tue 14/05/2024

Interview with Pianist Hélène Grimaud | reviews, news & interviews

Interview with Pianist Hélène Grimaud

Interview with Pianist Hélène Grimaud

French pianist saved by music - and wolves

The wolfchick in action: 'I have no problem with classical music disappearing if it's too safe'

Hélène Grimaud, the pianist whom Le Figaro dubbed “perhaps the most fascinating artist of our age”, apologises that her overalls smell of deer meat. She has, she explains, been feeding her wolves. While she goes back into the fenced compound with them, she suggests I stay outside. “They’re actually not as dangerous as you might think. But they are socially ambitious, and might attack if they sense you are weak". I feel weak, suddenly.

Hélène Grimaud, the pianist whom Le Figaro dubbed “perhaps the most fascinating artist of our age”, apologises that her overalls smell of deer meat. She has, she explains, been feeding her wolves. While she goes back into the fenced compound with them, she suggests I stay outside. “They’re actually not as dangerous as you might think. But they are socially ambitious, and might attack if they sense you are weak". I feel weak, suddenly.

Without music, I could easily have been a delinquent of some kind. Music changed my life - it saved me. The wolves saved me too.

Explore topics

Share this article

Comments

I have to say I found her theatrics while playing Beethoven's Fourth Concerto at the Barbican in 2006 intensely annoying and anti-musical, which would have been fine had the playing made up for it but it didn't (only the second movement shone out, which was largely down to Teminakov I felt). In a similar vein, I don't think going on about Wolves has much to do with good piano playing - though perhaps the distraction is welcome!

@Toby You're missing the point.

Add comment

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters