed in the art, is not allowed. Nice logic, that.

Oh, I know who Eschenbach is, he's the guy who mentored Barto. And now, Lang Lang. There are some interesting comparisons there - I just hope Lang Lang doesn't turn into a crack head like Barto did.

It turns out that Barto has apparently managed to kick the habit, which I found out after posting earlier, and I am glad for that.

There is nothing "random" about the words I chose. It's one thing to question someone's taste or disagree, but it's another to insult them with the statement you made, which I quoted and replied to. You can spin it any way you want, but it's right there in plain words.

You're right though - the word "childish" was more appropriate to the "contest/discussion" that I previously called silly. For this, perhaps a stronger word would have been more appropriate.

Passion is a good thing - when it's used in a positive way. To be negative all the time is a waste of time IMHO.

I agree with what you say in the post regarding 1 and 2. Where did I say it was not allowed? Where did you even talk about it before this post? Or are you implying that *I* am one of those indiscriminate people? If so, then back to what I said originally.

I suppose Herbert von Karajan was wrong as well to have Barto play at the Musikverein? Yes Barto has had many issues. But to question Eschenbach and indirectly others like Karajan is sort of silly. Lang Lang is mentally strong - don't worry, if you meant that anyway.

On a more serious note, I do find it odd that so many fans of classical piano (or classical music in general) are so adamant about how a certain piece should be played and interpreted. If anyone should interpret it in a different way - tempo, articulation, phrasing, etc., or make it "fun" by simplifying it, etc. when played to a less sophisticated/knowledgeable audience (or even just for FUN's sake!), well damned they be! The arrogance! The disrespect to the composer! How dare they! I simply don't understand this mentality. And it's very prevalent with Lang Lang and some of the things he does and how many respond to it. As if the music is somehow a frozen relic that must never be "tarnished" in any way, shape, or form. And this type of thinking, which started more and more in the last few decades, along with competitions discussed before, is why many pianists are less daring these days and afraid to add something new and original to their playing and interpretations. Another main reason for which I like and admire Lang Lang. I bet most of the composers - Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, etc. would be not only far less critical, but would actually welcome it and even relish in it. I remember reading a while back about Beethoven (don't recall the book as I have about a dozen or so on him and his music) and how his the 2nd movement of his 7th symphony was so popular at the time it was played during his time as a solo piece, inserted into other symphonies of his, etc. And did Beethoven mind it? From what I recall reading, he absolutely loved it!

I have to agree with what you say, and the same applies to physical approaches to the piano, and lack of tolerance for diversity.

With the era of competitions, has come a certain standardization of interpretation and it's sad.

You are right on the mark.

And he's far less demonstrative in performance than someone like Keith Jarrett.......

And he's far less demonstrative in performance than someone like Keith Jarrett.......