‘All you need is love’ … The prince of romance to spread the word Down Under
Superstar French pianist Richard Clayderman – dubbed the most successful pianist in the world – will serenade fans with his Timeless Romance tour, starting in Brisbane on November 21. We asked him what we can expect.
When were you last in Australia and why is it special for you?
The last time was in 2023. It’s a special country. For Europeans, Australia is regarded as one of the most pleasant countries to live in because of its vastness and many different landscapes. When I tell people that I’ll soon be in Australia, they tell me I’m lucky. The country has a great image, and Australians can be very proud.
The Timeless Romance tour sounds romantic. Do we need more love and romance in our lives and can music help?
First of all, I’m not a rock artist. I’m more a cool and quiet person, and much of the music I play is romantic. It can be hard sometimes to live on Earth today. We live on a beautiful planet but sometimes, there is a lot of sadness. As people, we have our struggles, whether in our personal or work lives. So it can be too easy to forget the important things. And love has to be the most essential. We need love. We need romance. And what is more beautiful than listening to a romantic piece of music and remembering our loved one, our husband, our wife? This is beautiful.
Where are you most popular and do they still play Ballade Pour Adeline in hotel lobby’s in China?
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I am a lucky artist. For decades now I have had the opportunity to play in different parts of the world. Recently, I was in South America for a few concerts, and this coming winter after Australia I will be on tour in China, then in Eastern Europe. So, I’m lucky. This opportunity isn’t offered to too many artists. For sure, Ballade Pour Adeline is known in many countries around the world, and it’s still played in hotel lobby’s in different countries. I owe a lot to this piece of music. Without it, I would not have the career I do. It is a lovely ballad and has fans all over the world. I feel very grateful.
That song is perennial. Why do you think that is and do you have any idea how many people have listened to it?
You’re right. It is known in most countries around the world. Some people have known this piece of music for many years, and others have only recently discovered it. This ballad is continuing to speak to different generations of people. The melody is pure, innocent and lovely. It evokes these comforting emotions in people when they listen to it.
How would you describe the program for your forthcoming Australian tour? Are there surprises?
I will play some of my classics like Ballade Pour Adeline and L For Love. I will also play some movie themes, as film composers have given their heart and their talent to their film themes, most of which are romantic in nature and evoke a love story. So I have selected some love themes from the movies as it is my pleasure to play them and to interpret them for my audience.
How much joy do you get from what you do?
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You know, it’s so fantastic for a performer to play in front of a few thousand people. It’s such a huge emotion when I perform on stage. So it’s a kind of reward when my audience gives me their applause. Because I know that they are reacting positively to what I do. When I was studying piano, my father who was a piano teacher, told me that he wished me to be a piano accompanist. And I did become an accompanist of French singers. When I was selected by my producers many years ago, they came to listen to me playing in a theatre where I was accompanying a very famous French star at that time. And I couldn’t believe that one day, I would be offered the opportunity to play on stage. I regret that my father didn’t live to see me play on stage.
What is your daily life like? Do you play and rehearse every day? Is there a routine?
I have to practice my piano a minimum of two hours per day. When in my apartment in Paris, I do this routine. But I also keep this routine on tour. I have to have a digital piano in my hotel on tour, so that I can practice at any moment. I need this. If I don’t follow this routine, I know that my performance would show it. So I play a minimum of a few hours each day. It’s essential.
Pianists and composers you most admire?
I’m a fan of Pat Metheny the guitarist as well as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.
Your message to the world?
Don’t forget to give as much time to love as you can.
Richard Clayderman’s Timeless Romance tour begins in Brisbane on November 21 at The Royal Convention Centre, Bowen Hills.
Tour dates and tickets at richardclaydermanofficial.com
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