Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story

Having read many of the reviews posted here I must say I'm much more deeply informed about the book and also about the background of musical training in China. I cannot give it five stars for the prose; I will give it five stars for the level of insight the volume brings to all levels of young musician. I strongly recommend it.The posts by the reviews with Asian backgrounds were particularly informative. This remarkable young man was only 22 at the time of publication of this volume. For young musicians it is a must read. The sentence structure is simple, vocabulary is not large. Two thirds of the way through one discovers, while studying at Curtis, he had received virtually no training in Beijing outside of music. History, beyond the confines of the Communist Chinese cannon, was unknown to him. Lang Lang devoured books on military and political history while at Curtis. He knew nothing about the worlds inhabited by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and the other authors of this non-Chinese musical universe. He had no exposure to Western literature, and minimal exposure to Eastern writings beyond fables of the Monkey King. The concentration on piano must have been exceptionally intense; so far so obvious. What fascinates me is the volume of knowledge that was pushed to the side. The intensity of the study boggles the mind. I was also fascinated by how the spirit of this young man was able to fill so many holes, perhaps a Western term, in his education.Several Asian commentators highlighted the relationship with his father and the cathartic effect writing this book must have had for Lang Lang. He must have intended the volume as a mirror for other families engaged in this process. I must give him kudos for both this intention and the actual text he wrote. It is powerful. There are probably audiences that badly need this book that won't read it. I'm thinking of parents of those young girls in beauty pageants; these cathedrals of vanity take over lives of any that enter. There seem to be countless other bastions we place around our talented, and untalented young, allegedly to "help them". Lang Lang was most fortunate to break through his to find the shining light of day. Mr. Graffman in later chapters punctures most effectively the vanity of "winning competitions" and "being number one". His advice and world view is most welcome.I am a big fan of Lang Lang. On hearing a concert I could only state that "this young man knows what freedom is". His playing of Liszt exudes energy and a passion for liberty in every bar.If you want reminiscences of a great pianist at the end of life, buy another book. If you want insights into the life of young artists in the current intense global competition, savor this one.

I saw Lang Lang perform with the Florida Orchestra in Tampa, Florida in 2001 or 2002. He was 19 years old. A friend of mine was the principle clarinetist with the Orchestra, and they performed (among other things) Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto. In the quiet movement where the piano and clarinet begin the section, Lang Lang and my friend performed this piece so beautifully! My friend told me later that, in all his years with the Florida Orchestra, he had never seen a young person perform this piece with such expressionism and emotion.Lang Lang's book took me back to those days, as he described his childhood and the sometimes harsh training he experienced with his father and his great love for his mother. A sad book that ultimately triumphs in the end.For anyone seriously studying music, especially the piano, I highly recommend that you read this book!

Traditionally, iconic musicians arose by winning international competitions and justifying managers like Sol Hurok (who represented Artur Rubinstein) to promote their life-long careers. Lang Lang is a thirty-something concert pianist who has proved his excellence by winning the Moscow Tchaikovsky Competition (like Van Cliburn). He travels the world, gives master classes and plays concerts. Like most modern performers, he builds audiences via YouTube and sells recordings via Amazon.Lang Lang's career started almost in infancy and this was, to me, the most interesting part of the book for two reasons: How would you handle a child like this? How did it happen that ordinary Chinese people knew so much about 19th century western music such that there was no problem finding teachers for him? Lang Lang had a demanding father whose only aim was to make him "number one" and a never-present mother who worked to pay the bills. He has never had, and will never have, a normal life. But, neither did other historic prodigies, like Mozart and Artur Rubinstein. This is what we do with our most gifted children and it's a miracle when they become well-adjusted adults.

This is a touching and endearing story of a little Chinese boy's journey to become what was expected in the culture of that time, to be "number one", winning competition after competition. Later, when he went to Curtis Institute in the U.S., he was taught that it is the process to greatness that is the most important. Hard work to succeed is vital, but it is balance in a person's life that sustains a career. His father recognizes that he was abusive, and it grieves him. His mother's sacrifices to provide support was hard for a little boy to understand but, as Lang Lang said, once, anything can be endured if a child knows he is loved. He knew his parents loved him. Themes of love, hard work, honesty and healing run throughout this lovely little book. His parents remain an integral part of his career and life, and he is not only a brilliant pianist, but he gives back to society in his home country and abroad. Quite a testimony.

Very insightful and a very heartfelt book. People are often critical of his emotions and gestures when playing. Read this book so you can understand the complex nature of this artist. Thank goodness someone finally took the stiffness out of classical piano! My impression was that he is a very gentle soul and genuine. I met him three weeks ago and he is a very kind and lovely man. The world needs more humans like Lang Lang. If you play like I do his book is also an inspiration. Keep some kleenex close by, you will need it.

It's a very interesting biography, very easy reading. It shows that to become a good pianist and achieve stardom, one has to make a lot of sacrifice and still some luck is needed. Although sometimes it was a bit harsh, what Lang Lang's father did to his so. But if one knows what has happened since Mao Zedong ruled China, it's understandable why his father did what he did.

Journey of a Thousand Miles documents the remarkable, dramatic story of a family who sacrificed almost everything--his parents' marriage, financial security, Lang Lang's childhood.This is a must for any musician,the fact that its true makes it even more incredible.

bought this for my husband's birthday and although it took a little while to arrive, it was in excellent condition, as new, and he was very pleased with it and thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Mind-blowing story and very well told. What a journey Lang Lang has had to get where he is today.

For anyone interested in an artist's life, Lang Lang's trials and triumphs offer remarkable insights.