Georges Cziffra Plays Chopin, Liszt & Franck (EMI Classic Archive)

Georges Cziffra Plays Chopin, Liszt & Franck (EMI Classic Archive)

Georges Cziffra Plays Chopin, Liszt & Franck (EMI Classic Archive)
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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Benno Moiseiwitsch, Georges Cziffra
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Original Language); French (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Classical, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 77 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-02-10
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: EMI Classics

Movie Reviews of Georges Cziffra Plays Chopin, Liszt & Franck (EMI Classic Archive)

Movie Review: Fascinating Pianists
Summary: 5 Stars

I've listened to many recordings of pianists during the past 40 years, put never heard of Cziffra or Moiseiwitsch until I saw this DVD. It contains unbelievable performances! The DVD liner notes state that Cziffra was born in 1921, was captured as a POW in 1941, and did not resume his studies until 1946. Other sources add that from 1950 to 1953, he was a political prisoner doing hard labor, escaping Hungary in 1956. This DVD shows recordings made in 1961, 1963, & 1965, all in Paris. The other reviewers of this DVD have given it great reviews, and I agree with them. I would add a few things. The 1961 video seems to have been over-processed with scratch removal software, causing strange artifacts. At times, Cziffra's hands disappear (it's not blurring from speed) and his face and head get distorted when he moves quickly. There are also ghost trails from his hands and head. Some of these problems can be caused by software "enhancement" during restoration, and are demonstrated on the 2002 Kino DVD of the restored film Metropolis. The sound track for Moiseiwitsch's 1954 video has noticeable background hiss, and the video seems to be of a lower resolution. But I would highly recommend this DVD, regardless. The flexibility that Cziffra provides in the Liszt pieces makes them captivating, well beyond the stunning virtuosity. No microphones can be seen in any of the videos. With the orchestra, the sound is very clear and balanced. Close-ups and wide-angle shots are used to advantage. In the 1963 & 1965 videos, Cziffra's right wrist bares a wide, leather wristband, apparently in recognition of his prison years. A highly recommended DVD!

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