'My father gave me the ability to play the piano': Life according to... Richard Clayderman

The world’s most successful pianist talks about his new album, playing every day, and why his dad was his biggest inspiration.

What can you tell us about your new album, Forever Love?

The first CD consists of new recordings, including new compositions by Paul de Senneville, who wrote Ballade Pour Adeline more than 40 years ago. I’ve also recorded songs such as Coldplay’s Viva La Vida. The second disc is songs I’ve recorded over the last 10 or 20 years.

What was it like to not be able to tour during the pandemic?

It was very difficult, I only did two or three shows, which was a little bit sad. I’m used to travelling a lot, so it was bizarre to stay at home. I had time to read a book or watch TV, and sometimes I would go to the cinema when it was open, but I would prefer to be travelling and playing concerts.

Do you practise often?

I play every day for three to five hours. I play all of the songs I play at my concerts, so they are on my fingertips, and I also try to practise new titles. I also like to listen to lots of other musicians – it’s good for me to listen to other styles.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My father was a piano teacher, so we had a piano at home and I remember going to the piano at three years old. It was something special for me to sit at it and begin to play. My father gave me my first lesson and it’s due to him I am here now doing this. He gave me the ability to play the piano.

What is your favourite song to play?

Ballade Pour Adeline was my first success and when I’m on stage, the audience waits for this melody to start, so that is one of my favourites. I also like Letter To My Mother.

Were you surprised by the worldwide success of Ballade Pour Adeline?

I was very surprised. The melody is very simple but lots of audiences around the world know it, and it’s always nice to have that kind of success as an artist. I had no idea I would one day be at the front of the stage playing concerts around the world, so yes, it was a big surprise.

China is now a big market for you?

There are lots of very good concert halls there now, where I play to 4,000-5,000 people, but I also sometimes play in stadiums there to 25,000. It’s very important and nice for me to have this market.