A documentary film, featuring Marc-André Hamelin, which looks at the music-making of virtuoso composer–pianists from both the present and ‘golden age’. Including interviews with Ronald Stevenson, Robert Rimm and Andrew Keener, plus Marc-André Hamelin performing music by Albéniz, Alkan, Busoni, Dukas, Godowsky, Hamelin, Kapustin, Liszt, Medtner, Rzewski and Schubert.

PART II - Recital: Hamelin in Charlevoix, Quebec [47'50]

Including interview with Marc-André Roberge (Professor of Musicology, Laval University)
GODOWSKY/CHOPIN Seven Studies on Chopin’s Études
GODOWSKY The Gardens of Buitenzorg from Java Suite
WAGNER/LISZT Isoldens Liebestod, S447
VERDI/LISZT Ernani—Paraphrase de Concert, S432
SCIARRINO Anamorfosi
ANTHEIL Piano Sonata No 4 ‘Jazz Sonata’
DEBUSSY Reflets dans l’eau from Images II

PART III - Extra features [25'45]

Interview with Jay Reise (composer)
Interview with Harvey Wedeen (Professor of Piano, Temple University)
Robert Rimm (author of The Composer-Pianists: Hamelin and the Eight)
Concert performance of Busoni’s Piano Concerto Op 39, fourth movement, ‘All’ Italiana’ by Marc-André Hamelin, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä

Language: ENGLISH
Subtitles: ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, JAPANESE
Format: Region 0 (ALL REGIONS); NTSC; Color; Widescreen
Dolby Digital 2.0 (Stereo)

'An example of human potential at its highest' (Musical Pointers)

'The piano/recorded sound is ravishing, the performances inspired. For those who only know the French-Canadian virtuoso from his recordings, I urge you to witness with what extreme economy and concentration such supreme artistry is achieved... This is Hyperion's first venture into the DVD market. Let's hope there will be many more' (Gramophone)

'There's no doubt about Hamelin's superb artistry, or the extraordinary inventiveness of his programming... Hamelin is the most poetic of virtuoso players and his musical refinement is a constant feature of a recital which includes some extremely difficult music.... Picture and sound quality are very good' (International Record Review)