Set the Piano Stool on Fire (2011)
An intimate account of the relationship between young composer and pianist Kit Armstrong and the world renowned Alfred Brendel, Set the Piano Stool on Fire captures both the creative process and champions the value of teaching and collaboration. Featuring the only filmed footage of Brendel during his farewell tour, this is highly revealing and essential viewing for anyone interested in classical music.
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Overrated
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
A must see for all fans of Brendel and anyone interested in what sets great classical musicians apart form us mere mortals. Mark Kidel's camera follows the relationship between Kit Armstrong, new-comer to the classical music scene and the recently retired Alfred Brendel. Brendel admits early on that he is not drawn to teaching youngsters, but something in Armstrong's playing has attracted him. What is fascinating is that here we have two sharply contrasting musical minds, one steeped in liberal values linked to great literature and art, the other analytical and mathematical. And yet a bond develops. This growing relationship is beautifully captured in a series of encounters between the two musicians. We are privileged to observe all the hard work and hours of practise and refinement which result in a consummate public performance which seems to be produced with such ease. There are some good illustrations of Armstrong's developing ability to relate with other musicians (notably cellist Adrian Brendel) both as a chamber musician and composer. But the most compelling moments are those occasions where Brendel works at the keyboard with Armstrong, teasing out the ideas and intentions of the great classical composers. The sense of great wisdom being passed down from one generation to the next is almost palpable. This restrained and understated documentary also captures some delightful moments of humanity, affection and humour between the two protagonists.