Lang Lang - Claude Debussy, La Fille aux cheveux de lin

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Lang Lang, piano
Claude Debussy, Preludes (Book I)
VIII. La Fille aux cheveux de lin
Concert recorded at Philharmonie de Paris - Philharmonie 2 (former Cité de la musique) (Paris, France), on March 30, 2001.
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[@jackjohnson7207]

To those who don't play piano it might seem an over emotional performance, but as a low level wizard watching this grand master wizard perform so well, i can only imagine he's seeing pulsing color and imagery with his eyes closed. Incredible performance.

[@SanderCurtis]

They should give sore throat relief drops to everyone in the public before every classical concert.

[@bilzebor8457]

i think most of the people who appreciate classical music are old, that might explain why they always caugh

[@GeorgeQuinton]

Bilzebor It is rather the low humidity of air. Even children cough on concerts ;)

[@LandOnBolts]

in carnegie hall they have a bucket of free cough drops... it makes the performance even more sweet haha

[@bEtHaRoO92]

1. Theatres tend to be dry, for obvious reasons 2. I will take coughing over the sound of crinkling to unwrap cough drops EVERY TIME

[@janeroberts633]

Why??

[@NecksonnGaming]

Oh my... I'm literally crying my eyes off. When my grandfather, my hero, passed away in 2011 I made a video about him in Windows Movie Maker. This was the song in the video.. After that my laptop got broken and I lost the video, and this song. Couldn't remember the name and didn't find this.. Now I accidentally got here and .... This is the biggest musical flashback I've ever felt.. Rest in peace pappa one day we'll meet again

[@TiagoSeiler]

That version of the song was included in Windows 7 I think, it's called Richard Stoltzman - Maid with the Flaxen Hair

[@aaretti_xd]

@@TiagoSeiler Thank you sir! It hit me again.. Now hearing the same version that actually was in Movie Maker gave me the same experience I had 2 years ago.. again crying like a baby, oh memories

[@thatsdree1350]

That such a pretty song choice, Rest In Peace.

[@mattthepolarbear]

yes the word that comes to mind, especially 1:15-1:30, is "heroic" :)

[@julesmarie403]

I found this song after losing it too!! I heard it in a jubilee video and thought it was an original by someone else. Then I’m listening to the Apple Music piano chill playlist and this comes up and I’m like HIS SONG!!!!

[@TheSonzwi]

La fille aux cheveux de Lang Lang

[@fannyackermy1625]

hahahaha

[@AblackGenie]

I'm done 5 years later 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Danterobo]

You sir won the internet. Pin his comment and give this man an Oscar

[@mintyants8903]

LMFAOOOOOOO

[@v3n115]

Omg you made my day lfmao

[@paulflute]

wow.. his dynamic control is out of this world.. most people have soft mid and strong.. he has 0 to 100 with 3 decimal places.. i think the nicest version of this I've ever heard.. it's like an inner ear massage..

[@zibinguan1242]

2:05 he does the dab

[@Slyngbom]

haha

[@mateusztenteges3244]

the weirdest dab ever XD

[@JuliusCaminus]

One of the most physically and musically expressive pianists I have seen. Delightful rendition.

[@v.dargain1678]

Indeed .

[@monamax247]

I love the fact that he makes "odd faces" because it means that he's getting lost in the music, you can tell he loves playing, and expressing himself through his talent. Like, whenever any of you do something you love, I bet you act differently, and even make different facial expressions. Hop off, he's amazing.

[@NoferTrunions]

Blind people do that all the time.

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

What about Horowitz, Rubinstein, Heifetz, David Oistrakh and others who didn't do "odd faces" but were exceptional virtuosos?

[@NoferTrunions]

I've said this before: if those facial expression were genuine, there would often be tears - I mean I sometimes tear up when I hear the epic Beethoven, etc. But since these virts don't, then I say it's just show business. If you are lost, your expression is bliss. You don't see mothers acting out when holding their newborns. And even if these expression are real, even with no tears, then I say the artist, being a conduit from The Creative to the music is "leaking" - some of that "creative" intended for the music has leaked out in the form of body expression. It's an energy argument - I'm an engineer.

[@edgardocanale9800]

@@DaviSilva-oc7iv Tienes toda la razón: los pianistas en serio no necesitaban todas esas payasadas para extraer de las partituras lo que el compositor había volcado en ellas. Este, junto con su compatriota, Yuja Wang, deberian dedicarse a exhibir sus "destrezas" en los cabarets de cuarta.

