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| Evgeny Kissin: The Gift of Music | 
 enlarge | Director: Christopher Nupen
Actor: Evgeny Kissin
Studio: RCA
Category: DVD
List Price: $16.98
Buy New: $8.29
You Save: $8.69 (51%)
New (27) Used (9) Collectible (2) from $7.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  21 reviews
Sales Rank: 37151
Format: Classical, Color, Dts Surround Sound, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), German (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Running Time: 104 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 63609
ISBN: 6305785023
UPC: 090266360994
EAN: 9786305785026
ASIN: 6305785023
Theatrical Release Date: 1997
Release Date: April 4, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Sealed all-region DVD released in Asia. It is the same performance program. Deluxe package including a 14" x 20" Poster. Ships within 24 hours.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 16 more reviews...
 Worth the price of front row seat tickets! August 31, 2008
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.
Evgeny Kissin Documentary and Concert August 21, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
An excellent DVD and the great traditions/interpretations go on! May 5, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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 at the piano or, quite frankly, key banging being passed off under the guise of some sort of 'tour de force' kind of thing. You know, comes the stringed instrument and 'it ain't playing unless there are broken strings!'
So too, I'm a confirmed traditionalist [A shout from afar: "There's a revelation!"] and so I responded in kind to those of the quill fraternity who felt Evgeny's requisite and in fact traditional 'classical' artist recital bowing to the audience [and all points of same therein depending on the hall configuration] was allegedly "wooden and romantic era passe." No doubt these are the same wags who ballyhoo for classical pianist formal attire to be abandoned as well as the orchestra to boot in a sort of Friedrich Gulda 'come as you are' style. Ahhh, and speaking of which, there is Gulda doing the "Emperor" 5th piano concerto in mufti, as it were, and conducting [!?] at the same time and a lone soul claps after the first movement so when nothing is heard after the second movement, he rises from the keyboard and announces in 'die Sprache' ["the language" -- German], "Na' und?" [and so? In effect, no clap?].
But those kind of stage antics that were unique to Friedrich Gulda [1930-2000] are one thing while Evgeny Kissin carries on the tradition of the era and its music. It has nothing to do with being a product of the "Russian school" as it does matters of appropriate demeanor and concurrently rendering the classical piece composer equal 'due' as it were. Why it seems to bother certain journalists that Evgeny still remains single and prefers to live with his family wherever he goes wholly escapes me but I suppose these journalistic types equate write-ups in the various tattle-tale or gossip inspired rags for outrageous behavior as no doubt the 'measure' of having truly arrived! Right. In effect, if there are no warts or social behavior outrages, something must be decidedly wrong!
Altogether a first rate DVD with informative interviews and excellent playing. One doesn't 'set-up' repeated encores either. World wide. They are requested, indeed demanded, by an audience for a reason! In this case, a very good reason! Evgeny Kissin.
Doc Tony
A Few Days With a Piano Master December 31, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
Just had to comment.... July 23, 2006
19 out of 21 found this review helpful
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 another "star" to inflict on the world, cLang cLang, will join the ranks of the temporarily notable and strangely once-was. If you don't believe me then leave Amazon and read what some of the professional reviewers have had to say about Kissin and the cLang cLang. Read the shocked disappointment and utter dismay that followed in cLang's wake when he recently toured the Far East.
Get this DVD and enjoy it as a glimpse into the life and gifts of one of the greatest pianists to have ever played the instrument. Kissin is not as powerful as Cziffra but he is more reliable and prolific; and more precise than Horowitz. This DVD is a steal at twice the price. Get it; you will be inspired and amazed.
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