Biography
Richard Clayderman (French Richard Clayderman - in France pronounced as Richard Clayderman; real name Philippe Page?, French Philippe Pages) is a French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film music.
He began piano lessons very early under the guidance of his father, a music teacher.
At the age of 12, he entered the conservatory, where he received first place among 16-year-old comrades. To pay for his studies, as well as to improve himself, he began to play the piano. He worked for Michel Sardou, Thierry LeLuron and Johnny Halliday.
In 1976, he was invited by a record producer to try out with 20 other pianists to record ballads. As a result, he was chosen, and from that moment his popularity increased significantly.
Creation
The work of the French pianist Richard Clayderman enjoys continued success with both European and Asian audiences. gbtimes journalists had the honor to talk to the maestro and ask about his life and work.
Pianist, arranger, performer of popular and classical music, Richard Clayderman is considered one of the world's best pianists. Perhaps, the unique playing style of Richard Clayderman made him famous: the pianist combines original songs with recognizable popular melodies and makes modern arrangements of classical pieces.
Richard Clayderman became world famous for his performance of Paul de Senneville's "Ballad for Adeline". This was followed by no less luxurious versions of the musical reading of the music for the films "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "Love Story", "Sunny Valley Serenade", as well as his arrangements of such classical works as Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto, Second Piano Rachmaninov's concerto and others.
Popularity in Asia
Richard Clayderman has toured many Asian countries, including Japan and China, giving concerts in front of thousands of people. In 2012, as part of a tour of China, the pianist performed in the best halls of the country and gave a concert in the Great Hall of the People.
The concert broadcast by Chinese TV was watched by more than 800 million people. What contributed to such incredible popularity of the pianist in China?
“The influence of piano music is growing in China. A generation of young pianists are interested in classical music. I try to select a varied repertoire for my listeners. There are always a lot of young musicians at my concerts who love both classical and popular music. I think that they are the future,” the pianist is sure. Richard Clayderman recalls with excitement his performances in China, where he was received with surprising hospitality. According to the maestro, the Chinese audience is different from the European one.
There is another reason for Richard Clayderman's popularity in China. In 2008, when a devastating earthquake struck the Chinese province of Sichuan, the pianist donated a significant amount to help those affected by the disaster. He gave a charity concert in Nanning. During the concert, the pianist auctioned off three pianos he had played earlier. The proceeds from the sale, totaling 100,000 yuan ($14.5 thousand), were donated to earthquake-hit areas in Sichuan province.
According to Richard Clayderman, he always puts a whole range of emotions and feelings into his music. Last year he recorded a new album, Romantique. Along with the old classical compositions "West Side Story", "Ballad for Adeline", "Duet of Flowers", the album also includes arrangements of modern works, for example, a cover version of the song Someone Like You, which previously became popular performed by the singer Adele. “The new album was recorded with the accompaniment of an orchestra. To record the album, I went to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to work with a professional orchestra of 60 musicians.
The mood of all musical compositions included in the album is soft, gentle, non-aggressive. Therefore, the album is called Romantique,” said the maestro. With music for life According to Richard Clayderman, it is very important for him to return home after the tour and rest his soul, so he devotes all his free time to his family and wife. “But even in my free time, I can’t imagine my life without music. At home I listen to jazz and the music of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Sample, Pat Metheny and Michel Petrucciani, a French pianist who died a few years ago. I admire the creativity of these musicians.” "Ballad for Adeline"
Perhaps the most famous work performed by Richard Clayderman was and is "Ballad for Adeline" (1976), which has already become an instrumental classic. According to the composer, even after 35 years he never gets tired of performing this beautiful melody solo or accompanied by an orchestra. “The French composer Paul de Senneville composed a melody for his daughter Adeline and invited me to perform this composition. We made a studio recording of this simple and memorable melody, which gained immense popularity not only in France, but also in many countries of the world,” the pianist recalls.
To date, Clayderman has recorded more than 1,200 pieces of music and released over 100 CDs with a total circulation of 90 million copies. The pianist has toured Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Sometimes he gives more than 200 concerts a year!