[@edgardocanale9800]

@@DaviSilva-oc7iv Tienes toda la razón: los pianistas en serio no necesitaban todas esas payasadas para extraer de las partituras lo que el compositor había volcado en ellas. Este, junto con su compatriota, Yuja Wang, deberian dedicarse a exhibir sus "destrezas" en los cabarets de cuarta.

[@dagobert54]

J'écoute Debussy depuis plus d'un demi-siècle et je ne m'en lasse pas. Merci à Lang Lang pour sa merveilleuse interprétation.

[@esthergishkori8850]

He goes to another sphere and takes us all with us. Incredible talent.

[@ColdDrewZone]

I love Lang Lang but I think he and his piano should just get a room.

[@FutureAbe]

if you love him, then surely YOU should get a room with him.

[@jielangone7475]

well, if your ear cannot distinguish what is beauty, please shut up. you can get yourself a room all day.

[@joshuaWEC]

D-Zone They did get a room, they're just a lot of people in the room with them...it's a little weird if you ask me.

[@laurencea.8099]

jie langone I don't think you understand the joke. He is playing this beautifully, but the facial expression he makes are a bit disturbing...

[@hikingglint9648]

Hahaha! I was just thinking about his expressions throughout the video then saw this comment

[@gh-vd8mb]

Lang Lang's face the whole song is mine when I get the freshest fries from McDonalds, nice and crispy

[@jessicaadolfsson5282]

Ha ha ha ha 😊

[@kitsuneelie9133]

Arthur Albarran i cant unsee this now 😭

[@benjaminlarrieu1050]

underrated comment

[@pw6002]

You are aware that the fries from McDonalds are ... NOT good, are you?

[@gh-vd8mb]

@@pw6002 Yes I'm aware, but it is just a joke and you are taking this way to seriously. Stop wasting your time and just dislike the comment.

[@diymidnightrock-n-rollnext7900]

Each time I hear this gem there are tears in my eyes... Such a beauty! Debussy is a genius indeed. And, of course, Lang Lang's performance is superb, as always. 10 of 10!

[@tvndvne]

I don't understand why people hate Lang Lang so much .... I just don't .... Enjoy the music and stop looking at his face !

[@milkyoolong42]

Bebeto Tandane Jr. there‘s people who hate him? for what lmao having more talent than them?

[@lindaross783]

He's so wonderful but looks like a gargoyle sometimes. I have to close my eyes to enjoy his extreme talent.

[@crimsonking6246]

His face is the best part. He's a showman, he understands that even classical musicians can have stage presence.

[@kwark1223]

I felt his pain, his joy. What an amazing interpretation.

[@salvorizzo8671]

Unlikely the pain and that overdoing have nothing to do with this prelude...

[@evapoulsenljungqvist4674]

Body, soul and spirit in perfect harmony.

[@lewiscullen8236]

I have always been sceptical of Lang Lang but to me this is utterly beautiful. So many pianist see the music as a way to demonstrate their virtuosic skill but he takes this so slowly that you can feel the effect of each beautiful chord and he combines it with such musical passion and emotion. One of the only pianists to do 'impressionism' justice.

[@felixreich9485]

+Lewis Cullen The music of Debussy was not written to express virtuosity; it is to express emotion.

[@lewiscullen8236]

Yes, which is precisely why I love this interpretation.

[@felixreich9485]

Lewis Cullen Yes.

[@WigganNuG]

This piece requires little in the way of mechanical virtuosity, but MUCH VIRTUOSITY in the area of tone balancing in the chords so the voicing is correct, and great judicial care with respect to rubato. It allows such room for musical interpretation. I love it, but it IS deceptively difficult!

[@wkseamans]

A beautiful melody and the expression on Mr. Lang's face says it all.

[@psyshowman]

J'avais des bribes d'harmonie de ce Debussy en tête et je suis tombé sur vous, c'est sublimissime !

[@endurancemichael7884]

The music goes through his body, his mind, his soul. The way he expressed himself in this piece is utterly beautiful beyond words. Not many people can genuinely feel the music as passionately as Lang can. It is mystical...

[@ologlogn]

This is one of the best renditions of the piece I have heard. We don't have to agree with his hand movements and performance but this sounds almost perfect. :)

[@SpiritHourglass]

I think the way Lang Lang shows that he is enjoying the music is fantastic.

