Lang Lang's appeal draws beyond the boundaries of classical music. Lang Lang is "the Yao Ming of the piano." You don't get to become a global mega-star by showing restraint and humility and understated sophistication. Since we last saw him here two years ago, he became the face of the Olympics, performing during the Opening ceremony, and received endorsements by Audi, Sony or Rolex.Ca-shing! Check that clip above of him playing the Yellow River concerto in a red tuxedo on a red piano, and you get everything that's wrong with him: tacky and kitschy, he's that close from making Elton John look refined. Lang Lang and Chopin, paired in a symphony series last week, seemed a match made in heaven: over the top, schmaltzy, Romanticism on steroids. Perfect for swooning teenage girls. Boy were we wrong: Lang Lang's performance of Chopin 1st piano concerto was, aside a sparkling brooch affixed to his black jacket which was missing its companion tiara, a model of taste and refinement. It was spec-ta-cu-lar. more ›