Richard Clayderman family. Romantic of piano music Richard Clayderman

The famous French pianist-arranger Richard Clayderman announced himself to the world in 1976 original performance"Ballads for Adeline", written by composer Paul de Senneville. The performance of this work made Clayderman a star and has now sold more than 22 million copies worldwide. Richard is a performer of more than 1,200 musical masterpieces of classical, ethnic and modern music. They were recorded on a good hundred CDs, which sold 90 million copies in different countries, including Russia. Richard Clayderman's wife, Tiffany, is the most ardent fan of his work.

Tiffany Paget is a professional musician. She is a cellist and has been happily accompanying her husband at concerts for many years. They married modestly, without pompous ceremonies, in May 2010 and, at Tiffany’s insistence, tried to keep it a secret in order to “be together,” enjoying privacy, silence and freedom from prying eyes. Richard has two adult children who have already decided in life. One of them, a son, became a professional basketball player.

Richard has to go on tour a lot, and the whole world has long been his creative tour route. He is not at home often, so he values ​​the time he spends with his family very highly. “My family is very important to me,” the musician admitted in an interview and added that he constantly needs the company of his wife. Of course, one cannot claim that Tiffany would accompany him on trips around the world, but once in his native Paris, Richard does not want to part with her. All free time As far as circumstances allow, the spouses spend time with each other.

Among his hobbies at home, Richard loves cinema most of all and often, together with Tiffany, watches not only films, but also recordings of his favorite TV shows that he does not have time to watch in live because of my travels. He reads a lot, especially memoirs. In addition, one of the human weaknesses of a musician is shopping. He and his wife often visit the most different stores and boutiques, especially sporting goods, which is the weakness of the former athlete - Richard. Moreover, the main thing in their trips is not so much the purchases, but the feeling of the holiday atmosphere and novelty inherent in retail outlets.

Often missing her husband, Tiffany one day wanted to get a dog. “She will be like a third child,” his wife joked, and Richard gladly accepted this idea. The Clayderman couple got a cute four-legged pet and regularly walk it, surrounding it with attention and care. It is natural that new member families pay their owners the most devoted and selfless love, which only dogs are capable of.

When asked if her husband had any shortcomings, Richard Clayderman's wife, laughing, said that he has a manic passion for cleanliness and order: he washes every key of the piano, carefully monitors the neatness of his suits and can brush his teeth 13 times a day. And sometimes he carefully corrects something in her outfit.

For decades, Richard Clayderman has been captivating listeners from all over the world. Each record of the Prince of Romance sells numerous copies, fans look forward to live concerts, and critics who call the pianist’s work “ light music”, they wonder what is the reason for such popularity. Perhaps it’s that Clayderman loves his job, and the public, who cannot be deceived, shares this sincere feeling.

Childhood and youth

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

At first, Page Sr. worked as a carpenter, and in his free time he dabbled in playing the accordion. But then, due to illness, he had to change his occupation - in order to work from home, the father of the future celebrity purchased a piano and began teaching everyone to play it. Her mother earned her living by cleaning offices and later became a housewife.

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

Page explained this decision by saying that he wanted to create something new. Together with friends, he organized a rock band, which did not bring in much income. By that time, Philip’s father was seriously ill, and the group’s earnings 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 working as an accompanist and session musician.

Philip liked the new occupation, and he was paid well. The talented young man was noticed, and soon he began collaborating with French pop legends: Michel Sardou, Johnny Hallyday and others. At the same time, Page did not feel any craving for solo career, he enjoyed accompanying celebrities and being 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, a French composer, was looking for a performer to record the tender melody “Ballade pour Adeline” (“Ballad for Adeline”). Paget was chosen from 20 applicants, and the composition dedicated to de Senneville’s newborn daughter made the young man famous. At the suggestion of the producer, he took a pseudonym for himself - the surname Clayderman was borne by the musician’s great-grandmother, and the name Richard came to mind by itself.

The pianist did not expect such success - at that time the mass listener preferred songs for discotheques. That instrumental music would be so in demand came as a surprise to Richard. He toured dozens of countries with concerts, his albums were published in millions of copies, many of them received gold and platinum status.

In 1983, Clayderman's performance in Beijing attracted 22 thousand spectators. 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 “easy,” 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 peace.

His music became such a source. In addition, it 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.