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Discography
2010 True Love
2010 Plays The Music Of ABBA
2010 Christmas
2009 The Millennium Collection (Passion)
2009 The Millennium Collection (MEMORY)
2009 The Millennium Collection (LOVE)
2009 The Millennium Collection (LONELY)
2009 The Millennium Collection (Life)
2009 The Millennium Collection (DREAM)
2009 The Essential Richard Clayderman (4 CDs)
2009 The Best World Instrumental Hits (2 CDs)
2008 Standard Music (2 CDs)
2008 Song Of The Wind
2007 Velvet piano
2007 The Best 100 (2 CDs)
2007 A Thousand Winds
2006 The Solid Gold Collection (2 CDs)
2006 I Forever... My Way
2006 Le meilleur de Richard Clayderman
2005 The Ultimate Collection (Box Set 3 CD)
2004 The Very Best Of James Last & Richard Clayderman (3 CDs)
2003 The Very Best Of (3 CDs)
2003 Cinema Passion 2
2003 Plays The Love Songs
2003 Piano Passion
2003 New Era - China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra
2002 The Confluence (Santoor & Piano)
2002 25 Years of Golden Hits (2 CDs)
2001 The Love Collection
2000 The Best of (6 CDs Set)
1999 In Amore
1998 Chinese Garden (Richard Clayderman & Shao Rong)
1997 Especially For You (The Best)
1996 Tango
1995 Two Together
1995 The new Romantic Ballads
1995 Selection (2 CDs)
1995 Japon Mon Amour
1994 When A Man Loves A Woman
1994 One World Of Music
1994 My Classic Collection Vol.2
1994 In Harmony
1993 Traumereien 3
1993 Plays ABBA - The Hits
1993 A Little Night Music
1992 Traumereien 2
1992 The very best of
1992 Desperado
1992 Best Songs
1992 America Latina...Volume 2 Mon Amour
1992 America Latina Mon Amour
1991 Traumereien
1991 Together At Last
1991 Serenaden
1991 My Classic Collection
1991 Mis Canciones Favoritas (2CD)
1990 Traummelodien
1990 - The Fantastic Movie Story Of Ennio Morricone
1990 The Love Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber
1990 The Fantastic Movie Story Of Ennio Morricone
1990 Il y a toujours de Soleil ...au dessus des Nuages
1990 Golden Hearts
1990 Festliche Weihnacht
1989 The Christmas Collection
1989 Souvenirs
1989 Amour Pour Amour
1989 Night dreams - the music of love
1989 My Favorite Melodies
1989 Golden Music of Richard Clayderman & Denver Music Orchestra
1989 Concerto
1989 Anemos
1988 Zodiacal Symphony
1988 Traumereien in Gold
1988 Thailand Mon Amour
1988 Quel gran genio del mio amico
1988 A Little Night Music
1988 Romantic America
1987 Songs Of Love
1987 France mon amour
1987 Eleana
1986 Christmas
1986 Chansons d'amour
1985 The Classic Touch
1985 Les Sonates
1985 From Paris with Love
1983 Le Premiere Cragnin D "elsa (Lp)
1983 A Dream Of Love
1982 A Come Amore (LP)
1980 Les Musique De L'amour
Richard Clayderman(fr. Richard Clayderman - in France it is pronounced as Richard Clayderman; real name Philippe Page, fr. Philippe Pagès; born December 28, 1953, Paris) - French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as music for films.
His story began in France on December 28, 1953. Philip Pages (this is the real name of the pianist) grew up in one of the districts of Paris, Romainville. He received his first musical education from his father, a furniture dealer who, due to health problems, was forced to switch to private music lessons. Little Philip constantly spun under the feet of students who came to his father's classes, and did not miss the opportunity to sit down at the piano himself. Even then, he was completely fascinated by the sounds of this instrument. “Since birth, I have been surrounded by music. Not a day went by without her. In fact, the first time I touched the keys was when I was three or four years old."
