Watch Grigory Sokolov - Recital at the Berliner Philharmonie 2013 17432v

Grigory Sokolov - Recital at the Berliner Philharmonie 2013 is a stunning showcase of one of the world's greatest living pianists. Filmed in the renowned Berlin Philharmonie concert hall, the movie captures Sokolov's mesmerizing skills as he performs a highly curated program of classical piano music. The film begins with Sokolov's entrance onto the stage. The camera lingers on him as he takes a seat at the piano, adjusts his posture, and raises his hands to the keys. Instantly, the audience is captivated by the powerful presence of the performer. 59525k

Sokolov's opening piece is the Prelude in B Minor, Op. 32, No. 10 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Despite the piece's somber tone, Sokolov imbues it with a sense of restless energy, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys. The nuances of his playing - the contrast between legato and staccato, the way he emphasizes certain notes - are heightened by the close-up shots of his hands.

Next, Sokolov moves on to Bach's Partita No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828. This piece is more intricate, with Sokolov's playing alternating between moments of delicate introspection and explosive virtuosity. The camera work is especially impressive here, as the film switches between long shots of the entire stage and close-ups of Sokolov's face or hands.

The second half of the recital is devoted entirely to Chopin. Sokolov begins with the Four Mazurkas, Op. 24, and immediately sets a different mood. Gone is the thundering intensity of the earlier pieces; instead, Sokolov brings a sense of lightness and lyricism to Chopin's compositions.

The centerpiece of the Chopin section is the Sonata No. 2, Op. 35, known as the "Funeral March" sonata. Sokolov's version of this piece is breathtaking. He gives the famous funeral march an almost haunting quality, his playing slow and deliberate before exploding into a flurry of notes.

The movie ends with Sokolov's encore, a gentle rendition of Gluck's Dance of the Blessed Spirits. By this point, the audience is enraptured, hanging on every note.

Throughout the film, Sokolov's performance is nothing short of brilliant. His technical proficiency is awe-inspiring, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to bring out the emotional core of each piece. Whether he's playing a frenzied classical composition or a gentle romantic piece, Sokolov's playing is imbued with a sense of humanity.

As for the film itself, it is beautifully produced. The camera work and editing are expertly crafted, capturing both the grand scope of the concert hall and the intimate details of Sokolov's playing. The sound quality is also top-notch, allowing the audience to fully experience the depth and richness of Sokolov's playing.

In conclusion, Grigory Sokolov - Recital at the Berliner Philharmonie 2013 is a must-watch for any classical music fan. Sokolov's performance is nothing short of exceptional, and the film itself is a masterful representation of a remarkable artist at the top of his game.