SINGAPORE — It has been a decade since Richard Clayderman’s last album, but the Prince of Romance — as fans of his romantic instrumental music have dubbed him — has now returned with the aptly titled Romantique.

Despite being away from the limelight for so long, the pianist is quite happy with his new album. “The record market has changed a lot with the Internet and piracy downloads,” said Clayderman in an email interview. “Therefore I was very satisfied when the label Decca in London showed their interest in distributing a new studio album from me.”

As expected, it is filled with his piano-led instrumental interpretations of love songs, as well as a new version of the song that made him famous, Ballade Pour Adeline.

“This is the theme which I have performed in each and every one of my concerts since my debut. Sometimes I play it solo, sometimes with a string section; and each time, I try to bring something special depending on my mood.”

Is there any song that you don’t like to play?

Richard Clayderman: All the titles I perform on stage are carefully chosen by me. But it has happened that in some TV performances (I had) to perform a title which I was not so happy to perform. This was a request by the producer and it would not have been nice for me to refuse. It was a matter of courtesy.

You’ve been doing this for a long time. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?

To remain what I am.

Do you still like people calling you the Prince Of Romance?

I fact some people refer to me as “Prince of Romance” but it never happened to me that someone told me, “Hello, Prince of Romance”. They call me Richard. “Prince” would be too much really!

Do you consider yourself romantic?

When I hear the word “romantic” it makes me think of something soft, tender, not aggressive, not violent ... but what I am — therefore I think that I am romantic.

If you stopped playing the piano, what would you do?

I really do not know because apart from the piano, I do not have any expertise. Though I can sweep a room or use the vacuum cleaner. That’s all.

Do you mind that people call your work “muzak”?

These people call my music “elevator music”. In fact, my music is played in restaurants, shopping malls, airports ... I don’t mind at all. Sometimes — it has happened to me — I hear some Mozart or Beethoven compositions in such places!

Where do you see yourself as a musician, in the music scene of today?

I am not rock, I am not a pop, I am not classical, I am not a jazz, I am not rap ... I belong to no scene ... I am just what I am!

In the world of pop music, instrumentalists are often not considered in the same league as singers or singer-musicians. What are your thoughts about that?

What you evoke is easy listening music! This music is not beloved by the media but there are many people around the world who enjoy that kind of music whose main concern is to be elegant and beautiful.

Do you think that, thanks to technology, musicians aren’t as “clever” with their technique or playing because everything can be done by just pressing a button?

Technology has brought a new musical era, and I am sure that Chopin or Mozart would have been delighted to give their talent to these instruments which are governed by computers.

What would you like the Richard Clayderman legacy to be? How would you like people to remember you?

I know that some piano beginners are initiated to the music while listening or playing the music I play. That’s great — to inspire the young generations.

Will you be coming to Singapore any time soon?

Soon ... I don’t know but one day ... I deeply hope so. It’s always a pleasure for me to perform in Singapore.

Richard Clayderman’s Romantique is out in stores now.