Pianists need to feel the music, says Aline Bartissol

French pianist, Aline Bartissol who was in Bangalore recently, believes that a pianist must bring life to the score...
What made you take to music, particularly the piano?
My parents were music lovers, and we had a piano at home. My father is an amateur pianist, but he is good at what he plays. So when I was five years old, I started to play too. Music has always been important for our family.
Who has been the biggest influence in your music?
I had the opportunity to work with many different maestros like Leon Fleisher, Jean-Claude Pennetier and Marie-Françoise Bucquet. They really influenced my perception of music, and how to understand a piece and the inspiration of the composer. Of course, composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy offer a permanent source of inspiration.
Who do you consider the biggest pianist of all time?
It is hard to say who the biggest pianist is as there are too many of them.
What are the basic things that one needs to keep in mind while learning to play the piano?
Music should be played with emotion, and can’t be mechanical. If you just play the score, without feeling the composition, you will not be able to render a good performance. A pianist must bring life to the score.
Do you know any Indian musicians? What do you think of them?
Of course I know Pandit Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka. I also listen to Indian music when I practise Yoga, but unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of the musician though. Indian music is full of energy and spirituality.
Do you have any piece of advice you want to give to aspiring musicians?
It takes a long time to master the art, but we must try to have fun in the beginning with some easy pieces. Be patient, and practise a lot, and it will find its way to you.
What do you think of Indian music?
I went to some private concerts in Paris, and it was a good way to discover Indian music. I had the opportunity to go to a concert here and it was a great moment of my trip. The band was very good, and the singer was excellent.
What kind of music do you personally like to listen to?
I like classical music, but I also enjoy other kinds of music as long as they are good. From old medieval music to rock’n roll, jazz, blues, from Tibetan, to Brazilian music, I listen to everything. I also like African rhythms.
Have you performed all around the world? Which countries have impressed you?
I have performed in Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, and France. In Germany, there is a strong classical music culture. Italy is also a beautiful country for classical music.