When Philip was six years old, his grandfather gave him an old piano, and this gift forever determined the fate of the boy. With a zeal that is not at all childish, he rehearses for hours on end, learns to read from a sheet of music (at that time he did it even better than speaking his native French), and two years later he wins the local talent competition. In order to support his enthusiasm in the young pianist, as well as to develop technique and style, his father introduces Philip to classical music. also to improve himself, he began to play the piano. He worked for Michel Sadoux, Thierry LeLuron and Johnny Hallyday.
It seemed that fate had assigned him a direct road to the classical stage... But Philip, to everyone's surprise, chooses a different path and, together with his friends, creates a rock band - "I didn't want to be just a classical pianist, I wanted something else...". By that time, his father had finally fallen ill and could no longer support his family. Philippe has to master the completely non-creative work of a bank clerk, but in the evenings he still continues to play, accompanying famous French artists, among whom were Johnny Holiday and Michel Sardou. Rumors about the brilliant abilities of the young pianist quickly spread in musical circles, and soon he becomes literally "like hot cakes". Philip feels quite satisfied with the current role of an accompanist: “When I dreamed of becoming a pianist as a child, I thought about the role of a session musician. I didn’t see myself as a solo artist, it seemed unrealistic to me.”
A radical turn in the life of a musician occurred in 1976. That year, the owners of the French record company Delfine, producers Paul de Senneville and Olvier Toussaint, were looking for a pianist to perform a song that Paul had written for his daughter, "Ballad for Adeline." After listening to more than twenty young talents, they opt for a musician, about whom Olvier Toussaint would later write: “We were looking for just a capable pianist - and were amazed to see Richard Clayderman, his romantic appearance and talent, which was felt in every movement.”
Philip Pages was still preparing to become a star, and the producers were already preoccupied with finding a name that would be easy to pronounce in different languages. As a result, they used the surname of his own grandmother, a Swede by origin, from which, by the way, Philip inherited his blond hair and blue eyes, which are not usual for a Frenchman. This is how the famous pseudonym Richard Clayderman appeared. Toussaint and de Senneville believed in their song and their new protege - and they were not mistaken. Moreover, the success of "Ballad for Adeline" (_fr. Ballade pour Adeline), written by Paul Senneville, made him a star beyond their wildest expectations. The song became a real hit and sold over 22 million copies in more than 30 countries.
The debut of Richard Clayderman immediately became an instrumental classic and set the tone for his brilliant musical career. Soon after the appearance of the triumphant single, the pianist's first solo album was released, which included songs written by de Senneville and Toussaint. And in the next two years, Richard Clayderman recorded five stunning albums at once, demonstrating the versatility of his performing talent: he combines original songs with recognizable popular melodies and adapts classical works in a modern way.
From that time on, what will later be called a "success story" begins - the unique playing style of Richard Clayderman brings him the status of a world superstar. In the words of one German journalist, "he has probably done more to popularize piano music than anyone else since Beethoven." The skill of Richard Clayderman is growing. His fame reaches all corners of the world, and record sales beat all conceivable records. He constantly tours, generously sharing his talent with his listeners. His usual work schedule includes recording new material every summer, promoting the album for two to three months, and immediately following that, a concert tour that takes up the entire first half of the following year. The maestro admits: “Performing on stage is something very special. Now, as a solo artist, I can say that I really enjoy being on stage and interacting with the audience... I feel it and enjoy it.”
The love of live performances takes Richard Clayderman on a wide-ranging tour of Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Sometimes he gives more than 200 concerts in a year! His event portfolio now includes a memorable show in the Moscow Kremlin, a performance in China, which was watched by more than 800 million people, and a visit to Australia, timed to coincide with the celebration of the bicentennial of the continent.
In between endless tours, Richard Clayderman also manages to record his exclusive regional albums. Let's take 1988 for example. Richard Clayderman releases "Romantic America" for the USA and Canada, "A Bit of Night Music" for the UK, "Zodiac Symphony" for France, and during his tour in Japan he records the album "Prince of the Land of the Rising Sun", dedicated to the wedding of the young monarch.
