Maurice André

J.-P. M.: You spoke of the importance of having a balanced private life.
M. A.: Oh yes, I think my private life has turned out well too. I am lucky enough to have a wife who looks after all my business (because I am a terrible businessman) which is very handy, and then our kids are healthy. For example I've been doing wood sculpture for some time and I don't really know why I'm doing it. Perhaps I get that from my Cévennes family. Do you know the Cévennes? It's in the south of France, the people there are thoughtful, just the opposite of the Côte d'Azur people, who prefer to enjoy themselves! [laughs] I know I won't always go on blowing like I am now. I quite expect to go downhill — that can happen pretty quickly with the trumpet — but I'm getting ready for it. I'm giving more and more time to my pupils, to sculpture and painting. That's certainly inherited from the famous Cévennes thoughtfulness.

J.-P. M.: Are you getting ready to make a success of the second half of your life?
M. A.: One day I met a pal from the south who had studied with my uncle Jean and who admired him a lot because of his kindness. (All his students, who loved him, called him "Papa André" [sic]). He said, "How’s your uncle Jean?" "Very well", I said. "Is he enjoying his old age?" I said, "He loves it [laughs]. He's got his garden, his fishing, the lot. His job, his teaching is all in the past." Well, I'd like to enjoy my old age too.

J.-P. M.: Let's look at some figures. Have you any idea how many concerts you have given to date?