Lang Lang’s Piano Book 2: A Celebration of Music for Everyone

“With Piano Book 2, I want to present more music that speaks to everyone who loves the piano – whether you’re just beginning, returning after many years, or simply playing for the joy of it.”

These words from Lang Lang perfectly encapsulate the spirit of his highly anticipated new album, Piano Book 2, released today on Deutsche Grammophon. Six years after the groundbreaking success of his 2019 Piano Book album, this new volume brings together 32 miniature masterpieces that span centuries, genres, and cultures. From timeless classical works by Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff to contemporary compositions by Tony Ann, Yu-Peng Chen, Ludovico Einaudi, and Joe Hisaishi, the album also features beloved themes from film and TV scores, anime, and video games, including Amélie, La La Land, Naruto, and the viral sensation Rush E. To mark the release, Lang Lang also unveiled a brand-new performance video of Chopin’s Nocturne.

The album’s launch was celebrated in spectacular fashion at an event in Beijing, China, on September 17. Lang Lang shared the creative inspiration behind Piano Book 2 and performed several pieces live for the first time. The evening’s highlight came when the iconic animated duo Tom and Jerry made a surprise appearance on stage, paying tribute to Lang Lang and his childhood dream of pursuing music, which was inspired by their antics. This playful moment underscored the educational mission at the heart of the Piano Book series: to ignite a love for the piano in audiences of all ages. The event also showcased special collaborations, including a premiere performance of Tony Ann’s viral composition Icarus, arranged for four hands and performed alongside Lang Lang.

Following the Beijing launch, Lang Lang took the stage at the OPUS KLASSIK Gala on October 12 at Berlin’s Konzerthaus, where he performed select pieces from Piano Book 2 and accepted the award for Bestseller of the Year for his 2024 album Saint-Saëns. The gala was broadcast on national television, further amplifying the album’s reach.

Lang Lang’s Piano Book remains his highest-streaming album to date, with over 1.2 billion streams worldwide, and continues to be one of the best-selling classical albums since its release in 2019. Piano Book 2 builds on this legacy, reaffirming Lang Lang’s commitment to inspiring pianists of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Through his Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF), he has already encouraged tens of millions of children in China and beyond to learn the piano, supported by educational programs, masterclasses, mentoring schemes, and other initiatives.

The 32 tracks on Piano Book 2 were carefully curated based on fan requests, school syllabi, Lang Lang’s teaching experience, and personal favorites, with subtle nods to modern media and streaming culture. Lang Lang describes these pieces as “miniature masterpieces,” each chosen to resonate with listeners in unique ways.

In a heartfelt message to his fans, Lang Lang concludes, “I hope this collection helps you discover new favorites, reconnect with familiar melodies, and find renewed inspiration at the piano.”

Piano Book 2 is available digitally and in physical formats, including 2 CD and 2 LP editions. A marbled vinyl version and CD/LP sets with signed art cards are available exclusively from the DG Store.

Following the global release of Piano Book 2, Lang Lang will embark on an international tour, bringing the album’s repertoire to life in concert halls worldwide. Fans can expect immersive performances that blend his signature virtuosity with storytelling, as he shares personal anecdotes about the music and its significance.

Meanwhile, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF) will expand its educational outreach, offering free online masterclasses and interactive workshops tied to Piano Book 2. Aspiring pianists will gain access to exclusive tutorials, including Lang Lang’s own practice tips for selected pieces.

A Lasting Legacy
Lang Lang’s vision for Piano Book 2 extends beyond the album itself. By bridging classical traditions with contemporary culture, he continues to break barriers and redefine how the piano connects generations. As he often says, “Music is a language without borders” – and this collection is his latest love letter to the world.