The PianoMe rehearsal rooms, studios and concert halls are not only used by hobby musicians, music students and teachers, but also by renowned musicians. One of them is Michele Nigrelli. We caught up with Michele to talk about why he became a pianist and composer and also about his current initiatives. He also told us why he likes PianoMe’s idea.
PianoMe (PM): Dear Michele, thank you very much for your time! It is a great pleasure for us that you are ready for an interview with PianoMe!
Michele Nigrelli (MN): Thank you so much for having me and for giving me this possibility to share my thoughts with you and with your readers.
PM: That’s great, thank you! First of all, we would like to briefly introduce you to our readers, even though many of them probably already know who you are. Although neither of your parents were musicians or artists, you were attracted to music from an early age. You started playing the piano when you were ten. Your piano works are influenced by classical music, minimal music and smooth jazz and your music is described as being very emotional, deep and touching.
MN: Yes, that´s correct. Thanks for the introduction. I would add that I am basically influenced by many music genres, not only those that are mentioned, but also pop music as well.
PM: That sounds great! Can you please tell us first how you got started playing the piano and also what motivated you to start composing music?
MN: A friend of my parents is a hobby musician, and he had a keyboard at his place. I think I was nine years old, and one day I was with my parents at his place. He showed me some very basic chords on the keyboard, and I was so fascinated that I convinced my parents to buy me a small keyboard. At that time, I could not read any score, but I started by improvising and playing by ear some Beatles song from a CD that my parents had at home. Soon I started to compose by varying some melodies of those songs.
PM: What kind of composers influenced you the most and how much does their music still impact your activities today?
MN: I did classical studies, so I am influenced by some classical composers, especially Mozart, Beethoven, Satie and Brahms. My way of composing is also influenced by pop stars like Elton John or Michael Jackson, as well as by jazz musicians like Keith Jarrett. The way I structure melodies and arrangements is definitely influenced by all these composers.
PM: And how would you characterise your own compositional language or musical style?
MN: I define my style as a “melodic neoclassical pop”.
PM: You are an astonishingly gifted pianist with virtuosic technique and rhythmic grounding. I watched some of your videos, and one of the things that most impressed me about your playing is how you embrace silence and space in your music. How difficult is it for you to reign in your natural exuberance to allow for moments of quiet?
MN: For me it is quite natural, it is not something I plan, or I control. I think it is more like an unconscious balance between my classical background and my creative soul – on one side I would like to be completely free and on the other side I feel the need to have a controlled musical language.
PM: Interesting! And what do you do offstage that provides inspiration on stage?
MN: It´s funny because I am mostly inspired when I am sitting in front of the piano and I start playing. There is a sort of energy which flows and allows me to create melodies by improvising. So the inspiration comes to me while I am practicing the piano.
PM: How do you see the level of interest in classical music in Germany? And how is it in Italy?
MN: I think the beauty of classical music is nowadays underestimated, and therefore the interest could be higher than it actually is, both in Italy and in Germany. I do not see any big differences in the two countries regarding this topic – it is a general trend.
PM: And what do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
MN: I think that classical music needs to be presented in a new form especially to the young generations, in order to be more attractive (e.g. by combining classical music and pop or by combining classical music and electronic music).
PM: As a musician, what is your definition of success?
MN: My definition of success is: understand yourself, follow your heart and be authentic in the goals you want to pursue.
PM: Are you prioritizing building relationships at work? I mean also to other composers and also musicians? Maybe also from abroad?
MN: Yes definitely, networking is essential for musicians, especially if you want to be successful.
PM: By the way, as a musician yourself, you know that the journey is never sweet and easy. What advice would you give to someone hoping to build a career as a musician?
MN: My advice is: “Be disciplined and don´t give up”. Somebody once told me “Hard work beats talent” and I have to say that is totally true for the music business as well. Another piece of advice I would give is to be authentic as an artist and don´t let yourself be influenced by those who are just interested in making money with the music business.
PM: Thank you! I’m really sorry, but I have to ask (laughing). Would you recommend PianoMe to musicians?
MN: I discovered PianoMe last year when I was travelling a lot. During my travels I missed my piano and a room to practice. PianoMe was my salvation since it allowed me to find a piano in each different city I was travelling – so I would definitely recommend it to other musicians!
PM: Thank you! It shows us that we are on the right track! Finally, what are your aims for the future? Would you like to share any announcement with our readers?
MN: My second album is going to be released soon – so stay tuned! I am also starting a new concert series combining piano music and a wonderful light show. The premiere is going to be this year in Hamburg on November 16th and we plan a tour next year in Germany. You shouldn´t miss this experience!
PM: Dear Michele, we thank you for the interview and wish you all the best!
MN: Thank you so much for having me!
Copyright Photography M. Cataneo, 2023
