Igor Levit: The book and the film
NewsMost pianists these days are happy to have a new recording out in time for Christmas.
Igor Levit, 35, also has a book of conversations, House Concert,
and a film, No Fear.
The blurb:
IGOR LEVIT – NO FEAR follows pianist Igor Levit as he explores his “life after Beethoven” and searches for his next challenge, his identity as an artist. Levit is a young rebel who – at the piano – transforms into a mature musician, an old soul. Over a period of two years, director Regina Schilling observes the artist on his journey between a traditional career in classical music, his need for political commitment and an uncertain path as a musician that connects and inspires.
We just need to wait for 10 more years, then he will disappear into oblivon like Lang Lang. God may bless us with enough patience.
I don’t get, why people find him especially interesting as a person. Decent pianist. But without the talking, PLEASE!
You are right. Decent, but not more. And that’s the point. Without Twitter and his cryptic blathering, he wouldn’t have a career, atleast of that caliber. Because he is a completely average musician and artist.
Man hat schon besser gelacht…
No t-shirts or key chains?
I assume that the haters were not present at his recent phenomenal performance of the Busoni concerto in the Hauptstadt (or that they even realize the significance of such an event).
Hamelin did the Busoni concerto in the early 2000s and Gerstein recorded it some years ago with Boston. So not much of a fuss about Levit doing it now.
I am then correct in my assumption.
What‘s the significance?
Aren’t you ashamed of your ignorance?
No, I’m not ashamed at all. I’m honestly curious. What’s the significance of Levit playing Busoni, in particular?
OK, Busoni is rarely played. So what?
I like the idea of of Levit performing the Busoni, because I’d like it to become part of the core repertoire like the Schumann or Brahms 2nd, instead of a fringe or specialty item. Certainly there are now a few dozen players out there with the chops to give it a ride. We could then perhaps shelve the Rachmaninoff 3rd for awhile, giving it a much deserved rest.
The best thing about Igor is his narcissistic political blathering and his t-shirts. Other than that, he does play the piano and has a phenomenal memory.