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. Clayderman dedicated individual albums to the work of the group. Richard's music enjoys particular success in countries East Asia. He recorded the song “Prince of the rising sun” especially for the Prince of Japan.

Personal life

Richard first became the head of the family at the age of 18 - at such a time at a young age he married a girl named Rosaleen. When he talks about this early marriage to journalists, they sigh as usual: “How romantic!” However, the pianist immediately refutes this statement and admits that at that time he was in a hurry 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 named Maud. But her birth did not save the immature marriage; 2 years after the wedding, the young people separated.

In 1980 in personal life The musician underwent a change - he married Christine, a girl he met at 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 good husband and father. I was with my family more often. Still, I had to tour a lot, and this had a bad effect on the 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. His chosen one was Tiffany, a violinist who worked side by side with the musician for many years.

“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; in addition to the bride and groom, only their four-legged pet, the dog Cookie, was present at the ceremony.

"It was a beautiful day. When we left the 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 the wedding.

Richard's only regret is that he does not devote enough time to his family. The pianist’s relatives 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 and 70 went platinum. He still tours the world; on September 24, 2018, the pianist gave his only concert at the Moscow House of Music. Richard admits that he likes to travel, fly from one part of the world to another, so constant trips are 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 photos. The musician tries to do everything to ensure that peace and comfort reign in the marriage.

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

Discography

• 1977 - “Richard Clyderman”
• 1979 - “Lettre à ma mère”
• 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”

Richard Clayderman(French Richard Clayderman, in English style Richard Clayderman, real name Philippe Pages, French. Philippe Pags; genus. December 28, 1953, Paris) - French pianist, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film scores.

Biography

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 his 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 audition 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 Ballade for Adeline, written by Paule de Senneville, made him a star. It sold 22 million copies in more than 30 countries.

To date, Clayderman has recorded more than 1,200 musical works and released over 100 CDs total circulation 90 million copies.

Richard Clayderman was born Philippe Pagès on December 28, 1953 in Paris, France. From an early age, 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 activity in which he would like to spend his life.

Upon entering the Paris Conservatoire, Richard quickly won the love of the students and the respect of the 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 at a bank, and also began performing with contemporary French musicians as a session musician. Interestingly, Richard very quickly made his way into the groups of the most popular musicians of that time, although it took other musicians years to do this, but, as he himself recalls, at that time he was ready to play any music for which he was paid, so it was profitable for professional musicians to get a young and promising musician to your group.

In 1976, Clayderman was invited to an interview and audition for the ballad "Ballade pour Adeline" (or simply "Adeline"). Of the 20 applicants for the position of pianist, Richard was chosen, whose playing style amazed 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 to date in 38 countries. Despite the fact that this work became the musician’s most striking achievement, he still has several hundred popular works, which are successful not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Asia, which is fairly protected from Western influence. In many Asian countries Richard Clayderman's work is so successful that it sometimes occupies all the shelves in music stores, leaving no room for masters classical music- Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven, etc.

Spending most of his time on tour, Richard has proven himself to be an extremely efficient musician - in 2006, he gave 200 concerts in 250 days, using weekends only to travel and set up sound in new places. During his career, he became the author of 1,300 works, which were published as solo albums, and ended up on TV and cinema screens. In total, about 100 Richard discs are available today - from his early works until the very last creativity.

Official website of Richard Clayderman

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

In March Sunday evening shortly after International Women's Day, lovers rushed to the Finlandia Palace located in the center of Helsinki, which looks like a huge iceberg, shining spectacularly 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 tour organizers from Phoenix Entertainment did not actively advertise the concert famous performer, so the hall was about a third full. Later, my friends sincerely regretted that they had not heard about the concert. I was invited to it literally a few hours before it started. But those who were informed in time and came to the concert with anticipation of the holiday did not skimp on the applause!

In view of the relatively recently celebrated Day of March 8, before the start of the performance in the foyer, the 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 performed live.

It seems that everything that could be said and written about the 63-year-old French virtuoso, arranger, performer of classical and ethnic music, as well as film music, has already been said, written and copied from each other.

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

It is estimated that in the 250 days spent annually outside 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 an autumn tour, starting with Israel.

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

Since childhood, Clayderman has not had a biography, but a continuous Guinness Book of Records, where, by the way, he is included as “the most successful pianist peace."

