Two Virtuosos, One Unmistakable Voice: Genius
Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang Perform at Hollywood Bowl
Aug 8, 2009
As the immortal Miles Davis said in his autobiography, "Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven't heard anybody yet who has come after him."
The Many Sides of Herbie Hancock’s Musical Personality
Recently, Hancock revealed the classical music genius that possesses his soul during a performance with the “hottest artist on the classical music planet” - the award-winning pianist, Lang Lang, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The program, conducted by John Axelrod, consisted of works by such great composers as Mozart, Leonard Bernstein, Ralph Vaughan Williams, George Gershwin and a medley of Hancock’s own great compositions “Cantaloupe Island,” “Dolphin Dance,” and “Maiden Voyage.”
The program opened with one of Mozart’s most important works – Overture to The Marriage of Figaro. Performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this beautiful overture exceeded all expectations and enforced the brightest pleasures one receives from hearing this great music.
Proving that “two virtuosos are better than one” when playing Ralph Vaughan Williams Concerto in C major for Two Pianos and Orchestra, Mr. Hancock and Lang Lang performed its swirling first movement and fugal Finale with grace and serene romanticism. In the Romanza, Hancock was calm and composed while Lang Lang sparkled. The audience loved the combination and gave the triumphant pair a roaring ovation.
Lang Lang Solo
The 27-year old prodigy who was viewed by over 5 billion people when he performed in Beijing’s opening ceremony at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, continued his presence on the world stage with a performance of Liszt’s Third Liebestraum. His creativity was inspiring and the near capacity audience showed their support with a standing ovation. Hancock returned to the stage and the two pianists then played a brief duo improvisation on Chinese folk themes
After intermission, LA Philharmonic changed directions with Leonard Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story. With interaction from the audience, this piece was an excellent example of Bernstein’s wit and brilliance and the orchestra seems to love shouting “mambo” on cue.
Herbie Hancock Solo
Mr. Hancock humorously announced his selections would be a medley of “Cantaloupe Island,” “Dolphin Dance,” and “Maiden Voyage,” all “mixed up so that you don’t know where one ends and the other begins.” This true icon of modern music performed passionately and developed each work-within-a- work with the skill that only a master musician could pull off. The audience loved his solo spot and proved it with a standing ovation.
The Grand Finale – Rhapsody In Blue
If you have had the opportunity to hear George Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue performed live with an orchestra, then after hearing the arrangement by Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, you’ll think you’ve really been missing something.
This arrangement for Two Pianos was absolutely breathtaking. Each pianist conversed in Gershwin’s syncopated, rhythmic language and vigor. The appealing melodic beauty was also enhanced by the flamboyant clarinet solo of Michele Zukovsky and the seemingly magical conducting of John Axelrod that dared the clarinetist to demonstrate the rare combination of classical virtuosity and laid-back jazz flair.
Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang have stunned the musical world with their great performances. For more information on these exciting musicians, please visit their websites at www.herbiehancock.com and www.langlang.com
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