I hate playing the piano! And it's so hard to fight for Beethoven's soul! But that's what I have to do! Charles Hazlewood beethovenfighthard Change image and share on social
I spend so much of my time working away, but I love being here. My family is in Somerset, and this is where my heart is. Charles Hazlewood familyheartlove Change image and share on social
For too long, musicians have been the greatest enemy of music. Their lack of desire to proselytize is a kind of betrayal. Charles Hazlewood betrayaldesireenemy Change image and share on social
I free-form it, rock n' roll it. I'm a creature of risk, so I don't know how I'm going to explore a Beethoven symphony until I'm doing it. Charles Hazlewood beethovencreatureexplore Change image and share on social
I'm a bit of a Luddite, really: I don't use email much, as I started drowning in it. So I said 'screw this' and dumped my laptop, though I've begun to re-engage with it. Charles Hazlewood beginbitedrown Change image and share on social
Even if you're playing the most well-known repertoire under the sun, I still believe you have a responsibility as an artist to tell the audience why you're playing it, what are the key aspects to it, and then throw in a bit about its historical context. Charles Hazlewood artistaspectaudience share on social
I abhor the words 'classical music.' Few things satisfy me more than a really good cover version. Charles Hazlewood abhorclassicalcover Change image and share on social
Music is about communication, and the chemistry between an audience and the orchestra is absolutely essential; the performance does not exist in a bubble. Charles Hazlewood absolutelyaudiencebubble Change image and share on social
Musical 'fusion' projects have earned themselves a bad name, but that's mainly because they often involve pop artists conscripting orchestras to play unimaginative backdrops to their acts. What's really exciting is when you spark off a dialogue between very different musical forces. Charles Hazlewood actartistbackdrop share on social
I have loads of issues with the way classical music is presented. It has been too reverential, too 'high art' - if you're not in the club, they're not going to let you join. It's like The Turin Shroud: don't touch it because it might fall apart. Charles Hazlewood artclassicalclub share on social