When YouTuber Emilio Piano was busking on a piano in Gare de Lyon, for him it likely seemed like another ordinary day. He had no idea he was about to be involved in a massive viral online moment, involving a special surprise guest that no one in the crowd who had gathered would have predicted would be appearing.
That special guest was Lang Lang, the classical Chinese pianist who is famous worldwide for his jaw-dropping musicianship and piano playing abilities. He approached a second piano next to the one Emilio was playing, and to the surprise and shock of many lucky passers-by who were there that day, started up an epic piano battle with his fellow musician.
At first, even Emilio himself could not seem to believe what was happening – after all, it’s not every day the greatest classical piano player in the world sits down to play alongside you. But soon the pair were engaged in a playful battle of musicianship and wills, each adapting the riffs and melodies that the other was playing.
Those Music Man readers who are already familiar with Emilio’s YouTube channel will know that this is not the first time he has rubbed shoulders with a famous musician. One of the most popular videos on his channel, for instance, shows him being joined at a busking session by pop star Teddy Swims, who gives a perfect rendition of his song ‘Lose Control’ with Emilio on piano as accompaniment.
As the videos above prove, there is a reason why Emilio Piano has over eight million subscribers on YouTube. Not only is he an insane piano player himself, but he also clearly has a knack for collaborating with other musicians who are equally talented!
Emilio Piano’s impromptu duel with Lang Lang turned an ordinary day at Gare du Lyon into a viral musical moment — playful, breathtaking and impossible to forget. Want to see the magic for yourself or learn more about the pianists? Check the useful links below to watch the performance and explore their work.