Gloria
Our next guest is a pianist who has become an international musical phenomenon. He performs for about 6 months every year, selling millions of albums on his way. He has to his credit over 300 Gold and platinum records and was once dubbed by a former 'First Lady' [Nancy Reagan] as "The Prince of Romance" because of his evocative and distinctive sound.  His hands are insured, I am told, for a cool £1 million - so will you please welcome back Richard Clayderman...

It's just so nice to see you back here (England) - I gather you are planning a tour of the country next year [year 2000]?

Richard
I am delighted to be here and, yes, I have a concert tour in February so I will be pleased to be back in England.

Gloria
How wonderful. I wanted to talk a little bit about your background. You were born in Paris, but I gather your father was a good pianist and a music teacher - so at what stage did he teach you as a boy?

Richard
Well, I remember when I was five and was always sitting in front of the piano to play. My father was my first teacher, you know.

Gloria
Did you want to learn, or were you forced to learn?

Richard
No, No. I wanted to learn. It was always a pleasure to be on my piano and it is thanks to my father that I am here today.

Gloria
Then you went to the Conservatoire of Music when you were about 12, so was the idea then that you'd be a Classical pianist?

Richard
Well, in fact, it was very important for me to study Classical pieces. I remember when I was 14 and 15 that I wanted to do something different with the music. I wanted to play rock and roll (for example) with other musicians - pop music and I felt it was better to go in this direction.

Gloria
So what did your father say, then, when you decided to leave Classical music behind?

Richard
Well he was very happy because he knew that I was happy with the music.

Gloria
What do you think is the appeal of the type of music you play, world-wide?

Richard
Well, I must say that this music comes from my heart, and I think the audience is always delighted to listen to a nice melody even if it is on the piano or with other instruments - we need this kind of music.

Gloria
I mean, obviously because of the number of records you sell - it appeals world-wide. But in France particularly, I think you have a few people who are occasionally a little scathing about the type of music - they give you some criticism in other words?

Richard
Yes, sometimes it happens, but it is part of the game. What is more important to me is to have concerts and when I see my audience happy - it is the best thing, you know.

Gloria
Do you mind that sort of criticism or can you just rise above it?

Richard
Well, I must say that sometimes it is difficult but it is like that, you know...

Gloria
...Now you mentioned that classical music is a great benefit because it forms the basis of a lot that you do...We have some film of you playing a piece of Tchaikovsky - I think it is the first concerto...

[Video of Richard Clayderman playing 'Concerto No.1 in B Flat Minor' in a grand house.]

Gloria
Nice piano [referring to the film], is that your house, too?

Richard
No, it was a very large house, but not my house.

Gloria
I like it anyway. When you go on tour is there always a bit of a worry that maybe the piano will not quite be up to standard, or are they pretty good at hiring in good pianos?

Richard
It is a constant problem as with each concert I have to play a new piano - every day. Here in England, in Germany, in Europe generally, it is OK but when I am in South America it is difficult to find a good piano or a new piano.

Gloria
Worrying?

Richard
Yes!

Gloria
Now, obviously you've made your new album With Love) and I'm just wondering about the balance of music. What sort of music have you recorded?

Richard
Well, I wanted an album with a link with love and all the melodies and themes that are featured on this album have this link with love. The melodies, of course, fit very well for the piano so I am happy with the selection.

Gloria
I must say, I actually think in these days of competitiveness within records, it's not easy as a solo musician to make such a huge success world-wide. Congratulations for that and thank you very much indeed for joining us, Richard.

Here is Richard with his own version of the Robbie Williams hit 'Angels', please welcome back Richard Clayderman...