The 41-year-old's approach to classical works is as serious as the relaxed atmosphere of his performances. The performer plays Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and other composers. With great class, but without any pretension. "I want to bring classical music closer to as many people as possible. Because this music should be a human right, but in England and other countries it has become a luxury for the rich few," says Rhodes.
Television interviews with stars
Rhodes' unconventional stance is not only inspiring classical music fans. The British television station Channel 4 even gave Rhodes his own television program in 2013/14: "Notes from the Inside". In it, the musician talked about his love of music and interviewed stars himself, such as British actor Benedict Cumberbatch (40). And spoke for the first time about the subject that is particularly close to his heart: the healing power of music.
Anger in the belly
The power of music has also given Rhodes new strength. For as beautiful as the sounds of Beethoven's piano concertos resound under his hands: The pianist has a great rage in his belly.He wrote the bestseller "The sound of rage - how music kept me alive" about it. Rhodes was sexually abused in his childhood and then went on a long and arduous journey. In the book, he doesn't shy away from strong language and describes his anger, but doesn't fall into lamentation, instead saying: "Music has become my best friend over the years."
Bach is James Rhodes' hero
"Johann Sebastian Bach is often misunderstood," says Rhodes and adds: "For me, he is the most romantic composer of all! His life was full of death and pain. He had 21 children, eleven of whom died, as well as his wife." But Bach, according to Rhodes, packed all this pain into wonderful music, which is full of depth, joy and beauty. "Bach's music has healing power."
JAMES RHODES
Mon, 24. 10. 2016, Neues Theater Spirgarten Zurich
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