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18 May 07, 2:52 PM - Musical savant: Derek Paravicini interview
If you were lucky enough to have an insomnia attack last night like me, you may have tuned into Five Live and heard an amazing interview with disabled musician .
Listen to the interview (approx 20 minutes) -- as first broadcast on Dotun Adebayo's 'Up All Night' show, 大象传媒 Radio Five Live, 18 May 2007. I urge you to click and hear this.
You rarely get long radio interviews featuring people with learning difficulties so it was great to hear this.
Paravicini is 27, he's blind and an autistic savant. Dubbed 'The Human iPod' he's something of a musical genius. At the age of 9, he played at the Barbican Halls with the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, has played Ronnie Scott's Jazz Clubb and has other concerts pending.
You may have seen Derek on Five's Extraordinary People or in other documentaries.
His biography has just been released: In the Key of Genius: The Extraordinary Life of Derek Paravicini by Adam Ockelford - available in hardback RRP &#pound;17.99 (Hutchinson) and a CD of Derek's work, 'Echoes of the Sounds to Be, is also available.
Any thoughts on the interview welcome below ... it's easy to post, no sign-in or subscription required.
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At 05:51 PM on 18 May 2007, Jacob wrote:
Oh my God this audio is completely brilliant! It's both hilarious and inspiring as well as amazing!!!! Has anyone read the book? I don't remember seeing him on TV.
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At 06:00 PM on 18 May 2007, Jayne wrote:
Ah great. Really felt like I was beginning to get to know him. I want to hear more. Does he do a podcast?
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At 05:44 PM on 20 May 2007, Stargazer wrote:
This guy is fabulous. Does anyone know where I can find out more about him?
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At 09:34 PM on 20 May 2007, Adam Ockelford wrote:
You can find out more about Derek on his website ... www.derekparavicini.net
His biography is called 'In the Key of Genius', published by Hutchinson this month, and is available from Amazon
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At 04:12 AM on 21 May 2007, Saphire wrote:
Hi Adam. You're the mentor on the audio clip, aren't you? I was really interested in how every time Dotun asked a question you immediately bounced it to Derek and, though you gave some of your own answers, you were empowering Derek in quite a cool way. Is this a method you've developed over the years? Or something that Derek has asked for because he doesn't like people speaking to you rather than him? Interested to know. SaphiX
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At 03:28 PM on 21 May 2007, Adam Ockelford wrote:
Hi Saphi
Yes - I'm Derek's friend and mentor. I'm pleased it came across as though I was supporting Derek to say what he felt: it's very difficult sometimes, as he really doesn't understand a lot of what is being asked or said! I do a lot of work with people with learning difficulties, and supporting them to interface with 'the public' - and supporting 'the public' to interface with them - is one of the things I've worked hard at over the years. So I'm glad it came across OK. I passionately believe that, as Derek loves the media attention, he should be allowed experience it.
Thanks again for your interest!
Adam
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At 01:11 PM on 24 May 2007, stan phillips wrote:
I woke up early on Fri 18th and tuned into radio5.Dotum was into his usual form of quizzing but this was different in that two great guys were getting through his barrage time after time. Thank you Derek and Adam.I was informed, entertained and totally captivated. My copy of "In the Key of Genius" arrived three days later and I was enthralled to read it (and partly at "midnight"). You are cool Derek and so are you Adam. Stan Phillips
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