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Lang Lang is a piano superstar who is not only a very popular concert pianist but also a great advocate for training young musicians through the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. The Lang Lang Young Scholars Program is part of the foundation.
Yesterday we found out what these pianists do to avoid getting too nervous before performing. Today, we'll get their suggestions on building an epic classical playlist. We'll hear from Yau Nam, Xinran, Ryan and Anna.
Let's start with Yau Nam Wu and find out what he thinks should be on THE ultimate classical playlist. (Even though Beethoven is Yau Nam's "Greatest of All Times," — plot twist — he actually suggests a DIFFERENT composer.
Xinran Shi had a hard time narrowing down her choice because her favorite piece is always changing, but let's discover what she loves right now.
Ryan Lu selected a piece by Yau Nam's G.O.A.T. — Beethoven!
And let's get a last suggestion from Anna Kesselman. (If your playlist is strictly classical, go for Schumann's "Kinderszenen" and if you want to spice it up, consider Anna's suggestions to add Laufey and Ariana Grande.)
This week's "Mystery Melody"
This week's Mystery Melody was "Fur Elise" by Beethoven. Did you know it? We heard from Paloma, Eliza and Clara from Traverse City, also Laletta and Barbara, who texted us with the correct answer. Congratulations to this week's Golden Ears who guessed the clip correctly!
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of "Intermezzo."
Thanks to our cohosts of the Lang Lang Young Scholars Program.
Additional production help came from Amanda Sewell and Gracie Westergaard.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
