Matthew Stadlen

Lang Lang: You can’t compare Bach and Schoenberg, or Justin Timberlake and The Beatles

The pianist tells the Spectator his dazzling career was inspired by the Tom and Jerry Show – and that sometimes he has to fend off bad spirits

This charming man: Lang Lang rehearsing with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic [Getty Images/iStock/Shutterstock/Alamy] 
issue 11 January 2014
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As Lang Lang walked from the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in November, a little girl emerged from the audience to embrace him. It was a disarming moment that seemed to symbolise the impact of the 31-year-old Chinese pianist. He has rock star appeal.

And then, for Lang Lang, the end was the beginning.

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