At different periods of his brilliant career, Richard Clayderman played with many famous musicians, and the pianist's greatest creative success was, perhaps, his collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Their meeting took place in January 1985 at the recording of a concert called "A Bit of Classics", where Richard Clayderman first presented to the public his adaptation of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto.
A graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, he could effortlessly become famous as a classical concert pianist. However, this was not destined to come true. He chose his path. His repertoire goes beyond one style and often even balances on the verge of several, from classical to light jazz, but still, Richard Clayderman is, first of all, a master of romantic moods. No wonder he is called the "prince of romance." By the way, the authorship of this title belongs to Nancy Reagan. Legend has it that she named Richard Clayderman after hearing the young pianist at a New York benefit in 1980. “Most likely, she had in mind the style of my music, my emotions, feelings,” the maestro himself comments on the honorary title.
Over the 25+ years of his musical career, Richard Clayderman has produced over 60 albums and recorded over 1,000 songs. His discs have gone platinum over 60 times and have gone gold 260 times. Add to this 1500 concerts, and you will no longer have any doubts that Richard Clayderman is a real unique on the modern stage. He is truly proud that the music he plays is understandable and accessible to all generations: “A variety of people come to my concerts: parents with small children, teenagers who are just discovering piano music, and their grandparents, who have been my fans for so many years."
The recognition of Richard's merits popularized the piano so much that some commentators have called him the greatest popularizer of this musical instrument in the 20th century. One well-known German critic said that there had not been such a popularizer of the piano since Beethoven's time.
The third bell sounds - the concert begins! At the piano - maestro Richard Clayderman.
"Thanks to Nancy Reagan, I became the Prince of Romance"
Roger Daltrey - "Rjlling Stone"
What do you think is the key to your success - in your talent, your ability to work or a good combination of circumstances?
I think everything that you have listed is the components of success. I was lucky to be born into the family of a music teacher who instilled in me a love for this art. Talent... I received a small gift - musical ability. If I had not worked and forced myself to study for several hours a day, then nothing would have happened. And, of course, the people with whom I was lucky to work - producers, composers ... Without them, I would not have become who I am today.
Was your father also a successful musician? And has it influenced your work?
My father was not a professional musician. He was a carpenter by profession and played the accordion for his pleasure. When dad fell ill and could no longer work in his specialty, he retrained as a music teacher. So, a piano appeared in our house. Naturally, I was attracted by the enchanting sounds of this instrument. I was so small that I don't remember when I first touched the keyboard. My father began to teach me the basics of playing the piano, and subsequently I entered the conservatory. I was born with a piano, and I will probably die with a piano. I hope not because of the piano.
Did your father help you write music?
I am not a composer and I do not write music. I just play beautiful compositions written by Olivier Tucson and Paul De Saneville.
Could you imagine that one day you will be called the Prince of Romance?
I will tell you the story of how this "title" came about. In 1985, I performed at a benefit concert in New York organized by Nancy Reagan. After the concert, Nancy invited me to the White House. She was very sweet, congratulated me on a successful performance, and at the end of our conversation said: "Richard, you are a real Prince of Romance." The next day, a photograph was published in all the newspapers of America under the headline "Nancy Reagan with the "Prince of Romance" Richard Clayderman."
Do you only play the piano or do you play other instruments too?
I have been playing the piano for thirty years. Every hotel room I stay in has an electric organ set up for me to practice on so as not to disturb my neighbors. I had no desire to learn to play other instruments.
Is your wife a fan of your music?
Yes, I can call her my fan since we work together. Tiffany has been accompanying me on the cello for many years. We are lucky - we are both musicians, and music helps us to understand each other better.
Are you still playing "Ballad for Adeline"? And, if so, why? How many times have you performed this song?
If you count all the concerts, studio recordings, rehearsals, television performances, then there will be about 6 thousand performances. The audience at my concerts is always waiting for me to play this composition. I cannot but justify these expectations, but every time I try to fulfill it differently, in a new way.
