Richard Clayderman was born Philippe Pagès on December 28, 1953 in Paris, France. From early childhood, Richard studied music and learned to play the piano under the guidance of his father, a music teacher and professional musician. By the time he graduated from school, music was not just a hobby for the boy, but an occupation for which he would like to spend his life.

Entering the Paris Conservatoire, Richard quickly won the love of students and the respect of teachers, who quickly recognized the amazing talent of the young Clayderman. His career and future as a professional musician was on the brink of death when Richard learned of his father's illness and the almost complete bankruptcy of the family. So, in order to support himself and pay for his studies, he got a job in a bank, and also began performing with contemporary French musicians as a session musician. It is interesting that very quickly Richard made his way into the groups of the most popular musicians of that time, although it took years for other musicians, but, as he himself recalls, at that time he was ready to play any music for which he was paid, so professional musicians had it is profitable to get a young and promising musician to join your group.

In 1976, Clayderman was invited to interview and audition for the ballad "Ballade pour Adeline" (or simply "Adeline"). Of the 20 applicants for the position of the pianist, it was Richard who was chosen, whose playing style struck the producers with its heterogeneity: it combined lightness and strength, energy and melancholy. In just a few days of recording, the final version of "Ballade pour Adeline" appeared, which has sold 34 million records in 38 countries to date. Despite the fact that this work was the most striking achievement of the musician, there are several hundred more in his piggy bank. popular works, which are successful not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Asia, which is quite protected from Western influence. In many Asian countries, the work of Richard Clayderman is so successful that sometimes it occupies all the shelves in music stores, leaving no room for masters classical music- Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven, etc.

Spending most of his time on the road, Richard has established himself as a highly productive musician - in 2006 he played 200 shows in 250 days, using the weekends only to move and tune in new places. During his career, he became the author of 1300 works, which were released both as solo albums and hit the screens of televisions and cinemas. In total, about 100 Richard's discs are available today - from his early works to his most recent work.

Richard Clayderman (real name Philippe Pages) was born December 28, 1953 in France. His father, a piano teacher, began teaching him music at a very early age. Thus, at the age of six, Richard could read music more fluently than his native French.

When Richard was twelve years old, he was admitted to a music conservatory where, at sixteen, he won first prize. He was destined for a promising career as a classical pianist. However, shortly thereafter, and to everyone's surprise, Richard decided to pursue contemporary music.

But at this time, Clayderman's father becomes seriously ill and he is no longer able to support his son financially. To earn a living, Richard finds work as an accompanist and musician. His talent does not go unnoticed, and he soon becomes very much in demand. He has worked with French stars such as Michel Sardou, Thierry LeLuron and Johnny Halliday.

However, his life changed dramatically in 1976 when he received a call from Olivier Toussaint, a famous French producer who, with his partner, Paul de Senneville, was looking for a pianist to record a romantic ballad. Paul composed this ballad as a gift to his newborn daughter Adeleine. Richard, 23, auditioned along with 20 other applicants and, to his amazement, got the job.

The ballad was released in 38 million copies. It was called "Ballad for Adeline".
This was the beginning of what is called an outstanding success story, and since that time Richard Clayderman's distinctive piano stcss has earned him superstar status worldwide. Today he has recorded over a thousand melodies and, according to a German journalist, he may have done more to popularize the piano throughout the world than anyone since Beethoven. Richard Clayderman has created a new romantic "with the help of his repertoire, which combines classical and pop music. Sales of his discs have already exceeded 70 million.

The biggest price Richard Clayderman thinks he has to pay for international fame is the time he spends outside his family. Richard says his family accepts this as part of their duty to his millions of fans.

Richard Clayderman discography

1998 Latin Passion
1998 Italian Passion
1998 Cinema Passion, Vol. 2
1998 Christmas Album
1998 Brazilian Passion
1998 Latina
1998 Cinema Passion, Vol. one
1998 The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber
1999 Fantastic Movie Story of Ennio Morricone
1999 Concerto
1999 In Amore
1999 Richard Clayderman
2000 Amor Latino
2000 Con Amor
2000 Descubra a Magia
2001 Concerto for You
2001 Lettre a Ma Mere
2003 Traummelodien
2003 The Confluence
2003 The Christmas Collection
2005 Piano Moods
2005 36 Favorite Piano Ballads
2005 Richard Clayderman & The Royal Philharmonic
2005 Plays the Hits of ABBA
2006 From This Moment On

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. Your first musical education he received 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 not at all childish, he rehearses for hours on end, learns to read with music sheet(at that time he did it even better than speaking his native French) and two years later he won the local competition talents. 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. Philip has to learn not at all creative work 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 this: “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 name 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 first solo album pianist, 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 full 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 after 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 large-scale 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 US and Canada, "A Little night music" for the UK, "Zodiac Symphony" for France, and during his tour in Japan, he records the album "Prince of the Country rising sun”, dedicated to the wedding of the young monarch.

IN different periods During 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: “The most talented people come to my concerts. different people: parents with young children, teenagers just discovering piano music, and their grandparents who have been my fans for so many years.”

