Leif Ove Andsnes in new Beethoven documentary
The Norwegian pianist examines Beethoven's five piano concertos
A new documentary about the life and music of Beethoven is shortly to be released. Concerto: A Beethoven Journey focuses on the five piano concertos, with pianist Leif Ove Andsnes exploring the intricate detail and immense power of Beethoven's music.
The film will be shown in cinemas in the UK from 7 September.
Over the course of four years, director Phil Grabsky took exclusive footage from Andsnes's performances of the concertos. He says, 'I knew this exclusive journey with Leif Ove would allow me access to great performance - but I had no idea it would be this great. These became the best reviewed concerts of the past few years and I was on stage to record them. Even more importantly the music and Leif Ove's intelligent and accessible insight creates a staggeringly interesting new biography of arguably the greatest composer of all time.'
As well as providing information about the life and career of Beethoven, Concerto: A Beethoven Journey also shares elements of what it takes to be a classical performer in modern times. Andsnes 'offers rare insights into the mind of a world-class pianist' and shares his own journey towards a definitive interpretation of the concertos.
In February 2015 BBC Music Magazine said, 'In an age when the word "journey" is overused, Andsnes reminds us what a true heart-and-mind musical journey really is.'
Leif Ove Andsnes won BBC Music Magazine's Recording of the Year in our 2015 Awards with his second volume of the Beethoven concertos, Nos. 2 and 4, with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.
Watch the trailer below.
Concerto: A Beethoven Journey will be released in cinemas worldwide on 7 September. It will also be broadcast on BBC Four at a later date. For more information, and to receive details via a newsletter of participating cinemas, visit the Seventh Art website.
