Description
Synopsis
What do Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel and Pierre-Laurent Aimard have in common? All three star pianists swear by the same piano tuner. Stefan Knüpfer is responsible for the fine, almost imperceptible nuances of sound that separate a good concert from a virtuoso one. PianoMania follows this perfectionist's unusual routine, and takes a look behind the scenes of the classical music business. A film about the love of perfection and the rare moments when it can almost be attained, at least musically.
Summary
This film is about the quest for the perfect tone. It shows each obstacle that is created by abandoning everyday routine and surrendering oneself to Art. The fortitude that devotion engenders, the supreme love of perfection and of divine moments; and yet the refusal to bask in one’s glory. Our protagonists are world-renowned pianists and their hero, piano tuner Stefan Knüpfer; and all are obsessed with the idea of the perfect sound.
Stefan Knüpfer is the head technician at Steinway in Vienna and a virtuoso in his field. It has been said he can “hear the tones breathe”! He doesn’t use any visible measuring instruments, relying on skills of hand and ear and on his extreme attention to detail. He engages in a perceptive art of dialogue with the instruments during which he succeeds in bringing out the best of them like no other. But what is then this mysterious best? Every piano has its own personality. Every musical piece calls for specific timbres. And every interpreter has his or her own special temperament and vision.
He found a friendly partner for his search for the perfect tone in French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. The crux of the film is this mutual quest at a piano concert in Graz in the summer of 2007. Here, Stefan files the first patent ever for a type of sound reflection.
Our film shows how Stefan Knüpfer brings together these different qualities. He is a master of synergy. A magician of communication. But also a technician, who uses such earthly items as screws, files and clamps. Knüpfer works with all of his senses and produces the “perfect” instrument — pianos to make artists’ hearts and minds soar. For many star pianists, he is irreplaceable: Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Buchbinder and Pierre-Laurent Aimard all insist that their precious instruments only be tuned by him.
Pianomania lives, laughs, cries, and celebrates with these obsessed geniuses who will accept no less than absolute perfection, the magical 100%. We observe the fascinating search for the perfect sound, from the innermost secrets of the instrument to the fullest concert hall.
Festival & Awards
March 2009 - Diagonale Graz, Austrian Award: Best Editing in Documentary
August 2009 - Locarno Film Festvial Critic's Week
November 2009 - Doc/Fest Sheffield
November 2009 - Internationale Hofer Filmtage
Wants
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No broadcasts
