Chinese pianist Lang Lang is to release his new album which features two different versions of Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations on Friday.

 

"I'm now 38 and, while that's not old, I think the time was right for a new stage in my artistic development. I've moved into new terrain with the Goldberg Variations and really immersed myself fully in this project," said Lang Lang in a press release issued by Universal Music Group (UMG).

 

"My goal as an artist is to keep becoming more self-aware and more knowledgeable, as well as to keep offering inspiration to others. It's an ongoing process, but this project has taken me a little further along the path," he said.

 

The album will be released on Deutsche Grammophon on Sept. 4 in two complementary performances given by the pianist: the first was recorded in a single take in a concert at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig of Germany, Bach's workplace for almost 30 years and site of his grave; the second was made soon after in the seclusion of the studio.

 

The UMG is to hold an online briefing for North American media on Sept. 8. The event will be chaired by UMG president Graham Parker via Zoom.

 

Lang Lang's previous album, Piano Book, became 2019's biggest selling classical album worldwide. It topped classical charts in multiple countries and was also his biggest streaming debut, with over 170 million streams. Lang Lang is one of the most influential classical musicians in the world, with more than 20 million followers across social media.