Good but not perfect
by Aria on 11/25/24Meridian Hall - TorontoRating: 4 out of 5I’m generally a big fan, but I thought that it was tooooo long!
Venue
Venue
RICHARD CLAYDERMAN IS A PHENOMENON
The French pianist, now in his sixties, has sold more than 150 million records and helped create a new genre of “popular classical” music. He also became an unlikely pin-up during the '80s, courtesy of soft-focus television commercials for his albums that emphasised his angelic good looksand wonderful hair.
"Some people say that my music is 'elevator music'", reveals the 61-year-old musician. "This is their way to make clear that they consider it as a secondary music, a low level music. In fact, it is neither jazz nor classical. It is a kind of soft pop music that appeals to millions of people on the five continents."
For all his achievements, Clayderman's life has been tinged with bittersweet moments. Through his years of success he was entangled in a number of unsuccessful romances which belied his cherub-next-door image.
"My father's wish was that I become a piano accompanist. He would never have hoped that I become what I am today. No doubt he would have been very proud. I regret that he passed away a few months before [my career took off]. I still remember when Olivier Toussaint offered me the opportunity to record 'Ballade pour Adeline'," Clayderman recalls.
"He said, 'Let's do this recording for the pleasure, not to expect that it sells more than 10,000 copies. Honestly, neither he nor I could imagine that it would sell more than 20 million copies and that it would open the door to my career with the fantastic opportunity to record more than 1000 titles and to perform more than 2000 concerts over the past 35 years."
POPULAR MUSIC
Clayderman understands that the classical world can be snobbish towards those who sell millions of records. It isn't really his world. He doesn't play for elitists but rather for ordinary people. He is an entertainer, not an upholder of musical traditions stretching back decades."It is true that I attended classical music conservatory and had a classical education before deciding not to devote my life to classical music. My classic studies are the essential base to what I do today. I often say and shall always say that I am not a classical pianist. I am a popular pianist. In France we say 'pianiste de varktes'."
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Set 2 (Movies Medley):
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Encore
Set 1:
Set 2 (Movies Medley):
Set 3:
Encore
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Set 2:
I’m generally a big fan, but I thought that it was tooooo long!
I'd definitely attend another show of his and buy tickets closer to the stage. This time I bought balcony seats literally the 2nd last row in the hall as I wasn't sure
Growing up with Richard Clayderman’s music and being a concert pianist myself, I enjoyed every moment of the evening. The sound mixing was very poor at the beginning, but it improved by Intermission.
20 years ago in the city of Quito Ecuador I had the opportunity to attend Richard Clayderman's concert and my dreams came true. Now I not only enjoyed the event but it fills me with nostalgia and happiness
Excellent show!! It was a very special experience, to see Clayderman perform in person. Especially loved the strings crew they did a wonderful job.
I had waited years to get to see Richard Clayderman and it was worth the wait! Amazing music and wonderful comraderievwith the audience. The strings were fantastic! Richard is under appreciated in this country I believe but it was a great evening out!!
It was amazing he was even better in person and I got emotional and cried with happiness.
Mr. Clayderman is so talented and interesting. His performance is truly worth it as a once in a life time experience.
The event will be unforgettable because was a date romantic to my husband and me!! My husband loved Richard ♥️
What a fun evening — filled both with nostalgic songs and lots of humor! He’s such a positive soul - had lots of fun! Thank you!