The recognition of Richard's achievements so popularized the piano that some commentators have called him the greatest popularizer of it. musical instrument in the twentieth 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. That's why free time I spend walking in the woods, 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?

Biography

Richard Clayderman (fr. Richard Clayderman - in France pronounced as Richard Clayderman; real name Philippe Page?, fr. 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 classical works.

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 Pathétique 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 country and gave a concert in the House of People's Assembly.

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 spoke with charity concert in the city of Nanning. During the concert, the pianist auctioned off three pianos that he had previously played. 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 new album Romantique. Along with the old classical compositions "West Side Story", "Ballad for Adeline", "Duet of Flowers", the album also includes arrangements contemporary works, for example, a cover version of the song Someone Like You, previously popularized 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 included in the album musical compositions 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 catchy 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 over 1200 musical works and released over 100 CDs with a total circulation of 90 million copies. The pianist visited tours in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Sometimes he gives more than 200 concerts a year!

Www.ru.gbtimes.com

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

Official website of Richard Clayderman

At a concert in the capital of Helsinki, how prolific, equally popular pianist Richard Clayderman performed compositions from his latest album and old hits well known to the public

On a Sunday in March, shortly after International Women's Day, piano music lovers hurried to the Finlandia Palace in the center of Helsinki, which looks like a huge iceberg, spectacularly shining against the dark March sky, thanks to its illuminated snow-white walls lined with Carrara marble: in the capital concert by French pianist Richard Clayderman.

Unfortunately, the organizers of the tour from the company Phoenix Entertainment did not actively advertise the concert of the famous performer, so the hall was filled by about a third. Later, my acquaintances sincerely regretted that they had not heard about the concert. I was invited to it, literally, a few hours before the start. But those who were already informed in time and who came to the concert with anticipation of the holiday did not stint on applause!

In view of the relatively recently celebrated March 8 Day, before the start of the performance in the foyer, women were given a “compliment” from the maestro - touching scarves and a CD of his latest studio album “Romantique”, works from which a few minutes later could be heard in a live performance.

About the 63-year-old French virtuoso, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film music, it seems that everything that could be said and written has already been said, written and rewritten by each other.

40 years of glory - 267 gold and 70 platinum discs, a total of over 150 million records sold, countless concerts.

It is estimated that for 250 days spent annually outside of France, Richard Clayderman gives 200 performances. His tour schedule includes: in March - Romania, Finland, Armenia, Spain, Croatia, Serbia; in April - Macedonia, Czech Republic, Korea; May is devoted to concerts in Japan. And after the summer break - again the autumn tour, starting from Israel.

In the winter of 2016/2017, the pianist performed in Canada, New Zealand, the Canary Islands, Switzerland, Malta, held a big “Winter Tour” in China, and by the end of winter he managed to play in Lithuania and Latvia.

Klaiderman has not had a biography since childhood, but a continuous Guinness Book of Records, where, by the way, he is listed as "the most successful pianist in the world."

Playing the piano, little Philippe Page (this is his real name) became interested in early childhood. Subsequently, eyewitnesses claimed that at the age of six the boy owned musical notation better than their native French. At the age of 12 he entered the Paris Conservatoire, at 16 he received the first prize at the competition of young pianists.

He was destined for a brilliant career as a classical performer, but, as Clayderman himself recalls, “I wanted to do something else, and together with my friends I created a rock band; it was a hard, hard time... what little money we could earn went to buy musical equipment. I was really forced to eat just awful, mainly sandwiches - so I had an operation for an ulcer when I was only 17.

By that time, Clayderman's father, who greatly contributed to his son's musical career, was already seriously ill and could not support him financially. To earn a living, Richard finds himself a job as an accompanist and session musician. “I enjoyed this job,” he recalls, “and at the same time it paid well. So I moved away from classical music, but at the same time it gave me a strong base for what I do now.

One of the main qualities of a good session musician is his versatility, ability to work in different conditions and genres, easy to read notes and improvise. While session musicians don't usually become famous, Richard Clayderman was one of the lucky exceptions.

His talent has not gone unnoticed. He soon became a sought-after accompanist for the most famous French stars such as Michel Sardou, Thierry Le Luron and Johnny Holiday. When Klaiderman is asked what his artistic ambitions were during those years, he replies: "I didn't really aspire to be a star and I felt happy being an accompanist and playing in bands."

The life of the musician changed dramatically when in 1976 he received a call from the famous French composer and music producer Olivier Toussaint. Together with his partner, the composer Paul de Senneville, he was looking for a pianist to record a "delicate piano ballad".

Paul de Senneville, author of many melodies and arrangements, composed the piece in honor of his newborn daughter Adeline. Philippe Paget, 23, is auditioned among twenty other applicants and, to his amazement, gets the job.

The owners of the French record company Delphine Records did not hesitate. “We liked him instantly,” Paul de Senneville recalled, “his very special and soft touch on the keys, combined with a reserved personality and good looks, made a strong impression on Olivier Toussaint and on me. We made our decision very quickly."

