What's in a name? Well, plenty, according to numerologists and the like. However, when Willy Pulimugath gave his children ‘musical' middle names, it was for his love of music. A Western classical music buff, Willy named his elder son Julian Clef, and his younger son, Jordan Canto. While Clef means key [on a piano] in French, Canto means melody. And although both of them are musically inclined, it is Julian who is living his father's musical dream.
Music-filled home
“I grew up with music. My father is a ‘devotee' of Western classical music and Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin and the like always filled our home. Besides, my father gives piano classes at home, so I grew up to the sound of the piano,” says Julian, who uses Julian Clef as his stage name.
Pursuing an honours degree in music in Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, England, Julian has won various awards including winner of the European Piano Teachers' Association United Kingdom Cup (2007), winner of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe (March 2008), first prize in William Mathias Festival Piano Competition in Wales (May 2009) and winner of Royal Northern College of Music Concerto competition (March 2010) in his kitty.
Julian's journey in music began at the age of five when he started learning the basics of the piano from his father. It was then supplemented by various books. He was hooked to the instrument by the time he turned nine. “I knew that the piano was my destiny by then,” says Julian who enjoys listening to Bach, Beethovan, Chopin, Mozart and the like. He hit the limelight with his piano marathon in the city when he was 12 by playing the piano for 12 hours to promote world peace.
Julian was spotted at the marathon by Celestine John and his wife, Linda, who were in the city on a holiday from London. The couple recognised the young boy's talent and invited him to London to scout for opportunities to hone his skills. It was while he was on the lookout for such an opportunity that he was accepted into Chetham's School of Music in Manchester in 2006. And so at the age of 16, Julian left home for London.
“Dr. John and his wife became second family to me and so I did not feel that home sick. I received my first formal piano training at Chethams. It was also while at Chethams that I got the opportunity to play at Buckingham Palace. I am learning to play the piano under Murray McLachlan and have also studied under renowned pianists like Bernard Roberts, John Lill, Nadia Lasserson and Noriko Ogawa,” says Julian who adds that his aim is to become a concert pianist.
But a concert pianist in India? Agreeing that it is a tough task, Julian explains: “There isn't much of an opportunity for concert pianists in India as there isn't much awareness on the subject here. That is why I intend to pursue my studies in England and hopefully make a mark there. Perhaps, once I have made my mark there, I will return to India and start something here. Maybe workshops on the piano…Yes, it will be tough making a career there as there are hundreds of talented pianists in London. But, that is where perseverance pays off I guess. I'll probably have to start off with some organisation that is into promoting fresh talents and then build contacts and carve out a career in music.”
As it is the age of fusion music, does he see himself joining the bandwagon? “Honestly, I haven't planned my future as yet. I'm concentrating on perfecting my skills on the piano before I try my hand at anything. I plan to pursue my masters in music, but that depends on whether I get the funds required to do so. Till now, I have been lucky that well wishers have sponsored my studies through a trust fund in my name started by Dr. John and his wife,” says Julian, who adds that uploading his performance on YouTube, a fad amongst young musicians, is also a distant possibility.
A cricket enthusiast, Julian says he rarely gets to watch a match on television as his roommates tend to tune into football instead. “But when I do it's the Indian team I root for and my favourite cricketer is Sachin. However, we hardly get any free time to watch TV and the like as we will be busy practising or completing our various assignments,” says Julian.
Practice makes perfect
Julian, who is currently in the city on summer vacation from England has just completed concerts in Bangalore, Mysore and Goa. He will be performing in Delhi in September. So, how does he plan to spend the rest of his summer break? “Dig into some home cooked meals, especially rice and curries by my mom, Lizzy, and practise, practise and practise. Practice makes perfect,” he grins. And as I leave, strains of melody fill the air. Looks like music, is the name of the game for Julian.
London dream
O ne performance Julian cherishes is the one in which he played Chopin's ‘Fantasie Opus 49' at Buckingham Palace in April 2009. “The palace had an air of grandeur. The hall, in which we performed, was festooned with decorations. I had butterflies in my stomach before I performed. The performance was for a reception before dinner. After my performance, Prince Edward said he hoped to hear more of me soon,” says Julian.