[@arriamirorei1925]

Sublime. I play this piece too and I know the score well, and this is the best interpretation of this piece I have ever heard. The variety of colours it manages to bring out of the piano is wonderful.

[@user-kp8zo4ko6g]

Как называется эта пьеса?

[@arriamirorei1925]

@@user-kp8zo4ko6g You have it in the title of this video: Claude Debussy, La Fille aux cheveux de lin.

[@elsat1998]

Aucun mots ne peut être plus puissant que ce qui est ressenti là, à l écoute de ce trésor, et à la présence de ce qui se vit en lui c est tellement beau😭🙏❤

[@kaleighbrendle8373]

His playing is poetic and articulate. I salute you Lang Lang

[@music784151]

I love Lang Lang's presentation. As in so many, many of his performances he plays from his heart and from a point of love. He spiritually captures what I feel to be Debussy's intent. Bravo!

[@jonchen3539]

I love how he translates his own joy and emotions into his playing. A true artist

[@jerryz1006]

love the sound quality so much.

[@Chris-tk9hy]

Having a seizure with style

[@mattrusso8426]

yes omg

[@Nancy6797]

The periodic coughs throughout this performance are maddening. Ruins listening to this otherwise impassioned, brilliant performance, I'll have to look for a CD.

[@user-vt8ot2zr6x]

This piece is my fav of Debussy , it just resonates with me ……brilliant performance of Lang Lang ….👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@deldridg]

My son brought this home yesterday from his piano lesson and I've been playing it since. Lovely to hear LL's rendition - for me it evokes nostalgia. Big fan of Medici TV - have been a subscriber to their online service for years. Cheers and thank you all these years later - David

[@megmoore664]

This is his way of dancing while he is playing.

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

This is nice. I know a lot of folks hate him, but not me...he's highly entertaining and his performances are superb. Great interpretation. Thanks for posting.

[@ELi-cv2lw]

Why people hate him???I have never heard

[@adamz0037]

I wouldn’t say people hate him…they just think he’s a bit much.

[@ritoemiliosalazarruibal3272]

LANG LANG a WONDERFUL PIANIST!!! a MASTER!!!

[@martinferreyra755]

Todo lo que escucho de lang lang es como magia. Sus interpretaciones son fantasticas y unicas. Es un actor de la musica.

[@nadiawozniak1344]

I think it's beautiful to see him fully express himself and his feelings towards playing the piano and the pieces that he plays. You can sense he feels free while he's playing, not like some others, sitting like they've got a stick up their ass

[@papa_mia4495]

+Nadia Woźniak Being completely free is different from being a clown. Look at Gilels, Lang Lang has somewhat similar musical ideas with him and look closely how "real freedom" really looks like.

[@toothlesstoe]

Or maybe other pianists prefer to concentrate on the music they're making and not on how they appear to others?

[@alextrites3820]

as an accomplished classical pianist. HE is out of style..... shove that up your ass

[@supremetaco5349]

LMAO why did you have to put that part at the end 💀

[@pianoplayingfishkeeper2094]

Okay, I know this is 7 years old, but I don't think he looks free. He looks really ridiculous and it looks like he's acting like that just for the performance

[@wehartcookies]

why are so many people coughing omfg stop

[@Bozothcow]

Every time I'm hearing live music I get a cough, I think everyone does. It's one of the universe's big jokes on humanity.

[@richystar2001]

If people cough. They should be led out of the hall for the rest of the performance. No refund.

[@borgestheborg]

Pretty sure it's the air-conditioning making people's throats dry.

[@antoniocorredor3649]

Debussy produce tos.

[@azun_djlimir9473]

FOR REAL

[@ellendiamond5967]

Dead piece comes alive! I've played this piece all my life and never felt I could make it sound...special. Now, I have a clue. Thanks, Lang Lang.

[@rainbowniji25]

His facial expressions are hilarious 😂😂😂

[@user-nl1xs9bk5h]

子供の頃に「亜麻色の髪の乙女」を聴き魅了されて以来、クラシック音楽やドビュッシーのファンになりました😊ランランさんはいつも楽しそうに弾かれる姿がこちらもウキウキしてきます（笑）因みにこの曲は挑戦して頑張って何回も練習しましたがなかなか上手く弾けず未完のまま、、、ピアニストの方々に憧れと尊敬を感じます💝

[@RyansRecording]

Beautiful ! it takes mew back to my home country remembering the misty fog around the lake and smell of the fresh green tress after the rain.

