To close out the year I’m posting videos from the Top 12 interviews from 2024. These were a mix of my personal favorites, some of your favorites and a few that may have slipped under the radar. And I hope you checked out my brand new interview with legendary vocalist Marilyn Maye from last week. We continue with #5: MARC ANDRÉ HAMELIN.
My first conversation with pianist/composer Hamelin took place in 2019. In February of last year I spoke with Hamelin about his latest album of music which he composed, New Piano Works. We also discussed composer Cesar Franck whose work he would soon be performing, how he chooses which pieces to play and record and where he is in his career that allows the freedom to do what he wants.
“I’m a little less inclined – quite a bit less inclined – these days to play the big virtuosic things. I’m much more interested in meaningful communication at this point rather than showing myself off on stage. That, to me, is really not very satisfying. A recital is really a one-to-one act of communication. An offering, an act of sharing with the audience. I’m always thinking every single second of the audience, rather than myself. Because what else am I doing this for? I just really adore sharing discoveries and perhaps new ways of doing things that people already don’t.”
Here is my interview with Hamelin. Also, do yourself a favor and listen to New Piano Works. It’s quite an album!
Be sure to check out Cultural Attaché’s YouTube channel for dozens of interviews with leading figures in the performing arts.
Also, the print version of my interview with Hamelin includes several videos of him performing. You can find that HERE.