Lang Lang Launches Piano Book 2 at Global Premiere in Beijing

Six years after the worldwide phenomenon of Piano Book, celebrated pianist Lang Lang returns with the eagerly awaited sequel, Piano Book 2. At a spectacular launch event in Beijing, Lang Lang shared the creative inspiration behind the new album and performed several pieces live for the first time. Joining him on stage were Tony Ann, the rising Chinese-Canadian pianist signed to Decca Records, Universal Music France and 11-year-old prodigy Zhang Chenghao, who portrayed a young Lang Lang in film. The event’s biggest surprise came when the iconic animated duo Tom and Jerry appeared on stage to pay tribute to the pianist. Their appearance perfectly embodied the educational mission at the heart of the Piano Book series: to inspire a love of the piano in audiences young and old. Piano Book 2 will be released worldwide by Deutsche Grammophon. The album is available to preorder here and will be released globally on October 17^th.

Released in 2019, Piano Book became a global classical phenomenon in the 21st century, amassing over 1.2 billion streams worldwide and topping classical charts in the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia and beyond. Reflecting on the sequel, Lang Lang said:

“The idea behind the first Piano Book was to help more people fall in love with the piano and make it part of everyday life. Many of the pieces I loved to play as a child had never been recorded by professional pianists, yet I felt they deserved to be. Thanks to the support of Universal Music, I could share these miniature masterpieces with listeners. I hope there will be a Piano Book 3, 4, and beyond, because there are still so many pieces I want to share.”

Piano Book 2 presents a rich mix of repertoire. Works by Bach, Mozart, Satie and Debussy sit alongside newly arranged themes from beloved films such as La La Land and Amélie, as well as music from the hit Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong. Lang Lang’s live performance of music from Black Myth: Wukong was greeted with thunderous applause.

“I am a huge fan of Sun Wukong, and I was thrilled by the global success of the game,” he explained. “Through works like these, Chinese culture can be shared and celebrated worldwide, just as we did with Jasmine Flower in the first Piano Book. By including film and game music in new arrangements, I hope to bring music closer to people’s daily lives.”

The Beijing launch also highlighted special collaborations. Tony Ann premiered a new four-hand arrangement of his viral composition Icarus, performed alongside Lang Lang.

“It is such an honour to collaborate with Lang Lang,” said Ann. “Since I was 12 years old, his artistry has inspired me and shaped my musical journey. This partnership feels like a dream come true.”

Zhang Chenghao, the young pianist who once portrayed Lang Lang on screen, joined him for a dazzling four-hand performance of Andrew Wrangell’s Rush E. Their duet set the stage for Tom and Jerry’s unexpected entrance — Tom, dressed in tails, even took up the role of conductor before joining Lang Lang in a playful recreation of the cartoon’s legendary piano scenes.

The launch was attended by senior Universal Music Group executives including Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Greater China; Vivian Xu, COO of Universal Music Greater China; Natasha Baldwin, President, Global Classics and Jazz and Screen, Universal Music Group; and Dr. Clemens Trautmann, President, Deutsche Grammophon and Head of New Business Strategies.

Timothy Xu presented Lang Lang with a bespoke bronze sculpture of Tom and Jerry. “As one of Lang Lang’s earliest inspirations, Tom and Jerry represent more than childhood memories — they symbolize his mission to inspire music education,” said Xu. “The Piano Book series is a gift from Lang Lang to every piano learner. Just as Tom once sparked Lang Lang’s passion for the piano, I believe Piano Book will continue to inspire countless music lovers around the world.”

Natasha Baldwin added: “Lang Lang continues his mission to inspire with this record – it is a story of life-enhancing experiences, dedicated to piano enthusiasts of all levels, all backgrounds and all nationalities. And at Universal Music Group, around the world, once again we are truly inspired by Lang Lang, his artistry and his passion. Congratulations Lang Lang!”

Dr. Clemens Trautmann remarked: “Piano Book is a global classical phenomenon in the 21st century. I remember its humble beginnings when you first came up with the idea of a piano album for lovers and learners in a creative meeting in Paris. Piano Book 2 again strikes an amazing balance between all-time favorites, new discoveries and contemporary compositions, it excites on a streaming track basis as well as a holistic album experience. A big bravo to you and thank you to our team at Deutsche Grammophon for their commitment to your mission.”

The album’s first single, Liszt’s Consolation No. 2, is now available on all major streaming platforms. The complete 32-track album will be released worldwide on October 17 across digital and physical formats, including special signed CD and LP editions available via the DG Store.