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SINGAPORE : Just by looking at Croatian pianist Maksim, one wouldn’t associate him with classical musical. After all, Maksim who was dressed in an all-black ensemble, accessorised with a skull-printed scarf, studded-leather cuff and body art during his interview with Primetime Morning looks more like a punk rocker than a classical musician.
But Maksim, 34, will have you know that classical music is not staid and stuffy like many people perceive it to be.
“The atmosphere at classical concerts is very serious, every one is in black and white suits and they are not smiling … and it doesn’t have to be like that. I have a lot of colleagues who look like me but they are playing classical music,” said Maksim, who is known for his unique musical style.
Fusing classical music with mainstream pop styles, Maksim’s first crossover album “The Piano Player” was a huge success in 2003. It went Platinum in Taiwan, Singapore and Croatia, and Double Platinum in Hong Kong.
The classically-trained pianist has played to sell-out concerts of more than 30,000 people in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and on November 18 and 19, Singapore fans will be able to feast their ears on Maksim’s masterpieces.
Known as the “Prince of Piano”, Maksim has been widely credited for reviving the classics and bringing a new generation of music lovers to classical music.
However, he feels that classical music is in need of a “reform”, not only in terms of presentation - it hasn’t changed very much since the 19th century - but also the music and atmosphere of classical concerts.
For his solo performances, Maksim mixes his classical repertoire with crossover pieces and is also known for using special stage effects, lighting, laser displays as well as video screens to accompany his fiery crossover tunes.
“I try to explore all kinds of musical styles so that’s why I involve a lot of electronical music with my classical music. For me, music shouldn’t have boundaries, shouldn’t be defined like this is classical so it shouldn’t go with rock or pop, you just listen to it and if you like it then that’s it, don’t make it so philosophical,” he said.
Catch "Maksim Mrvica Live in Singapore" on November 18 and 19 at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
- CNA/il
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