Dubbed “the hottest artist on the classical music planet” by The New York Times, pianist Lang Lang has reached a level of stardom rare for classical musicians.  But his prominence is hard-won.  Alec, who adores Lang Lang's charisma and talent, elicits from his guest stories of hardship during his childhood in northeastern China, and of his slow climb to the top, via Philadelphia.  That's where fish-out-of-water Lang Lang showed up at the age of 15 and enrolled in public high school as well as conservatory.  Throughout the interview, Lang Lang plays pieces from his latest album, Piano Book, a collection of pieces normally reserved for young learners, reinterpreted with brilliance and respect by the great master. 

Originally aired September 17th, 2019.

Dubbed &ldquo;the hottest artist on the classical music planet&rdquo; by The New York Times, pianist Lang Lang has reached a level of stardom rare for classical musicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;But his prominence is hard-won.&nbsp; Alec, who adores Lang Lang's charisma and talent, elicits from his guest&nbsp;stories of hardship during his childhood in northeastern China, and of his slow climb to the top, via&nbsp;Philadelphia.&nbsp; That's where fish-out-of-water Lang Lang showed up at the age of 15 and enrolled in public high school as well as conservatory.&nbsp; Throughout the interview, Lang Lang plays pieces from his latest album,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/us/artist/langlang/">Piano Book</a>, a collection&nbsp;of pieces normally reserved for young learners,&nbsp;reinterpreted with brilliance and respect by the great master.&nbsp;
Originally aired September 17th, 2019.

Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin takes listeners into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers. Alec sidesteps the predictable by going inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices of people we want to understand better: Ira Glass, Lena Dunham, David Letterman, Barbara Streisand, Tom Yorke, Chris Rock and others. Hear what happens when an inveterate guest becomes a host.

Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin takes listeners into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers.  Alec sidesteps the predictable by going inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices of people we want to understand better: Ira Glass, Lena Dunham, David Brooks, Roz Chast, Chris Rock and others. Hear what happens when an inveterate guest becomes a host.

Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin

From the Archives: Lang Lang

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1e449871-3374-43d1-bc10-b4db0002ef50/transcript