For the new album Piano Book 2 by Lang Lang, Berlin-based photographer and director Sonja Mueller was commissioned by Deutsche Grammophon to create the complete visual concept. Also, and exclusively on gosee.news: the enchanting making-of video.
In Paris, she produced all photographic and film material for the global campaign. For the album artwork, she worked closely with Art Director Dirk Rudolph, who developed the design concept for the cover and print assets. Under her direction, the official press photos as well as several performance videos for selected pieces of the album were created.
The project was produced together with Isa Herrmann, freelance art buyer and executive producer, in collaboration with the Paris team of JPPS Creative Productions.
“At a shoot, it’s always about the vibe. And Sonja Mueller understood the room immediately - and the pianist even faster. She’s not only technically brilliant, she has that rare talent of connecting with people in a split second. Her energy on set was uplifting, no tension, just full focus and contagious laughter. That’s why she managed to capture Lang Lang’s authenticity and presence – and why the photos look so good: it isn’t a pose, it’s a pure, caught moment. Anyone who can do that is doing everything right. The artwork production is a true highlight.” - Leonie Petersen, Deutsche Grammophon
With Piano Book 2, the world-renowned pianist releases a new collection of 32 pieces – ranging from classical works to film music, pop and anime soundtracks – six years after his celebrated predecessor. His aim remains the same: to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to engage with the piano.
“I hope this collection helps you discover new favorites, reconnect with familiar melodies, and find renewed inspiration at the piano.” - Lang Lang
Sonja Mueller succeeds in condensing this musical spectrum into clear, immediate imagery - photographs that create closeness without staging, capturing both the presence of the pianist and the atmosphere of the album. She also presents a behind-the-scenes video here on GoSee.