[@mattrusso8426]

4uSBD where? That sounds nice

[@roxyrox13579]

I don't understand the hate for this. People don't realise Lang Lang is spot on with the timing, tone and rhythm. Personally, when they hate this they are also hating on Debussy because the interpretation of this piece is just as Debussy wrote on the sheet...

[@El-zd9jp]

I dont want to hate but i think you should get your facto right. Debussy didnt Write this Piece like that. Lang lang is going faster at some parts and slower at others than what was written. He is not on time, but that's okay because it's his interpretation. Debussy wrote freely for the speed, so the pianist interprets it individually however he wants to. So he isn't playing exactly like Debussy wrote it or on time and he shouldn't be.

[@alicewilliams4036]

Actually, you can find Debussy's own performance of the piece on KZbin and it's nothing like this. Although the piece is certainly open to interpretation, I personally find Lang Lang's overdone. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raebmnt7gpmabbM

[@jeppefoghpoulsen355]

with all respect for lang lang, plays it really well. his face even making me enjoy it more

[@TheGuyCalledX]

The contrast in color, dynamic, tempo is really well done. Feel like it's easier to enjoy the performance with eyes closed though

[@davictor24]

This is the most beautiful thing I have heard in a while

[@yoan26sept]

Beautiful! The interpretation is full of sincerity and sentiments! Let's appreciate this! Pure musicality! xxx

[@m0ngreltv]

This is so awesome, So rarely have I heard this piece performed well, Bravo.

[@seamarram]

love to watch his face feeling every emotion in the piece. Wonderful. How I wish I'd stuck with those lessons so long ago.

[@francoismarcil2402]

Interprétation sublime aussi doux que les cheveux de lin qui danse molto lentamente con calma. Bémol à écouter les yeux fermés. Lang lang comme toujours est trop manièré.

[@FloatingOnAZephyr]

Not only is that what counts, it's all that counts. If the player is THAT into the performance then so much the better. Who cares if he looks a bit silly, surely we can be adults about this and appreciate the joy this music brings and how much more intensely that joy must be felt by someone able to play such beautiful music so wonderfully.

[@justina9914]

I used to be very critical of his interpretations, but now I understand that different people play differently and I respect him for trying to put in emotion.

[@PeteraBunny]

The way he expresses the music in performance and movement and facial expression...I can almost smell the songs beauty like a delicate and soft fragrance.

[@Jim8515]

Very masterful expression and interpretation! Thanks for posting!

[@JeanReffait]

Claude Debussy encore. Pour une petite merveille, trop courte à mon gré, jouée cette fois par Lang-Lang, le pianiste chinois, qui apporte, en plus, sa légéreté de touche à la traditionnelle et surprenante rénovation musicale de Debussy. Ecoutez et voyez. Ces secondes éthérées évoquent tout ce que vous avez rêvé? Pourquoi ne pas mettre cette pièce d'orfèvrerie musicale avant de faire l'amour ?

[@TheMysterySch00l]

This is my favorite KZbin video. Breaks my heart.

[@oliviapeters8629]

I can tell that he absolutely loves this song, and puts his all into playing it so beautifully. I love watching him perform

[@spectral2341]

@silverbud As you just love sitting on KZbin replying to multiple year old comments on the same video being hateful. If you don't enjoy it, then why are you watching so many of his videos? Not everyone needs to be of your opinion.

[@frankkumon]

Say what you want about Lang Lang, but he absolutely embodies this piece and elevates it to perfection.

[@CatchTh3Wind]

Happy birthday to Debussy and thank you for posting and to him for this performance

[@Andrejviola]

ONE BIG BIG Heart For Him...

[@OliviaSilvaCompositora]

An amazing performance, as always :) I don't understand how people can say he plays it so bad.

[@ajaxbowman5375]

Beautiful! Lang Lang is my Hero

[@bwana375]

Brilliant! Was just in the mood for something like that. Many thanks.

[@successforsena2909]

A blessing to my ears.

[@Shindai]

Can't say i like the music but i always like to see people in their element loving what they're doing

[@MagdySaeb]

Perfection!

[@dengxinyue7546]

So beautiful. I wish to hear him playing more Debussy's works.

[@joejoy8774]

without looking his face, the performance is great , haha !!

