PIANISTS

defining Chopin

PIANISTS - DEFINING CHOPIN is not only educational film of the highest quality, but also a narrative piece which documents the very special experience of young American artists. Issues of ethnicity, of cultural pride and identity, of the process of self-discovery through discipline and education are central to the stories told in this film. It is a tale of victory and defeat, of joy and disappointment, of a great life experience and adventure, always with Chopin's magnificent music at its center. With its impeccable educational credentials, PIANISTS - DEFINING CHOPIN celebrates cultural diversity and the unifying force of beautiful music. It is a moving, poignant, and compelling tale of the desire of young musicians to achieve recognition at the highest international levels.

PRESS REVIEWS

Tomasz Magierski's excellent documentary about the 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw perfectly captures the joys and sorrows of musical competitions. Focusing on the American contingent of four young pianists, Magierski shows how the competition challenges, thrills, and disappoints them during the thirty-day event. Interwoven with conservations with Sean Kennard, Naomi Kudo, Esther Park, and Mei-Ting Sun are their rehearsals, performances, and travels about Warsaw, as well as interviews with pianists/teachers Edward Aldwell, Agustin Anievas, Seymour Bernstein, Enrique Graf, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Emilio del Rosario, Ruth Slenczynska, and Susan Starr. Magierski contrasts the innocence of the competitors with the wisdom of their mentors. He strives to make Pianists - Defining Chopin cinematic, speeding up the footage of the competitors sitting down to begin their performances to emphasize the assembly-line quality of the event and using an artistically composed overhead angle of a judge making notes about a performance. Editor Tomoko Oguchi never lets any scenes or shots linger too long as the film speeds nimbly through its eighty-seven minutes. Chopin himself receives considerable attention, with the commentators discussing the difficulty of playing his music.
- MUSE, Michael Adams

In ninety minutes, the viewer is given a truly unique combination of information about Chopin's music and the story of the process of competing in the thirty day Chopin contest in Warsaw, Poland. Accomplished professors of piano from esteemed places like Julliard together with four American contestants and the views of their teachers set the scene for the contest and what it means for their students. Teachers discuss practice time, ability, precision, musicality and what it may mean for their students' education and potential careers as well as the effects of the considerable pressure they feel. There are also segments regarding what it means to play musically and how to interpret Chopin's notational markings. The viewer also learns exactly what is required for each step of the contest, including which pieces are required to be played. This is infused with an abundance of beautiful piano music both to make a point about Chopin's music and as transitional material. The quality of video and sound are excellent, though chapter segments would be nice for easier navigation. In ninety minutes the viewer is given a truly unique combination of information about Chopin's music and the story of the process of competing in the thirty day Chopin contest in Warsaw, Poland. Highly Recommended.                                                                                   - EMRO, Debra Ennen 

The International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, which takes place every five years, is the oldest and most prestigious piano competition in the world. This spirited film follows four young American pianists from different backgrounds through each stage of the grueling thirty-day competition. As the camera tracks each contestant’s highs and lows and the enormous psychological and physical toll exacted from them, viewers learn what it really takes to be a pianist. Interviews with the young contestants' teachers contrast the innocence of the competitors with the wisdom of their mentors. Pianists: Defining Chopin is tale of passion and dedication, of aspiration, acceptance, and disappointment, always with Chopin's magnificent music at its center. Music teachers and students explore various approaches to Chopin's music. Wide audiences will find this film engaging, both for the passion, dedication and inspiration of the young pianists and the timeless and universal appeal of Chopin's music.                                                                         - FILMAKERS LIBRARY