Lang Lang had to age like red wine before releasing a complete set of Beethoven piano concertos

Chinese pianist Lang Lang required over 25 years of touring the classical music world before he felt prepared to record all five Beethoven piano concertos. The renowned performer, now 44, explained that maturation is "like red wine" when discussing his artistic development. Deutsche Grammophon announced that Lang Lang's interpretations will be released on March 5, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death.

The three-CD set will be distributed through streaming services and a vinyl version of the "Emperor" concerto, which the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra premiered in 1811. Lang Lang will perform all five concertos with Paavo Järvi and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from March 24-27. Additionally, a documentary and concert versions of Nos. 3 and 5 will be released.

Lang Lang's unique appeal to pop audiences, including collaborations with artists like Sting, Metallica, Ed Sheeran, Herbie Hancock, and Pharrell Williams, has been a significant factor in his success. DG president Clemens Trautmann noted that Lang Lang connects with a broader audience through his artistry and collaborations.

Each pianist brings a distinct interpretation of Beethoven's works, and Lang Lang's recordings will face competition from well-regarded versions by Alfred Brendel, Leon Fleisher, Artur Rubinstein, and Artur Schnabel. The recordings were made in an empty auditorium in June last year, with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Lang Lang credits conductor Andris Nelsons for the rich sound of the Leipzig Gewandhaus, which inspired his approach to the Beethoven cycle.

Lang Lang's favorite Beethoven piano performances are by Daniel Barenboim, who he compares to Schnabel and Wilhelm Furtwängler in terms of their solid, deep, and struggling styles. Lang Lang's recordings of the Beethoven cycle were delayed due to tendinitis from attempting to learn Maurice Ravel's "Piano Concerto for the Left Hand" and a previous recording of the "Goldberg Variations" that took place three years after he canceled several appearances due to injuries.