Richard clayderman biography. Romantic piano music Richard Clayderman

Richard Clayderman is a French pianist, arranger, classical and ethnic music as well as music for films. Richard Clayderman recorded over 1200 musical works 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 Clayderman 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 cash in on the piano keys and to the family that supported and believed in finest hour musician.

Klaiderman spends most of his life on tour around the world. One of the biographers calculated that in total the pianist spent home country 21 years old During this time, fans presented him with 50,000 bouquets and gifts. Except solo concerts, enjoying continued popularity, 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

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 profitable to get a young and promising musician to 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 the masters of 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 performed 200 shows in 250 days, using the weekends only to move and adjust the sound in new places. During his career, he became the author of 1300 works, which were published as solo albums, and hit the screens of TVs and cinemas. In total, about 100 Richard's discs are available today - from his early works until the very last creation.

Richard Clayderman (real name Philippe Pagès) was born on 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 take up 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, Rich

ard 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

a growing success story, and since that time distinctive style Richard Clayderman's piano 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" through his repertoire, which combines classical and pop music. His CD sales 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 it as part of their commitment to his millions of fans.

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 evening in March shortly after the International women's day lovers hurried to the Finlandia Palace located 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. piano music: French pianist Richard Clayderman gave a concert in the capital.

Unfortunately, the organizers of the tour from Phoenix Entertainment did not actively advertise the concert. famous artist so the room was about a third full. 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. In his tour schedule appear: 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 the 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 your family 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 read brilliant career 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 was very helpful musical career son, 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 felt happy being an accompanist and playing in bands."

The life of a musician changed dramatically when in 1976 he received a call from a 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,” recalled Paul de Senneville, “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 me. We made our decision very quickly."

Given name musician was replaced by a pseudonym - Richard Clayderman (he took the name of his great-great-grandmother, Swedish), 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 excellent. 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 classical, ethnic and contemporary 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 medley on themes from West Side Story and Les Misérables, and Floral duet" from Leo Delibes' opera "Lakmé", which can be heard much more often in vocal performance (as it was originally intended) than in instrumental performance, and music from the film "Schindler's List", as well as works by Adele, Prokofiev, Leonard Cohen and again Puccini...

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 the notes of already performed compositions, in which the musical signs of famous works are neatly painted in a beautiful, firm handwriting.

The two sections 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 a concert, whether it's with my 10 musicians or with a symphony orchestra, I like to mix different tempos, rhythms and styles to evoke a wide variety of emotions in the listeners.”

In the apt expression of a journalist from 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 with equal virtuosity. contemporary composers And 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, the Beijing and Tokyo Symphony, the New Zealand and Austrian National Orchestras. The list of celebrities with whom he had to play is simply endless.

Richard Clayderman always smiles, and this is not a pose, but 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, as it seems to me, Clayderman's mail should be no less in volume than, say, that of 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

Richard Clayderman- French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as music for films. 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.