Who do you think likes your music more - men or women? And why?
To be honest, I think women are more interested in my work than men. My music is refined and romantic, and women are more romantic, gentle and sensitive than men.
Which contemporary musician would you like to play a duet with?
My dream is to accompany some talented guitarist. Also, I would love to play with Paul McCartney or Elton John.
What profession would you choose if you weren't a pianist?
I would like to play tennis professionally. I would be a tennis player .
Despite a busy work schedule, you are in great shape. How do you do it?
Tours, flights, trips are always stressful for the body. Therefore, I spend my free time walking in the forest, meditating, relaxing. In addition, I eat lean healthy foods, do not drink alcoholic beverages, and do not smoke. It helps me stay in good shape.
What do you think about when you play the piano?
As a rule, during the performance I am completely focused on the notes and playing. But sometimes I have images of my wife and children before my eyes. It's like very short flashes in my mind. Luckily, when I'm playing, I never think about any bad things, like the tax office or unpaid bills.
Do you have a dream associated with your work?
Like any musician, I would like to constantly improve in the game, become more and more virtuoso, convey emotions as best as possible. What else can a pianist dream of?
Richard Clayderman is a French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film scores. Richard Clayderman has recorded over 1200 pieces of music and released over 100 CDs with a total circulation of 90 million copies. The world-famous "Ballad for Adeline" (Fr. Ballade pour Adeline), written by Paul de Senneville (Fr. Paule de Senneville), made him a star. It has sold 22 million copies in over 30 countries.
The name of the French pianist, arranger Richard Clayderman is on the posters of more than 2,000 concerts around the world, he participated in the recording of 1,200 plays and sold 85,000,000 copies of his own albums. He has 350 platinum and gold music awards in his collection. He played his stellar Ballad for Adeline over 8,000 times.
Actually, it all started with her, when in 1976 Richard got to an audition organized by French producers. They were looking for a performer, and not just a pianist, but the best, who could handle a piece called "Ballad for Adeline" by Paul de Senneville. At the time, Clayderman was only 23 years old, but he was already quite successful. However, he was named the best for the first time. After a stubborn struggle to sign a contract, Richard defeats 20 competitors. After recording the single, the record sold 38 million copies, and it's time for the producers to be surprised by such luck.
Clayderman's popularity lies not only in the music he performs, but also in the skill with which he does it. The audience is delighted when he easily copes with classical, pop, rock, ethnic music, he is equally good at romantic melodies and complex overtures. Richard's virtuoso game can be compared to author's dishes from the chef in a restaurant with three Michelin stars. Throughout the 38 years of his career, the unique performing talent of the Frenchman has only increased. One of the famous German music critics wrote that Klaiderman did as much to popularize the piano in the world as only Beethoven did before him. Richard himself admits that everything he achieved is due only to his own father, who taught the boy how to make money on the piano keys and the family, which supported and believed in the musician's finest hour.
Klaiderman spends most of his life on tour around the world. One of the biographers calculated that in total the pianist spent 21 years outside his native country. During this time, fans presented him with 50,000 bouquets and gifts. In addition to solo concerts, which are always popular, Richard actively performs with the London Philharmonic, Beijing and Tokyo Symphony Orchestras, New Zealand and Austrian National Orchestras. The list of celebrities with whom he played can be listed for a long time: from A - Aretha Franklin, to Z - Zawinula Joe.
Interestingly, Clayderman is the record holder for sales among pianists… on the black market! More than 35 million pirated CDs of his music have been released, and these are just the ones that could be counted by copyright agents.
Richard Clayderman (pianist) - live at MMDM March 31, 2014
The famous French pianist-arranger Richard Clayderman announced himself to the world in 1976 with an original performance of "Ballad for Adeline", written by composer Paul de Senneville. The performance of this work made Clayderman a star and is now released in more than 22 million copies around the planet. Richard is a performer of more than 1200 musical masterpieces of classical, ethnic and contemporary music. They were recorded on a good hundred CDs, which sold 90 million copies in different countries, including Russia. Richard Clayderman's wife, Tiffany, is the most ardent admirer of his work.
