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Richard Clayderman biography, videos, albums. Richard Clayderman - French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film music Richard clayderman biography

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.

For decades, Richard Clayderman has captivated listeners from all over the world. Each disc of the Prince of Romance is sold in numerous editions, fans are looking forward to live concerts, and critics who call the pianist’s work “light music” are wondering what is the reason for such popularity. Perhaps in the fact that Clayderman loves his job, and the public, which cannot be deceived, shares this sincere feeling.

Childhood and youth

Richard Clayderman (real name - Philippe Page) was born on December 28, 1953 in Paris. The first music lessons were given to the boy by his father, who, by the way, was not a professional in this matter.

At first, Page Sr. worked as a carpenter, and in free time dabbled in playing the accordion. But then, due to illness, the occupation had to be changed - in order to work at home, the father of the future celebrity acquired a piano and began to teach everyone to play it. Mother earned a living by cleaning offices, later became a housewife.

When the house appeared musical instrument, the boy immediately showed interest in him, and this did not escape the Page Sr. He began to teach his son musical notation, and soon Philip began to read scores better than books on mother tongue. At the age of 12, the young man entered the conservatory, and at 16 he won the piano competition. Teachers predicted a career for him classical musician, but, to everyone's surprise, the young man turned to contemporary genres.

Page explained this decision by the fact that he wanted to create something new. Together with friends, he organized a rock band that did not bring much income. By that time, Philip's father was seriously ill, the earnings in the group were only enough "for sandwiches." Already in his youth, the pianist was operated on for a stomach ulcer. To support himself and his family, the young man began to earn extra money as an accompanist and session musician.

Philip liked the new occupation, and besides, he was well paid. The talented young man was noticed, and soon he began to collaborate with the legends of the French stage: Michel Sardou, Johnny Hallyday and others. At the same time, Page did not feel cravings for solo career, he liked to accompany celebrities and be part of a musical group.

Music

In 1976 in creative biography Philip took a sharp turn. contacted him famous producer Olivier Toussaint. Paul de Senneville French composer, was looking for a performer to record the gentle melody “Ballade pour Adeline” (“Ballad for Adeline”). Page was chosen from 20 applicants, and the composition, dedicated to the newborn daughter of de Senneville, made the young man famous. At the suggestion of the producer, he took a pseudonym for himself - the musician's great-grandmother had the surname Clayderman, and the name Richard came to mind by itself.

Richard Clayderman performing "Ballade pour Adeline"

The pianist did not expect such success - at that time, the mass listener preferred songs for discos. What instrumental music will be so in demand, it was a surprise to Richard. With concerts, he traveled to dozens of countries, his albums were published in millions of copies, many of them received the status of gold and platinum.

In 1983, 22,000 spectators gathered at Clayderman's performance in Beijing. And in 1984, the young man spoke to Nancy Reagan. The First Lady of the United States dubbed him the Prince of Romance - since then this nickname has stuck with the musician.

Richard's work organically intertwines classics and modern motifs. And although some critics consider his style too “light”, the pianist sees no reason for frustration in this. He believes that in a world where many terrible things happen, people need a source of joy and comfort.

His music became such a source. In addition, she introduces the mass listener to the masterpieces of composers. different countries and eras: for example, the melody “Love story” (“Love Story”) was written by Oscar winner Francis Le, and “Mano a mano” (“Hand in hand”) belongs to the Argentinean Carlos Gardel.

Richard Clayderman performing "Love story"

The pianist also recorded cover versions famous songs: “The Tennessee Waltz” (“Tennessee waltz”) by Patti Page, “Ne me quitte pas” (“Don't leave me”) by Jacques Brel and others. Separate albums Clayderman devoted to creativity, groups. Special success Richard's music is enjoyed in countries East Asia. Especially for the Prince of Japan, he recorded the song "Prince of the rising sun".

Personal life

For the first time, Richard became the head of the family at the age of 18 - at such a young age he married a girl named Rosalyn. When he talks about this early marriage to journalists, they usually sigh: “How romantic!”. However, the pianist immediately refutes this statement and admits that at that time he hurried to lead his beloved down the aisle:

"It's a mistake to get married when you're still so inexperienced."

In 1971, Clayderman had a daughter, who was named Maud. But her birth did not save the immature marriage, 2 years after the wedding, the young people broke up.

In 1980, a change took place in the musician's personal life - he married Christine, a girl whom he met in the theater. In the past, she worked as a hairdresser. On December 24, 1984, the couple had a son, Peter Philip Joel.

“The second time I was much more a good husband and father. I spent more time with my family. And yet I had to tour a lot, and this had a bad effect on marriage, ”he said in an interview.

