10 Questions asked by the public... with Brandon Hopkins
Brandon is to be playing at the Guildhall in Portsmouth next saturday at 8 till 10 with Piano concertos by Franz Liszt and a number of Nocturnes by Frederic Chopin and lastly a vast number of pieces by Claude Debussy, for more information view the Contents page at the back of the Magazine.
1) To be a Concert Pianist do you have to start at such a young age? if not why?
Brandon: Many people believe that it takes 10 years to master an instrument, however i believe you can be any age to play the Piano, its a matter of how much skill you have with the music and the Piano itself, age determines the progress of your instrument, but its always better to start at a younger age.
2) What does it take to be a Concert Pianist?
Brandon: You need to understand what the music is asking of you, know how to play the piano at all degrees, and overall confidence, commitment, and trusting your inner self.
3) Whats your favorite type of Piano?
Brandon: The most obvious answer to this question would be the Steinway & Sons Piano, however i believe the Bossendorfer is a better choice of sound.
4) Who is the best composer?
Brandon: There isnt one, its down to personal taste, many people say Mozart, which there is much evidence of his genius, however my personal best would be Beethoven as he develops the most as a Composer and brings the best out of what he wrote music for.
5) Do you play any other instruments besides the Piano?
Brandon: Yes, my secondary instrument is the Accordion 96 Bass, made by Honer, I also play the Drums and the Guitar.
6) Whats your favorite piece made for the Piano?
Brandon: I do not have a favorite piece as its diffulcult to say, but if i had to choose it would be any piece made by Debussy.
7) Who was the greatest Concert Pianist and your favorite?
Brandon: The best is again down to taste, however my favorite would be Glenn Gould especially the recorded versions of the Goldberg variations by Bach.
8) How hard is it to make a Composition for Film?
Brandon: Matter of fact its actually very easy... you start of with a melody and build upon it, layering and layering until you have the final product, the Soundtrack.
9) Why is the Piano the best instrument?
Brandon: its the best because it brings out whatever you are feeling, other instruments cant bring out the melodies as well, and do not have as much range as the piano does, overall its the best sound.
10) What is the best thing about the Concert?
Brandon: When you sit down at the Piano and the crowd are completly silent, they are there just to hear you play to them, its a feeling a rare amount of people can experience in their lives.
Below: Guildhall, where Brandon is soon to be playing