F. Chopin - 24 Etudes for Piano Op.10 , Op 25
by ValalProductions
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Valentina LisitsaDirector: ValalProductions
Composer: F Chopin
Performer: Valentina Lisitsa
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 58 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-01-01
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Valal Productions
Movie Reviews of F. Chopin - 24 Etudes for Piano Op.10 , Op 25
Movie Review: A new direction for recorded music
Summary: 5 Stars
By what criteria should one review and rate a music DVD? It surely shouldn't be by the quality of the performance alone, otherwise a CD recording of the music would suffice. Having spent the better part of 30 years collecting LP then CD recordings of the classical repertoire, it's still quite a novelty to now be buying DVD's of the same works. It has taken me only 5 months to conclude that this is the best way to enjoy recorded music, and it was this DVD of Mrs Lisitsa playing Chopin's complete etudes which made me realise it.
There are many other "studio" (as opposed to "concert") video recordings of great works by great artists. However, this one is the best I have seen. Why? Well, to start, the quality of the playing is musically very satisfying and technically flawless. That, of course, is a minimium requirement of any recording these days. What makes this video recording unique is that it has been conceived like no other.
Mrs Lisitsva plays at the piano as if for you alone. The intimacy is created by the use of a totally dark backdrop, which lasts the entire recording. No matter which angle she is being viewed from, there is only her and the piano - no background distractions, so the focus is entirely on her and the music.
This is coupled with some of the finest footage of hands at a keyboard you are likely to see. The cameraman is obviously familiar with the works, and anticipates their movement across the keyboard, enabling the camera to focus in very closely. The lighting seems brighter than usual (probably because of the black backdrop), which together with the clarity of the digital recording, adds to the sense of immediacy. It's as if you're standing over the keyboard watching.
The editing is also well thought through. There is a satisfying balance of close-ups (hands and face) and of the pianist at the keyboard, flowing seamlessly from one image to another, keeping it visually interesting throughout.
Finally, most (but not all) etudes within each opus group are played in succession without edit or interuption. This creates a sense of their being presented as an organic whole, with each set comprised of richly varied and contrasting pieces.
Should you wish to sample before you buy, I suggest you go to Youtube and watch the Opus 25, number 12. Just superb.
DVD's such as this are a new direction for enjoying recorded music in one's own home. It's as if the artist has been invited in to perform for you alone. I hope the mainstream labels pick up on the style, and follow it for everyone's benefit.
Five stars.
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