The Disney Book

Product Information

The album’s first single, ‘Feed the Birds’ from Mary Poppins, which Walt Disney famously declared to be his favourite Disney melody, is out now.

Lang Lang’s ‘The Disney Book’ Album Released | Film Music Lang Lang’s ‘The Disney Book’ Album Released | Film Music

The inscription below the pianist’s stool reads ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’, the song featured in 1940 animation Pinocchio and the signature sound of California’s Disneyland Park. Whilst maintaining the essence of the melodies, the imaginative and sophisticated arrangements – whether for solo piano or piano and full orchestra – conjure the sound worlds of Debussy and Chopin, as well as the virtuosity of Liszt and Horowitz. As the piece ends, the dawn chorus takes over – a perfect fairytale conclusion to the unveiling of Lang Lang’s latest project, an extensive collection of imaginative arrangements of much-loved songs recorded for The Disney Book released on 16 September 2022. The Disney Book, in both its standard version and extended Deluxe Edition, is packed with dazzling displays of pianism, some delivered in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, others as solo numbers or pieces recorded with a handful of guest artists including Andrea Bocelli, Miloš Karadaglić, Jon Batiste, the Chinese erhu player Guo Gan, and Lang’s wife, Gina Alice.Alongside Hough’s fizzing arrangements is a sophisticated Mary Poppins medley by Natalie Tennenbaum and a plaintive version of ‘My Own Home’ ( The Jungle Book) by Thomas Lauderdale. In 2008 he founded the Lang Lang International Music Foundation aimed at cultivating tomorrow’s top pianists, championing music education at the forefront of technology, and building a young audience through live music experiences.

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Walt Disney regularly asked co-composers Richard and Robert Sherman to play the song for him in his office on a Friday afternoon and they continued this tradition even after the legendary animator’s death in 1966.

When I was a kid I loved watching Mickey Mouse,” remembers Lang Lang, “And, later, I liked The Lion King – it was so touching, especially when Mufasa dies. You cannot just jump around from Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, The Transformers, Japanese manga and The Flintstones. In celebration of 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, globally acclaimed piano virtuoso Lang Lang releases his latest album, The Disney Book, inviting fans of all ages to enjoy classical music through his unique interpretations. It’s a melody that stayed with the musician for a long time afterwards – and now features on the new album.