DVD : Evgeny Kissin: The Gift of Music
List Price: $16.98Amazon.com's Price: $15.49 You Save: $1.49 ( 9%)Prices subject to change.
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9786305785026
Format: Classical, Color, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 6305785023
Label: RCA
Manufacturer: RCA
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: RCA
Region Code: 1
Release Date: April 04, 2000
Running Time: 104 minutes
Sales Rank: 23460
Studio: RCA
Theatrical Release Date: 1997
Related Items:
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
Although I was unfamiliar with the name of Evgeny Kissin, and could barely pronounce his name, I became an instant fan when I watched this superb video. Unlike many documentaries, this one is 85% pure music, interspersed with bits of Evgeny's story. I did find the narrator commentary obtrusive at times, but this was minor. For anyone who loves classical music, classical piano music in particular, this DVD will become a treasure.
Rating: -
With a new mega pianist popping out of the woodwork every fifteen minutes or so these days, there are few indeed who possess the depth and interpretive range to go along with the dazzling technique that seems to be rather commonplace among young piano virtuosos. Evgeny Kissin, now in his thirties, is the most notable exception. His is an ability that is beyond his years. We're talking about someone who was humming classical music he heard at the age of 11 months and playing the piano with ten fingers at 18 months. Couple his talents with a very modest personality, and you have a rare artist indeed. Kissin has it all, technique to burn, a huge repertoire, and a wide range of musical interests. The highlight of the film is the extensive coverage of Kissin's 1997 BBC Proms concert, which broke all records, the audience having called Kissin back for the longest string of encores in the history of the famous concert series. Kissin plays all the encores in full. Some of the pieces are Beethoven's Rage Over the Lost Penny, 2 Chopin Waltzes and Liszt's La Campanella among others. This is a wonderful documentary/concert and I have watched it many times. If you are a pianist or a music lover you will enjoy this dvd very much.
Rating: -
This DVD is a decided plus to your video classical music collection. First, it had the touch of Christopher Nupen who is no stranger to the realm of documentaries [check out his "We Want the Light" DVD] and of course Evgeny Kissin who I believe is an excellent interpreter of not just the war-horse pieces [Chopin in particular] but, well, hey, let me cut to the chase here, simply observe his reception by the Proms [UK] audience [1997] which I can tell you is an endorsement that can not be film-maker contrived!
Other audiences world-wide follow suit at his remarkable pianistic abilities. Perhaps Christopher Nupen said it best in the documentary itself, "This man has a gift, of its kind, one of the finest and one of the rarest [...] at this evening's recital [in the south of France], Evgeny will play over 30,000 musical notes, all in perfect sequence, all in delicate balance and all from memory. That is a feat beyond the imagination of most people. And he will do it with a limpid clarity given to very few. [...] Not now and again but again and again."
I like Evgeny Kissin. I like both his playing and his stage demeanor or presence if you will which, in my view, enhances the overall classical piano recital experience. I'm not a great fan of facial muggings or contorsions gone amuck for that matter [I won't go into names but I believe the reviewer Mr. Burke is with me on that one with regard to a name or indeed names therein] nor any histrionic gyrations ... Read More
Rating: -
This biography is a decade old now, but I still find it wonderful to watch and listen too. The sound quality of the DVD is top notch as are the performances. If you enjoy classical piano at its best, I highly recommend this. You won't be disappointed.
The film itself focuses on the music rather than delve too deeply into the details of this wonderful pianist, although the interviews with Kissin provide some insight to his past.
Instead, the director of this film seemingly wanted to showcase the magic of Evgeny Kissin on the job, rather than turn this into the definiative account of Evgeny Kissin the man. Think of this more as "A few days in the life of Evgeny Kissin".
Kissin is truly one of the greats of our time. His technique is quite strong but, more importantly, it is his ability to get as close as possible to what Beethoven, Liszt and Chopin had intended when composing the notes that separates him from many other artists of our day. While listening, I found myself thinking, "So that's what Chopin was trying to say." I believe Kissin is so celebrated because of his ability to communicate the very thoughts of the composers in the notes. It is a special ability and this DVD provides us a glmpse of some of that musical genius at work, and for that, it comes highly recommended.
Rating: -
I wouldn't be reviewing this title if it weren't for the gaping wound I suffered from falling off of my chair when another reviewer suggested that "he was disappointed with Kissin...after watching Lang Lang(!)" What? I am drowning in a vat of incredulity.
On those rare occasions, having medicated myself heavily, when I have gathered the intestinal strength to actually listen to Lang Lang play, I find myself wondering, "what the heck is that guy playing?" It's Helfgott all over again! I recall recently hearing something familiar--La Campanella--I think, being played on NPR and thinking, "Well that has to be some kid from a regional talent show." It was Lang Lang! And of course, when twinkle-tinkle got done with his "interpretation" (a heinous crime if you ask me) the commentator (like the reviewer below) gushed in sync with the hype and publicity machine about LL's greatness. Yikes!
This DVD is excellent and a must have even though the interviewer is obviously star struck. Kissin has a transcendental greatness about him that has cemented his superstar status. The interviews were of great interest but as usual the questions I begged were not asked. That's ok. I especially appreciated the long performance sequences which ensure that I will watch the DVD many, many times. I know some will disagree (though plenty will concur) but in the pantheon of piano greats Kissin will be legendary with Horowitz and Cziffra. After the hype-machine finds ... Read More
Browse for similar items by category:
|
