Programmes

Documentary

Beyond Perfection – The pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Synopsis

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli – a name that provokes almost a sense of awe and intimidation, even among his piano-playing peers. It is a name that represents the highest degree of perfection, a quest for beauty that surpasses that of any other piano virtuoso. However Michelangeli also had a reputation for cancelling concerts at short notice and was consequently portrayed in the media as a somewhat neurotic artist. “Beyond Perfection – Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli“ is the result of a 30-year search that has resulted in unusual interviews with those who knew him, and has also uncovered a wealth of new archive material: We get to experience Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli as he has never been seen before – and more importantly, as he has never been heard before. We also witness the maestro's struggle back to his former perfection after suffering a devastating heart attack. This homage to Michelangeli provides the first comprehensive and in-depth portrait of a brilliant pianist who achieved mythical status.

Additional Info

  • No: A05050693
  • Artists: Sergiu Celibidache, Contessa Marcella di Pontello, Duilio Courir, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Cord Garben & Coro della Sat
  • Production year: 2020
  • Run time: 01:19:00
  • Director: A film by Syrthos J. Dreher & Dag Freyer
  • Producers: 3B Produktion, SWR/arte, Unitel, SRF, MFG Baden-Württemberg
  • Format: HDTV 16:9
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