Richard Clayderman

[aileigc]

I have a book by Richard Clayderman, and looking at it, it seems that he has simplified some pieces (I'm not sure, but I even think he has _altered_ Schubert's serenade, putting in one of those boring arpeggios that always appear in this kind of music: Love Story, Ballade Pour Adeline). Is he a good pianist at all, or has he simplied what he plays ? I mean, is he really concert level or has he become only an entertaining pianist with a light-romantic feel similar (something like piano's Julio Iglesias) ?
Thanks

Ail

P.S.: I tend to think he's one of those cases with huge success without much merit, like fast-selling writers.

[Clare]

I think he's a bit more of the latter, i.e. like Julio Iglesias.
I aint got no love for the guy.

[comme_le_vent]

clayderman hasnt got the worst technique in the world, and id imagine he has had some good teaching.

its just really strange how his recordings just make him sound like a total idiot.

albeit a rich idiot.

[Drillyourtechnique]

Personally, I think R. Clayderman does a total "Bastardization" of famous concertos, what a poop head.  Like Rach 2's concerto, he jumps right into the 3rd movement after the largo 1st movement chords then adds drums with the orchastra, what a gong show.
His modern stuff is okay, but still he's no Horowitz.