Concerto - A Beethoven Journey

This is a fine film, but it is the performances that are spectacular. Serious musicians may not learn much about Beethoven that they did not already know--dabblers will learn more. But buy this film for the remarkable performances, not only by Andsnes (expected) but by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, which shines throughout. Of course, we must remember that it is Andsnes who is at the helm, and whose vision of this remarkable set of concertos is guiding the whole enterprise.The straightforward and consistent layout of the film is to be appreciated: after a brief history, the movements of each concerto are taken one at a time and abridged in an insightful manner that holds the viewer's interest. One does not face listening to five Beethoven piano concertos in one sitting. And yet one does, in a contracted manner that serves to highlight the growth and development of the composer through this important set of pieces.Andsnes is no less than brilliant, his treatment of each and every phrase unique and lovingly complete through its studied end. Yet the playing is free. His temperament seems especially well suited to the serious nature of these compositions, even in their lighter moments. And his technique (I think there is no living pianist with his combination of warmth and clarity) always seems to come out of nowhere--as it is not the end his playing seeks. This is a man trying to say something important, and I feel he succeeds.The informal discourses on the pieces themselves are delightfully unstaged and will raise an eyebrow or two as Andsnes swings from camera back to the piano to demonstrate. For there is simply no difference between the intensity and commitment evident in these brief demonstrations and that in the excerpts of recorded performances--giving non-performers a rare glimpse of the complete absorption necessary to achieve not only the perfection, but the almost inconceivable consistency of artists who gain this level.The film is disappointing only in its return--a little too often--to certain pre-set camera angles, and hence, to members of the orchestra who seem to have been "selected" for no apparent reason. But this will bother only those used to Berlin Philharmonic tele- or webcasts where the carefully scripted video recording is an absolute match for the excellence of the orchestra's performance. The technical resources and equipment employed by Grabsky are by no means shabby, but viewers used to recorded evenings at the Waldbuhne may be annoyed when a lack of variety occasionally detracts from the music-making.Beethoven and Andsnes ultimately win, though, and these performances need to be seen, their central idea--to give a better sense of the genius behind these extraordinary works--appreciated. They will also serve to whet the appetite for the boxed set of the concerti, available on Sony Classical and recorded during the four years of Andsnes' remarkable journey.

Don't expect to hear complete concertos, or even complete movements. Leif Ove Andsnes is a most engaging advocate of the Beethoven Piano Concertos.My absolute favourite piece to camera was when he referred to the A minor episode in the finale of Piano Concerto no.1. Bless him-he explained that it is FUNNY and that Beethoven had a sense of humour. When I heard it as a 16-year old schoolboy my friend and I thought it was hilarious and jigged about in our seats whenever it came on.So hats off to Beethoven, to Leif Ove Andsnes and anyone who is young enough in spirit to recognise a GREAT COMPOSER having some fun.

Beethoven is with doubt the finest musician to ever have lived. Leif shows such amazing passion in presenting an absolutely first class and sublime documentary about the great man. It's quite unique that a concert pianist of Leif's incredible stature would show a very revealing side to him, a true gentleman of the highest calibre. As a musician myself, I can appreciate that Leif is really one of the world's greatest pianists and we as an audience should be honoured that he took the time to put this presentation together.

This is a moving and accessible documentary charting Andsnes' commitment to the music of Beethoven, and specifically the five piano concertos, over a four year period. It mixes high quality performance extracts featuring the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with intimate interviews with Andsnes and voice over readings of extracts from Beethoven's letters and other notes, making a case for the composer's humanity in the face of his encroaching deafness rather than the diffident and even misanthropic individual that sometimes emerges in other biographical portraits. The performances are outstanding and are matched by the superb visuals. Together with the CD box set of the recordings, it makes for a sumptuous release.

Just great work from a world class pianist who spend four years of diving deep into the world of Beethoven’s amazing piano concertos - it doesn’t get better than this.

The film does little to enrich one's understanding of the history around the concerti, but the concerti are played beautifully.

A brilliant film! Concert pianist, Leif Ove Andsnes, devotes three years to playing Beethoven and this excellent film allows us to share the experience. Lovely music, interesting to hear the pianist's explanations. A must for anyone who likes Beethoven.

First class, with historical information about Beethoven and thoughtful comments on his music and the way he composed.