Tiffany Page is a professional musician. She is a cellist and for many years has been happy to accompany her husband at concerts. They modestly, without lavish ceremonies, got married in May 2010 and, at the insistence of Tiffany, tried to keep it secret in order to "be together", enjoying solitude, silence and freedom from prying eyes. Richard has two adult children who have already decided in life. One of them, a son, became a professional basketball player.
Richard has to go on tour a lot and the whole world has long become the route of his creative tour. He is not often at home, so he appreciates the time he spends with his family. “My family is very important to me,” the musician admitted in an interview and added that he constantly needs the company of his wife. Of course, it is impossible to claim that Tiffany accompanied him on trips around the world, but once in his native Paris, Richard does not want to part with her. All free time, as far as circumstances permit, the spouses spend with each other.
From home hobbies, Richard loves cinema the most and often, together with Tiffany, watches not only films, but also recordings of his favorite TV shows that he does not have time to see live because of his travels. He reads a lot, especially memoirs. In addition, one of the musician's human weaknesses is shopping. Together with his wife, he often visits a variety of shops and boutiques, especially sporting goods, which are the weakness of the former athlete - Richard. Moreover, the main thing in their trips is not so much shopping, but the feeling of a holiday atmosphere and novelty inherent in retail outlets.
Often missing her husband, Tiffany once wanted to get a dog. “She will be like a third child,” the wife joked, and Richard happily picked up this idea. The Claydermans have adopted a cute four-legged pet and regularly walk it, surrounding it with attention and care. Naturally, the new member of the family pays his owners with the most devoted and selfless love that dogs are capable of.
When asked if her husband had flaws, Richard Clayderman's wife, laughing, said that he had a manic passion for cleanliness and order: he washes every piano key, carefully monitors the neatness of his suits and can brush his teeth 13 times a day. And sometimes he carefully corrects something in her outfit.
Richard Clayderman(fr. Richard Clayderman - in France it is pronounced as Richard Clayderman; real name Philippe Page, fr. Philippe Pagès; born December 28, 1953, Paris) - French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as music for films.
His story began in France on December 28, 1953. Philip Pages (this is the real name of the pianist) grew up in one of the districts of Paris, Romainville. He received his first musical education from his father, a furniture dealer who, due to health problems, was forced to switch to private music lessons. Little Philip constantly spun under the feet of students who came to his father's classes, and did not miss the opportunity to sit down at the piano himself. Even then, he was completely fascinated by the sounds of this instrument. “Since birth, I have been surrounded by music. Not a day went by without her. In fact, the first time I touched the keys was when I was three or four years old."
When Philip was six years old, his grandfather gave him an old piano, and this gift forever determined the fate of the boy. With a zeal that is not at all childish, he rehearses for hours on end, learns to read from a sheet of music (at that time he did it even better than speaking his native French), and two years later he wins the local talent competition. In order to support his enthusiasm in the young pianist, as well as to develop technique and style, his father introduces Philip to classical music. also to improve himself, he began to play the piano. He worked for Michel Sadoux, Thierry LeLuron and Johnny Hallyday.
It seemed that fate had assigned him a direct road to the classical stage ... But Philip, to everyone's surprise, chooses a different path and, together with his friends, creates a rock band - "I did not want to be just a classical pianist, I wanted something else ...". By that time, his father had finally fallen ill and could no longer support his family. Philippe has to master the completely non-creative work of a bank clerk, but in the evenings he still continues to play, accompanying famous French artists, among whom were Johnny Holiday and Michel Sardou. Rumors about the brilliant abilities of the young pianist quickly spread in musical circles, and soon he becomes literally "like hot cakes". Philip feels quite satisfied with the current role of an accompanist: “When I dreamed of becoming a pianist as a child, I thought about the role of a session musician. I didn’t see myself as a solo artist, it seemed unrealistic to me.”
