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Anton & the Piano
Résumé
"Music lovers expect extraordinary feats from us pianists," says Anton
Kuerti. "We're expected to perform physical motions of extreme
accuracy, subtlety and speed, and do them perfectly, very near the border of
the impossible." In order to facilitate such virtuosity, however, it is first
necessary to tune one's instrument. The journey from the mundane to the
sublime is exquisitely captured in director David Acomba's intimate portrait
of this celebrated musician. As Kuerti tinkers and mutters over his piano, the
work of genius is revealed to be just that, work. With his tool kit in hand,
Kuerti sets about applying Teflon, tightening loose hammers and softening
harsh strings, making dozens of minute adjustments. Like a race car, the piano
is an unforgiving performance machine. "Every new instrument provides a recipe
for disaster," he says. In order to attain the enormous dynamic range and
variance of tone and colour required, every part of the piano must be
perfectly in balance. Before a public performance, comes this solitary act, a
sacred rite enacted in a dark and empty hall.
2008, 06 min 03 s
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