Little Philippe Paget (that's his real name) became interested in playing the piano. early childhood. Subsequently, eyewitnesses claimed that at the age of six the boy owned musical notation better than your native French. At the age of 12 he entered the Paris Conservatory, and at 16 he received first prize at a competition for young pianists.

He was told brilliant career classical performer, but, as Clayderman himself recalls, “I wanted to do something different, and together with my friends I created a rock band; it was a difficult, difficult time... what little money we could earn was spent on purchasing musical equipment. I was really forced to eat a terrible diet, mostly sandwiches - so I had surgery for an ulcer when I was just 17."

By that time, Clayderman's father, who was very supportive musical career son, was already seriously ill and could not support him financially. To earn a living, Richard finds work as an accompanist and session musician. “I enjoyed the 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 basis for what I do now.”

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

His talent did not go unnoticed. He soon became a sought-after accompanist for some of the most famous French stars, such as Michel Sardou, Thierry Le Luron and Johnny Holiday. When asked what his artistic ambitions were during those years, Clayderman replies: “I didn’t really want to be a star and felt happy being an accompanist and playing in bands.”

The musician’s life changed dramatically when in 1976 a famous French composer called him and music producer Olivier Toussaint. Together with his partner, the composer Paul de Senneville, he was looking for a pianist to record a “tender piano ballad.”

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

Owners of French record company Delphine Records didn't 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 appearance, produced strong impression at Olivier Toussaint and at me. We made our decision very quickly."

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

“When we signed the contract,” said Olivier Toussaint, “I told him if we managed to sell 10,000, it would be great. Then it was disco time, and we could not imagine that such a ballad would become a “prize 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 has recorded a total of over 1,300 melodies - musical masterpieces of classical, ethnic and modern music.

Richard Clayderman's first international hit, “Ballad for Adeline,” was also performed 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 his entire work: there is O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini, and a medley on themes from “West Side Story” and “Les Miserables”, and “Floral” duet" from Leo Delibes' opera "Lakmé", which can be heard much more often in a vocal performance (as it was originally intended) than in an instrumental one, 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”, an 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.

Clayderman's incredible skill, positive energy, and 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 be bathing in the sounds of his magical music, now talking to the piano, now smiling or frowning, now singing along to his melody, now jumping up and playing while standing. When you see Richard Clayderman on stage, it is difficult to believe his natural shyness, which biographers mention.

The musician easily and cheerfully communicates with the public, generously distributing to the initially stunned spectators the notes of already performed compositions, in which he carefully writes in a beautiful, firm handwriting musical notation famous works.

The two parts of the concert, flawlessly performed on stage by the pianist himself without any interruptions “in favor” of the violin quartet accompanying 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, be it with my 10 musicians or with symphony orchestra, I like to mix different tempos, rhythms and styles to evoke different emotions in listeners.”

In the apt expression of a journalist from the German publication Der Spiegel, who is now unanimously quoted by everyone who writes about Clayderman, “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 - he takes them too seriously for that. The world in which he lives is very different from the world of the German romantics.

Richard Clayderman's "New Romantic Style" blends his own performing personality 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 of classics in their treatment.

Except solo concerts enjoying constant popularity, Richard successfully performs with the best orchestras in the world - the London Philharmonic, Beijing and Tokyo Symphony Orchestras, New Zealand and Austrian National Orchestras. The list of celebrities with whom he had to play is simply endless.

Richard Clayderman always smiles, and it's not a pose, but life position. He has an unusually positive perception of reality. Even when he is asked “uncomfortable” questions about his work, this does not bother him at all. He was once asked how he felt about his music being called “elevator music” in the sense that it was often played in the background?

Clayderman readily agrees: “It’s true that my music is often played in elevators, supermarkets, stores, and 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 don't have to 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 improve their breathing, lower their heart pressure and/or simply relax. I was also told that many children were made to my music - this is wonderful, it means this is the music of love!!! Nothing could please me more than this."

To be fair, it can be noted 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 website there is a section for admirers of his performing skills, “Autograph”. If you consider yourself a fan of the musician and would like to receive an autographed photograph of the maestro, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Delphine Productions, located in the Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, and Richard will send you his photograph as soon as possible.

Since, as it seems to me, the volume of Clayderman’s mail should be no less 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 care cannot but captivate . Perhaps I should respond...

Text: Natalya Ershova