Ian Gillan, Deep Purple; source: "Chopin Express" 21
I love doing different things and new things. So I am going to narrate a documentary about
Chopin's life. I've seen a DVD of it - the visual aspect is fantastic, and it is a lovely story.
The worlds of classical and heavy metal music are not opponents. Not really: it's evolution, I think. There have been in every era some that were creative. It is a startling thing when people have natural gifts and they put them into a form of music that is remembered forever. It is makes you wonder about ethical standards that we are trying to keep ourselves.
Luciano Pavarotti said to me that he was jealous that I can sing Smoke on the Water so many times and every time it's different. He said: "If I was to change the interpretation of 'Nessun dorma' by that much, they would crucify me. It's not allowed in the world of opera." Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear a slight variation if you are going to do a famous aria, especially if you are as good as Pavarotti?
Chopin used to change his interpretations every time he performed his works. So perhaps he was closer in his approach to a rock musician than to a modern pianist. He was probably the most highly respected pianist that ever lived. There are two elements to a musical instrument: one is the craft and then there is the art. Once you have learned the craft of the instrument, you can be expressive and your personality can become part of it. And when you are that good, that young, where does it come from? Obviously, from your surroundings. But to be that adept at such an early age and express that personality in your music is a rare thing. I can certainly say that the music will live forever, through one instrument or another. When it's that innovative, then it goes down to something special in history. Just like Chopin.
Author: Ian Gillan, Deep Purple
This article comes from the Chopin Express gazette published for the
16th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Gramophone magazine.
View the audition recitals online at
chopin2010.pl/en/competitions/xvith-chopins-competition.htmlOther articles of interest in Chopin Express No. 21:
"It's about sound" - says Bella Davidovich