“Dos Oruguitas,” from Walt Disney Studios’ Encanto, became a huge hit after the movie came out in 2021. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Colombian singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra, the Spanish-language ballad was Oscar®-nominated for Best Original Song. Yatra reprises his vocals as he joins Lang Lang on a stunning new version of the track created for the pianist’s upcoming album The Disney Book. Their moving interpretation can be enjoyed globally from this Friday, September 2.
The Disney Book, Lang Lang’s homage to some of the best-loved music in movie history, celebrates 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. The album will be released on September 16 on Deutsche Grammophon, in collaboration with Disney Music Group.
“Dos Oruguitas” appears over the emotional flashback sequence explaining the tragedy that has overshadowed the life of Encanto heroine Mirabel’s grandmother, Alma. The title translates as “two little caterpillars” and the allegorical meaning of its lyrics is about learning to accept life’s unexpected changes so that we can fly high as beautiful butterflies. Hollywood veteran Randy Kerber’s new arrangement for Lang Lang creates a duet between voice and piano, building to a soaring conclusion that underlines the song’s uplifting message.
In a Disney first, “Dos Oruguitas” was heard in its original language in every version of the film released worldwide, its folk-inspired melody tying it closely to the story’s roots in Colombia. Singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra, who was born in Colombia, was the obvious choice to perform the song on the soundtrack, and also gave an acclaimed live performance at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.
“I am in awe of the opportunity to work with the talented Lang Lang on this powerful new version of ‘Dos Oruguitas’,” says Yatra. “I am such a big fan of his work, so to be able to continue the journey of this song in this way is more special than I can put into words. I’m incredibly grateful to reimagine this beautiful song with such a legendary pianist for his upcoming Disney album.”
The Disney Book features exceptional new renditions of songs from films ranging from Pinocchio and The Jungle Book to Frozen and Aladdin, reimagined for solo piano or piano and full orchestra by some of the world’s top arrangers. It also sees Lang Lang joined by collaborators from across the globe, including Andrea Bocelli, Jon Batisteand the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Robert Ziegler, as well as Sebastián Yatra. Every track on the album has been specially created for Lang Lang and together they showcase the piano’s versatility.
Much like his hugely successful 2019 album Piano Book, which brought together some of Lang Lang’s favourite pieces as a way to encourage budding young musicians, The Disney Book aims to inspire people of all ages to explore classical music. It is a heartfelt gift to all generations. Lang Lang concludes, “I hope that people of all ages will enjoy this recording and experience the joy that we all felt the first time we saw a Disney film.”
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