A radical turn in the life of a musician occurred in 1976. That year, the owners of the French record company Delfine, producers Paul de Senneville and Olvier Toussaint, were looking for a pianist to perform a song that Paul had written for his daughter, "Ballad for Adeline." After listening to more than twenty young talents, they opt for a musician, about whom Olvier Toussaint would later write: “We were looking for just a capable pianist - and were amazed to see Richard Clayderman, his romantic appearance and talent, which was felt in every movement.”
Philip Pages was still preparing to become a star, and the producers were already preoccupied with finding a name that would be easy to pronounce in different languages. As a result, they used the surname of his own grandmother, a Swede by origin, from which, by the way, Philip inherited his blond hair and blue eyes, which are not usual for a Frenchman. This is how the famous pseudonym Richard Clayderman appeared. Toussaint and de Senneville believed in their song and their new protege - and they were not mistaken. Moreover, the success of "Ballad for Adeline" (_fr. Ballade pour Adeline), written by Paul Senneville, made him a star beyond their wildest expectations. The song became a real hit and sold over 22 million copies in more than 30 countries.
The debut of Richard Clayderman immediately became an instrumental classic and set the tone for his brilliant musical career. Soon after the appearance of the triumphant single, the pianist's first solo album was released, which included songs written by de Senneville and Toussaint. And in the next two years, Richard Clayderman recorded five stunning albums at once, demonstrating the versatility of his performing talent: he combines original songs with recognizable popular melodies and adapts classical works in a modern way.
From that time on, what will later be called a “success story” begins - the unique playing style of Richard Clayderman brings him the status of a world superstar. In the words of one German journalist, "he has probably done more to popularize piano music than anyone else since Beethoven." The skill of Richard Clayderman is growing. His fame reaches all corners of the world, and record sales beat all conceivable records. He constantly tours, generously sharing his talent with his listeners. His usual work schedule includes recording new material every summer, promoting the album for two to three months, and immediately following that, a concert tour that takes up the entire first half of the following year. The maestro admits: “Performing on stage is something very special. Now, as a solo artist, I can say that I really enjoy being on stage and interacting with the audience... I feel it and enjoy it.”
The love of live performances takes Richard Clayderman on a wide-ranging tour of Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Sometimes he gives more than 200 concerts in a year! His event portfolio now includes a memorable show in the Moscow Kremlin, a performance in China, which was watched by more than 800 million people, and a visit to Australia, timed to coincide with the celebration of the bicentennial of the continent.
In between endless tours, Richard Clayderman also manages to record his exclusive regional albums. Let's take 1988 for example. Richard Clayderman releases "Romantic America" for the USA and Canada, "A Bit of Night Music" for the UK, "Zodiac Symphony" for France, and during his tour in Japan he records the album "Prince of the Land of the Rising Sun", dedicated to the wedding of the young monarch.
At different periods of his brilliant career, Richard Clayderman played with many famous musicians, and the pianist's greatest creative success was, perhaps, his collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Their meeting took place in January 1985 at the recording of a concert called "A Bit of Classics", where Richard Clayderman first presented to the public his adaptation of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto.
A graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, he could effortlessly become famous as a classical concert pianist. However, this was not destined to come true. He chose his path. His repertoire goes beyond one style and often even balances on the verge of several, from classical to light jazz, but still, Richard Clayderman is, first of all, a master of romantic moods. No wonder he is called the "prince of romance." By the way, the authorship of this title belongs to Nancy Reagan. Legend has it that she named Richard Clayderman after hearing the young pianist at a New York benefit in 1980. “Most likely, she had in mind the style of my music, my emotions, feelings,” the maestro himself comments on the honorary title.
Over the 25+ years of his musical career, Richard Clayderman has produced over 60 albums and recorded over 1,000 songs. His discs have gone platinum over 60 times and have gone gold 260 times. Add to this 1500 concerts, and you will no longer have any doubts that Richard Clayderman is a real unique person on the modern stage. He is truly proud that the music he plays is understandable and accessible to all generations: “A variety of people come to my concerts: parents with small children, teenagers who are just discovering piano music, and their grandparents, who have been my fans for so many years."
