The pianist’s body10 December 2009
The link between body and music is complex and inseparable. The perception and interpretation of musical works are carried out by the body. Any pianist can tell you: playing the piano involves the entire body and we often push it to the limits. We overuse our body, but what do we give in return?
The pianist’s loneliness11 November 2009
Loneliness is an issue that quite often comes up in discussion with people who know and follow me. I work alone, I play alone, I like being alone most of the time, but isn’t the feeling of loneliness heavy and suffocating? It is true that I don’t meet my friends very often, I am not a big fan of mass meetings and that I avoid crowded places. But in another hand, I like chatting over the phone and mailing them.
Going on stage24 September 2009
Concert evening, in the dressing-room. Tonight, I’ll be playing a recital methodically prepared during the last weeks. Final moments before appearing on stage. Someone is knocking at the door. A glance in the mirror,last check for the presence of our good-luck stuffs and other necessities. It’s time to go. A few more moments to wait backstage, and suddenly the stage manager asks if I’m ready, opens the door, and motions to me to go on stage.
One of my favorite concertos by one of my favorite interpreters3 March 2009
Samson François is one of the pianists from the past I especially like. He remains a constant in my musical landscape. He fascinates me, very classy, even if sometimes it is too much… Finally, a quote from Marguerite Long about Samson François: “When he plays well, no one plays better than him!”
A Piano Tale16 January 2009
Today, I invite you to (re)discover a short film directed by the Danish filmmaker Benjamin Holmsteen, “A Piano Tale”. Two pianists (a classical one and a jazz one) confront each other. First presented at the Venice International Film Festival in 2002, I found myself particularly touched by this film.
One of my favorite pianists5 December 2008
It occurs to me that I haven’t dedicated a post to Brad Mehldau yet. Consider it done with this video from “resignation”, in which you can listen to the American Pianist playing in trio with Jorge Rossy and Larry Grenadier.
Born in 1970 in Jacksonville, FL, Brad Mehldau recorded his first opus in 1995 for Warner, [...]
Jacques Loussier Trio for pleasure’s sake30 September 2008
For pleasure’s sake, and having dealt with jazz in my last post, I’ve been thinking about sharing with you this video of the Jacques Loussier Trio, revisiting the final movement of Bach’s Fifth Brandenbourg Concerto.
Do pianists only listen to Classical music?26 September 2008
I’m often asked the question “what do I listen to besides Classical music?” Sometimes, people offer me to relax with such-and-such Classical music work. When I explain them that it might stress me out, they seem a bit taken aback.
Two Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli’s Quotes19 September 2008
Today, two quotes from the famous Italian Pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli:
“La musica è un diritto, ma soltanto per colui che la merita!”
Understand: “Music is a right, but only for those who deserve it!”