The musician's own name was replaced by a pseudonym - Richard Clayderman (he took the name of his Swedish great-great-grandmother) in order to "avoid mispronunciation of his real name in other countries." The single titled "Ballad for Adeline" sold 22 million copies in 38 countries.

“When we signed the contract,” said Olivier Toussaint, “I told him if we manage to sell 10,000, it will be great. Then it was disco time, and we could not imagine that such a ballad would become a "winner" ... That it would be so grandiose.

Thus began the story of the sensational world success of the charming French musician. His unique romantic style of performance is now recognizable in any work. Richard Clayderman has a rare ability to work: he recorded a total of over 1300 melodies - musical masterpieces of classical, ethnic and modern music.

Richard Clayderman's first international "hit" - "Ballad for Adeline" - was also heard in Helsinki. The pianist included it in the album "Romantique", recorded in Sofia in September 2012.

The eclecticism of the musician's first studio album in more than a decade, released by Decca in 2013, perfectly characterizes all his work: here is Giacomo Puccini's O Mio Babbino Caro, and a potpourri on themes from " West Side Story"and" Les Misérables "and" Flower Duet "from Leo Delibes' opera" Lakme ", which can be heard more often in vocal performance (as it was originally intended) than in instrumental, and the music from the film" Schindler's List ", as well as works by Adele, Prokofiev, Leonard Cohen and Puccini again...

In addition to the already mentioned “Ballad for Adeline”, the adagio from the ballet “Spartacus” by Aram Khachaturian, music from the film “Titanic”, from Prokofiev’s ballet “Romeo and Juliet” and many other romantic melodies, including those recorded on the album “Romantique”, were performed in Helsinki.

Incredible skill, positive energy, Klaiderman's amazing charisma are simply mesmerizing. His performing style is wonderful, pure sounds and melodies, in which every note is clearly audible, ringing like crystal.

The pianist seems to bathe in the sounds of his magical music, then talking to the piano, then smiling or frowning, then singing along to his melody, then jumping up and playing while standing. When you see Richard Clayderman on stage, it's hard to believe in his natural shyness, which is mentioned by biographers.

The musician easily and cheerfully communicates with the audience, generously distributes to the stunned audience at first notes of already performed compositions, in which musical notation famous works.

The two parts of the concerto, flawlessly worked out on stage by the pianist himself without any interruptions "in favor" of the violin quartet that accompanied him, testify that music cannot tire him.

The maestro admits: “I love live performances on stage, as they give me direct contact with my listeners. During the concert, whether it be with my 10 musicians or with symphony orchestra, I like to mix different tempos, rhythms and styles to evoke a wide variety of emotions in listeners.”

According to the apt expression of the journalist of the German edition of Der Spiegel, who is now amicably quoted by everyone who writes about Klaiderman, “he may have done more to popularize the piano throughout the world than anyone since Beethoven.”

The musician does not like comparisons with Beethoven or Schubert - for this he takes them too seriously. The world in which he lives is very different from the world of German romantics.

In Richard Clayderman's New Romantic Style, his own performing personality blends seamlessly with the standards of classical and popular music. The audience is delighted when he plays classical, pop, rock, ethnic music, romantic melodies of contemporary composers with equal virtuosity. the most complex works classics in their processing.

In addition to solo concerts, which are always popular, Richard successfully performs with the best orchestras in the world - with the London Philharmonic, Beijing and Tokyo Symphony, New Zealand and Austrian national orchestras. The list of celebrities with whom he had to play is simply endless.

Richard Clayderman invariably smiles, and this is not a pose, but a life position. He has an unusually positive perception of reality. Even when he is asked "uncomfortable" questions about his work, it does not hurt him at all. Once he was asked how he feels about the fact that his music is called "elevator music" in the sense that it is often included as a background?

Clayderman easily agrees: “It's true that my music is often played in elevators, supermarkets, shops, on airplanes. Often this is the music that plays on the phone when you are asked to wait for an answer. This means that this kind of music promotes relaxation and is anti-stress. You may not be distracted by it, but you can also listen to it.

I've been told that many drivers, when stuck in traffic, put on one of my discs to get their breath back, lower their heart pressure, and/or just relax. I was also told that many children were made to my music - this is wonderful, so this is the music of love !!! Nothing could please me more than this.”

In fairness, you can see that, for example, on Christmas days in Stockmann in Helsinki, Mozart's "Little Night Serenade" is traditionally played...

A nice little detail: in the menu of Richard Clayderman's personal site there is a section for admirers of his performing skills called "Autograph". If you are a fan of the musician and would like an autographed photo of the maestro, send a stamped and self-addressed envelope to Delphine Productions in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, and Richard will send you his photo as soon as he can.

Since, it seems to me, Clayderman's mail should be no less in volume than, say, the Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki, who, unlike the musician, has a whole team of elves working on this site, such sincere concern cannot but bribe . Perhaps you should respond...

Text: Natalia Ershova