As a result, Richard and Christine decided to leave. In 2010, Clayderman made a third attempt to create happy family. Tiffany, a violinist, who worked side by side with the musician for many years, became his chosen one.

“For me, she is the best. Tiffany played in the orchestra that accompanies me, so she knows my character well.”

The wedding took place in the strictest secrecy, except for the bride and groom, only their four-legged pet, the dog Kuki, was present at the ceremony.

"It was a beautiful day. When we left City Hall with rings on our fingers, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. It was the happiest day of our lives!” the husband and wife recall about their marriage.

Richard regrets only that he does not devote enough time to his family. Those close to the pianist also suffer from a lack of communication with him, but they understand that Clayderman has millions more fans who are waiting to meet his music.

Richard Clayderman now

Now the musician's discography includes more than 90 albums, the total circulation of which is about 150 million copies. 267 of Clayderman's records went gold, 70 went platinum. He still tours the world, on September 24, 2018, the pianist gave the only concert in the Moscow House of Music. Richard admits that he likes to travel, fly from one part of the world to another, so constant travel is not a burden for him.

He is happily married to his wife Tiffany. The couple has no children, together they lead a harmonious family life, and the warmth inherent in their union is noticeable on joint photo. The musician tries to do everything so that peace and comfort reign in marriage.

“I know that there are men who raise their hands against their wives. When I hear about it, I can't believe my ears. How is this possible? For me, this is unacceptable,” Clayderman said in an interview with Piano Performer Magazine.

Discography

1977 - "Richard Clyderman"
1979 - Lettre à ma mere
1982 - Couleur tendresse
1985 - “Concerto (With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)”
1987 - "Eléana"
1991 - Amour and more
1996 - "Tango"
1997 - “Les rendez vous de hasard”
2001 - "Mysterious eternity"
2006 - "Forever my way"
2008 - Confluence II
2011 - "Evergreen"
2013 - “Sentimental memories”
2016 - “Paris mood”
2017 - “40th Anniversary box set”

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 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.

To date, Clayderman has recorded over 1200 musical works and released over 100 CDs with a total circulation of 90 million copies.

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 education, he got a job in a bank, and also began performing with modern 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 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 work until the very last creation.

The influence of music on a person 21.02.2016

Dear readers, do you want romance, moreover, unusual romance, and even in music? If yes, then I invite you to this romantic trip. I want to congratulate you on this holiday, which we all, even if we don’t celebrate, still don’t pass by. This holiday is Valentine's Day. This will be mine small congratulations for all of you in thoughts and music.

Love, warmth, romance - how we all wait for such feelings. I wish you my dear readers this is the love of life. And let it be to your soulmate, to your close friends, to your children, grandchildren. There is always someone to give your Love. Keep each other warm in simple words, with your attitude, often say warm words. After all, it is our warmth that gives meaning to every minute of life. It is never too much and never enough. I wish you all such warmth in life. And after such lyrics, I turn to the topic of the article.

The world of music and our emotions. The influence of classical music on a person

On my blog, I have already talked a lot about. An entire chapter has been opened. Why am I paying attention to this? I just thought and still think that music can give us such colors of life, discover so many new emotions, give us a mood, a special state of mind and fill our souls. And all this is very important for our physical health.

Music, literature, all kinds of art, our hobbies, ordinary everyday emotions in communication with loved ones, our own victories or even sometimes defeats - how much we have going on in life for internal development.

There is power in the word
in the music of the soul,
Eternity in sculpture
Tears on the canvas
In beloved joy,
In hateful anger-
Perhaps a little!
But its for everyone.

Of course, we can listen to different music. But classical music was, is and will be fundamental in the world of music. And it's hard to argue with that. It is understandable to everyone and close to everyone, it is felt by children and adults, poor and rich, healthy and sick, evil and kind, it does not contain “tinsel”, “brilliance”, meaninglessness and vulgarity, characteristic of many modern works.

How high the bar for classical music is, so strict are the requirements for its performance. There were and are many talented performers of the classics who are able not only to convey the character of the work laid down by the author, but also, having passed it through themselves, fill it with their emotions and feelings.

One of these "masters" is Richard Clayderman. I have already introduced you to some of his compositions on the blog. But today I decided to write a separate article about him. Probably, each of us, somewhere in the depths of our souls, is waiting or waiting once for his "Maestro", whoever he may be - the most beloved and dear person or a talented and original pianist whose music warms the heart. Perhaps Richard Clayderman will become such a “Maestro” in music for you.

Richard Clayderman. prince of romance

Richard Clayderman. First of all, he can be called a master of romantic moods. It is no coincidence that 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 meant the style of my music, my emotions, feelings,” comments honorary title Maestro himself.

Richard Clayderman. Ballad for Adeline

And we will begin our musical journey with a work that is world famous. This is "Ballad for Adeline". It was written by Paul de Senneville.

