Pianist Lang Lang and his Deutsche Grammophon label have apparently decided that his last peak to scale is that of massive crossover stardom, and the fact that he had a childhood affection for Disney films and their music during the first years in which they were available in China, provided the ideal opening. Listeners' reactions to The Disney Book will probably largely depend on whether they think this is a desirable development. Three things, however, should be noted. First, Lang Lang has enlisted top-flight arrangers in ...
Read More
Pianist Lang Lang and his Deutsche Grammophon label have apparently decided that his last peak to scale is that of massive crossover stardom, and the fact that he had a childhood affection for Disney films and their music during the first years in which they were available in China, provided the ideal opening. Listeners' reactions to The Disney Book will probably largely depend on whether they think this is a desirable development. Three things, however, should be noted. First, Lang Lang has enlisted top-flight arrangers in the cause, among them pianist Stephen Hough. The music on this album sounds fresh because it is indeed freshly made. The arrangers strike a good balance between the world of Disney songs and Lang Lang's general high Romantic idiom. Second, animated film and classical music used to be more closely linked than they are today. In a way, The Disney Book is a welcome throwback to the days of Fantasia. Third, on the pop side, Lang Lang's abilities are undoubted. With many classical pianists, even those who have recorded a lot of material derived from pop, one can still sense the level at which they were taught to clap on the downbeat. Not so with Lang Lang, as a sample of the fun he has with the likes of The Bare Necessities will testify. Listeners delighted with the idea of a big treatment of Disney classics will be pleased here, and even those less enamored might give the album a try. There are guest vocal stars, including Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang's wife Gina Alice; they are pretty much smoothed down so that they blend into the scenery that will spill across one's phone if one finds the Deluxe Version. Conductor Robert Ziegler, leading the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, also had a tough row of balances to hoe and succeeds admirably. Probably the crossover event of 2022. ~ James Manheim, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Reset to cart. $2.55, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books East rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Glendale Heights, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Deutsche Grammophon.
Add this copy of Disney Book [Standard CD] to cart. $14.65, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2022 by Deutsche Grammophon.
Add this copy of The Disney Book to cart. $22.77, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Deutsche Grammophon.
Add this copy of The Disney Book to cart. $23.71, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Deutsche Grammophon.
Add this copy of The Disney Book [12 Inch Analog] to cart. $43.08, good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by DG.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!