[@deannacrissy11]

i could listen to this forever!

[@jakubfigiel3197]

This one of the best performances of this composition I've ever experienced along with Zimerman's from the Deutsche Grammophon Preludes album.

[@user-ri3tf1sx1b]

Beautiful!!That sounds is wonderful!!

[@XDSakuraBlossomXD]

Simply wonderful!

[@v.dargain1678]

That was lovely Lang Lang ! Only Claude Debussy could play it better .

[@lovehanduk]

I understand LangLang, when im practicing (playing the whole piece through) i get high on music. the harmonic progression, you can feel it through every pore of your body and every inch of your bones. and you just smile with pure joy. :) and your face distorts into beauty

[@sorrybutimjaehyunsfuturewi4573]

rly true especially arabesque and clair de lune i rly get high on those piece btw wow ur comment literally from 9 years ago

[@NoferTrunions]

Perhaps that is the best way to connect with this piece since the poem is rather carnal. Myself, I'm drawn into the music leaving nothing but "sleeping face." Bliss. Serenity.

[@lingyanlian6553]

Such a wonderful performance!

[@PhantomCulture]

Stunning performance.

[@michaelmcclure8782]

yo, Lang Lang's phrases go on forever. well done hommie

[@theMad_Artist]

So beautiful. He plays with such sensitivity. As much as people berate him for his liberal approach to interpreting the music, you can't deny his utter perfection of touch and phrasing.

[@user-nj3bx1xu2y]

芯のある音がとてもきれいです

[@izzygowo5089]

i have to say that as a french man listening to debussy sinds my teenage years. This is pure music.

[@ycmgh]

he's present with each note. i just can't believe that people give him the business for being so very much himself while he plays.

[@MDkid1]

He attacked some of the chords a bit too harshly for my taste, but the soft parts were very well played and overall it was great!

[@sneakyevilspawn]

MDkid1 I think sometimes he hit the higher notes in the chords a bit harsh. But it was great if you just listened to the beauty of the music.

[@kirinokousaka8243]

he did it because he always has to make the public feel ...

[@pauldavies5611]

@@kirinokousaka8243 Some of the dynamics are too loud. Debussy was as intent on making the listener "feel" as anyone. What the composer wrote should be observed.

[@danstone873]

This is so beautiful 🥲

[@floanne21]

Personally i think Lang Lang is a joy to watch!!! His music is beautiful and it shows his obvious passion for music! I would rather watch someone like Lang Lang who has expression than someone who has a face like -_- and plays like a machine! It gives the music it's own unique feel and adds emotion! Lang Lang is freaking amazing!!! ^-^

[@michelemimi7628]

une merveille

[@LotsOfGuitarAndSomePiano]

Lang Lang is the most emotional pianist ever. Therefore you need not to watch his face, just listen to the music.

[@DenizInanComposer]

I cried in front of the pure beauty of the piece of music !!!!

[@Juliet0307]

A jewel,thank you,Lang Lang!

[@weizhenzhou1440]

Love him so much

[@karlanderson2999]

He's enjoying playing the piece and i'm only too glad to listen.

[@wora2965]

Gorgeous!

[@Theyoungprime]

BEAUTIFUL

[@anfauglir6834]

Instant classic interpretation of this Prélude

[@tommyguns7]

Just totally inspired by the way he plays this piece. Tone is beautiful not showmanship or else sound would not be this wonderful. If he holds back and thinks of what he looks like when playing, it would not be this expressive. E. Tufankjian

[@musica050531]

So sweet! Amazing!

[@rayl9]

For people who criticize him for the facial features.....he's feeling the music. And enjoying it. I wouldn't want to watch a performance where a pianist would just sit there, still as a rock and have no emotion in the music whatsoever. Come on guys, seriously.

[@paulogazola]

Wow, that was so nice. Is't interesting to see a master that can kill a dragon playing kindly with a tiny ladybug. In love with Debussy's preludes lately, listening to them a lot...

[@marielibens5987]

memories ;-; i remember dancing to this song on our piano in the living room when i was 9

[@comethdownhessian123]

My favorite version of this pice. I could care less what kind of faces he makes when he makes music that beautiful.

[@trenatragedie]

The girl in the flaxen hair...m...m...i love it.beautiful picture draw in this masterpiece.awesome Debussy.

[@richardsimplon8772]

Corection: The girl WITH flaxen hair that is "blond" in french.