At the beginning of the twentieth century, the young Chinese pianist divided music lovers: some hailed his desire to popularise classical music, others scoffed at his ‘showman’ side. In 2003, Lang Lang's recital at Carnegie Hall was his baptism by fire. A star was born. This concert was also an opportunity for the musician to emancipate himself from his ambitious father, whom he invited to play on stage with him at the end of the concert.