Richter, L'Insoumis - the Enigma [2015]

As described and arrived quickly

A masterpiece.

Wonderful DVD of an extraordinary man.

What is there to say when you have the opportunity to "know" Richter in his own words and with complete honesty?Is there anything more to add?Of course not. Let us all share the privilege of knowing this sublime yet shy "HUMAN" being. That was in fact "SUPER HUMAN".Buy it,don't lose the chance of the psychological travel of a life time!

In a few words this masterpiece lets itself describe, with honour and merit to what Richter deserves, but at the same time overloaded with superlatives for this whole concept.I have quite a VHS-collection (between 500 and 600) of musicians (all genres), but this one beats everything: this film is "OUT OF CATEGORY" !!The content of this VHS is about 1 of the 2 TITANS ever of the piano: Emil Gilels, whom Richter studied with at Moscow under Neuhaus, is the second one.Concerning the film I will not spoil WHAT you will get to see and hear, but the makers of this 'movie' have well elaborated their theme. I will always be grateful to them: S. Richter is about - what is called in the European classic music world - the last Lisztian performer at the piano. Only Franz LISZT himself is in the neighbourhood when Svjatoslav Richter is touching his piano... As always with Richter his 'legato' playing (at Moscow he chose for legato, leaving 'the rest', meaning assai playing was more the style of Emil Gilels) keeps astonishing the listener. I was very pleased ànd surprised that the editors have been able to find that much rare footage: this pianist lived under Stalin and the Sovjetregime...I have no problem to say that this VHS is A "REAL" MUST for all those who love the piano 'singing'. If you can, than also buy or listen to the triple CD that contains Richters pianowork as you can hear playing at the VHS. The experiences are not the same (different means!), but I can assure you that both are VINTAGE PRODUCTS.P.S.: For those who are not acquainted with the word "Lisztian", it means more or less that the pianist can still perform in the style of the great virtuoso Franz Liszt was himself. Only a good dozen (Richter, Gilels, Horowitz, Michelangeli, Fischer, Arrau, Backhaus,...) may wear this title since Paderewski and Cortot.

Though the video captures the artistry of Richter through the playing of his music, and though I get a general sense of certain aspects of him as a personality, my dvd came with no english subtitles, so I have no idea what is being discussed. I can do just as well on Youtube as watching this dvd. I was led to believe I was buying a product with subtitles; it even says "with english subtitles" on the sleeve, but no such subtitles exist. I'd send it back, but with the postage to England, and the hassle involved with the seller, it isn't worth it. Maybe one day I'll sit down and watch the entire video, but right now I'm still just a little too peeved.

I doubt anyone considering this film requires a recommendation, but for what it's worth: this film is magnificent.

I watched this film twice (on Norwegian and Russian TV) before I realized I MUST have it. I think for anyone (not necessarily a music lover) who believes that he/she has achieved whatever possible and lacks challenges, it's worth to watch this documentary to find more inspiration. When Richter was 70, he made a six month trip through Siberia to bring the music he loved to the people who otherwise could not listen to it live. About at the same time Yamaha supplied two grand pianos at his disposal which they were bringing anywhere he wished to travel. I am very glad that our current technical achivements to record voice and face of such people. It's a pity I could not give this film 6 stars.