A little history related to this piece. Richard Clayderman's 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. 23-year-old Richard was auditioned along with 20 other applicants and, to his amazement, he landed the long-awaited job. And the time was very difficult for him, his father fell ill, and he had to earn a living himself. From this ballad began his musical ascent.

It has sold 22 million copies in more than 30 countries around the world. Interesting fact: Richard Clayderman performed this particular piece over 8,000 times.

This melody with a truly "female heart" for loved ones and dear women. The perfect addition as a romantic soundtrack to the best date ever.

Dear men, what if you arrange a romantic evening for your soulmate and put on such music for the background, and even say unusual words? ... I think such romance will be remembered for a long time. I suggest you listen to this piece. And again, what a wonderful combination of piano sounds and violins.

Richard Clayderman. A little biography

Richard Clayderman (birth name Philippe Pages) is a French pianist, arranger, performer of not only classical, but also ethnic music, interesting for its isolation and traditionalism.

His love for music was awakened in him by his father, who taught private piano lessons in Paris. From early childhood, the sounds of music became for Richard not just a background at home, but filled his childish heart with a desire for beauty and selfless love for musical art. He began playing the piano at early childhood, and never parted with this instrument again.

By 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.

It is not given to everyone to connect their lives with music, but those who are lucky enough to plunge into its world are incredibly whole and filled people. They guide them and give them the strength to create talent, vocation and tender love for music, as for their child. Such is Richard Clayderman, and it is unmistakably read in his performance.

Richard Clayderman. Come Love

And let love not hide from melancholy,
But selflessly I keep it,
And it's easy for me, and you and I are close,
I give myself to you!

The incredibly beautiful melody by Paul de Senneville performed by Richard Clayderman awakens the desire to love and be loved, lost in the turmoil of everyday life. A melody sounds, where words are not needed. And somewhere I read that this theme appeared from unrequited love. Come, love is like a request of the soul.

Richard Clayderman. Love-match

How unbelievably appropriate is the title of "Love Marriage" for the next song. The sounds of music sound so reverent and promising for those who are ready to connect their personal history with them.

And I will not break this oath forever,
But even if it weren't given
You are my most favorite person
And they will certainly remain forever.

Richard Clayderman. Winter Sonata

Very Beautiful music performed by Richard Clayderman "Winter Sonata". The magic of this time of year is reflected in more than one wonderful piece of music.

And everything around is white,
The soul is pure like this snow,
Sunrise with a trembling beam,
let the sun leave a trail...

Richard Clayderman. Nostalgia

The melody "Nostalgia" is a very sincere gift from Richard Clayderman to his fans, a gentle performance in which an incomprehensible impulse of a longing heart sounds. The name speaks for itself.

Do you hear the echoes of past love,
Her footsteps faded away
In random music from a wandering memory
Her motives are heard by you.
She is not in sparkles, not in the rays of the languid sunset,
And not in the radiance of starry gold,
And on the pier near the cold waves
And in a white light dress simple.

Richard Clayderman. moon tango

Here is another work - "Moon Tango" by Richard Clayderaman. How lively and rhythmic it is, will surely appeal to everyone who is not left indifferent to the motives of love with notes of southern passion. Oh, it's tango tango...

... And our tango for two
In hot sunshine...

Richard Clayderman. Moonlight Sonata

Who among us does not know famous work Ludwig van Beethoven Moonlight Sonata"? The music is so loved, unforgettable. Richard Clayderman, with his arrangement and talented playing, filled it with a catchy modern rhythm and introduced new notes.

Twinkling stars...
And moonlight
In the silence of the night, my guide ...
I hear a whisper
It's you-
My angel from someone else's dream...

Richard Clayderman. Autumn leaves

Another beautiful tune played by this famous pianist « Autumn leaves". Probably everyone knows her. And every time we discover something new for ourselves in these wonderful sounds.

On the wings of the wind, a golden leaf
A native word from long-forgotten lines...
We were together, but for a long time.
That sheet is like a farewell letter.
Here he suddenly fell on the river surface -
Blurred text - no longer read.

This is how our romantic journey turned out with the music of Richard Clayderman. I hope it gave you pleasure. In the article, I used the poems of Tatiana Yakovleva.

Dear readers, it is impossible to tell a lot in one article. For all those who like this kind of music, I invite you to go to the music room, where I have prepared a playlist.

You can put it in the background and go about your business, you can turn everything on during a romantic evening, and just listen to get in the mood.

Music by Richard Clayderman

There are so many things here. And it is for the soul. And my thoughts, and my favorite poems.

I wish you all Love, warmth in life. Fill up spiritually and spiritually. And, of course, listen to good music.