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A Marset Takeover with
James Rhodes
Bohemia
James Rhodes is a pianist, writer and child protection activist. His performances and his ability to communicate, through books, articles and media contributions and the importance of classical music as a tool for transformation have connected with people all around the globe.
In this interview he talks about the relationship between light, music and emotions and why he chose the Bohemia lamp for his new home.
Spain is a country of sunshine. How do you think the light has influenced your life since you moved here?
JRMore and more since I took up photography. The light was one of the first things that caught my attention when I moved to Spain. After so many years of grey in London, I simply couldn't believe the colours here. My favourite time of the day is still being awake at 5 am, having a coffee on my balcony and just looking up at the sky as the sun starts to rise.
Does interpretation create?
JRI am one of those people who think that everything is about creating. Making French toast, dancing the tango, playing Chopin, photographing a landscape, designing a building, decorating a house, painting with the children... Everything is creation. One of the most beautiful words in Spanish is duende (soul) and for me this is the backbone of creation. Find what helps you to find duende and it will be a creative process.
What is modern in the classical? And while we're at it, what band or musician today do you think would have been successful 200 years ago?
JRIt is amazing to me how progressive many of these long-dead composers were. There are harmonies in Bach, chord progressions in Chopin, rhythms in Beethoven that are still discordant today. I think the obvious choices would have been successful 200 years ago: Bowie, Dylan, The Beatles... I like to think we could add Serrat and Sabina to that list. Charly García too.
However, a more important question for me would be the reverse: Would Chopin have had any success if he were alive today? Mozart? I would love to think they would but there are days when I have my doubts.
In which space in your home do you feel most comfortable?
JRThe kitchen. It is the centre of any home. It is warm, comfortable, relaxed. And there's food. It is my absolute definition of happiness.
Does the light around you influence your playing?
JRI spend hours before concerts during sound check working on the light. It's very important. Not only to see the keyboard without shadows, but also to make sure that the audience is as dark as possible, light only on the piano and use the light to create a space that is really intimate even when there are 2,000 people there with me. The light at concerts is similar to the light in photography: an essential element for it to function well.
Do you play with your eyes open or closed?
JRClosed. Always. I am not sure why. But it's always been like that. I think it might help me to escape.
Do you think light influences how we perceive music?
JRIt can. We can all tell the difference between listening to a piece of music when the lights are on and listening to it in bed in the dark. Light has a great impact on our emotions. It can manipulate emotions, turn up the volume of our feelings or even turn it down.
Lend us a hand, which switch should we turn on when darkness stalks us?
JRThe kindness switch. Always. In a world so focused on material gain, fame, "things", beauty, etc., kindness is often overlooked. For me it is the most important thing there is.
What do you like about the Bohemia light? What was the first thing you played after hanging it?
JRI saw it in a restaurant near my house and fell in love instantly. We had just moved into a new home and the Bohemia is very much in line with the ambience/vibe of our house. It goes perfectly. The colour is so beautiful and its shape and impact are breathtaking. I don't normally get excited about things like that (I normally get excited about less tangible things) but in this case I knew I had to find that light and have it in my house.
Finally, could you recommend some music? Something bright.
JRAlways. Beethoven's "Emperor" piano concerto. 40 minutes of pure light that will illuminate every part of your soul. Be prepared...