The recognition of Richard's merits popularized the piano so much that some commentators have called him the greatest popularizer of this musical instrument in the 20th century. One well-known German critic said that there had not been such a popularizer of the piano since Beethoven's time.
... The third bell sounds - the concert begins! At the piano - maestro Richard Clayderman.
"Thanks to Nancy Reagan, I became the Prince of Romance"
Roger Daltrey - "Rjlling Stone"
What do you think is the key to your success - in your talent, your ability to work or a good combination of circumstances?
I think everything that you have listed is the components of success. I was lucky to be born into the family of a music teacher who instilled in me a love for this art. Talent... I received a small gift - musical ability. If I had not worked and forced myself to study for several hours a day, then nothing would have happened. And, of course, the people with whom I was lucky to work - producers, composers ... Without them, I would not have become who I am today.
Was your father also a successful musician? And has it influenced your work?
My father was not a professional musician. He was a carpenter by profession and played the accordion for his pleasure. When dad fell ill and could no longer work in his specialty, he retrained as a music teacher. So, a piano appeared in our house. Naturally, I was attracted by the enchanting sounds of this instrument. I was so small that I don't remember when I first touched the keyboard. My father began to teach me the basics of playing the piano, and subsequently I entered the conservatory. I was born with a piano, and I will probably die with a piano. I hope not because of the piano.
Did your father help you write music?
I am not a composer and I do not write music. I just play beautiful compositions written by Olivier Tucson and Paul De Saneville.
Could you imagine that one day you will be called the Prince of Romance?
I will tell you the story of how this "title" came about. In 1985, I performed at a benefit concert in New York organized by Nancy Reagan. After the concert, Nancy invited me to the White House. She was very sweet, congratulated me on a successful performance, and at the end of our conversation said: "Richard, you are a real Prince of Romance." The next day, a photograph was published in all the newspapers of America under the headline "Nancy Reagan with the "Prince of Romance" Richard Clayderman."
Do you only play the piano or do you play other instruments too?
I have been playing the piano for thirty years. Every hotel room I stay in has an electric organ set up for me to practice on so as not to disturb my neighbors. I had no desire to learn to play other instruments.
Is your wife a fan of your music?
Yes, I can call her my fan since we work together. Tiffany has been accompanying me on the cello for many years. We are lucky - we are both musicians, and music helps us to understand each other better.
Are you still playing "Ballad for Adeline"? And, if so, why? How many times have you performed this song?
If you count all the concerts, studio recordings, rehearsals, television performances, then there will be about 6 thousand performances. The audience at my concerts is always waiting for me to play this composition. I cannot but justify these expectations, but every time I try to fulfill it differently, in a new way.
Who do you think loves your music more - men or women? And why?
To be honest, I think women are more interested in my work than men. My music is refined and romantic, and women are more romantic, gentle and sensitive than men.
Which contemporary musician would you like to play a duet with?
My dream is to accompany some talented guitarist. Also, I would love to play with Paul McCartney or Elton John.
What profession would you choose if you weren't a pianist?
I would like to play tennis professionally. I would be a tennis player.
Despite a busy work schedule, you are in great shape. How do you do it?
Tours, flights, trips are always stressful for the body. Therefore, I spend my free time walking in the forest, meditating, relaxing. In addition, I eat lean healthy foods, do not drink alcoholic beverages, and do not smoke. It helps me stay in good shape.
What do you think about when you play the piano?
As a rule, during the performance I am completely focused on the notes and playing. But sometimes I have images of my wife and children before my eyes. It's like very short flashes in my mind. Luckily, when I'm playing, I never think about any bad things, like the tax office or unpaid bills.
Do you have a dream associated with your work?
Like any musician, I would like to constantly improve in the game, become more and more virtuoso, convey emotions as best as possible. What else can a pianist dream of?
