Seymour: An Introduction


Rating = B+

This is a documentary about pianist, piano teacher, and composer Seymour Bernstein. After a well-regarded concert career, he retired from performing at age 50. Now in his late 80s, he continues to teach piano, including to performers aiming at concert careers; he also is a mentor to some of these musicians. The movie includes a good bit of discussion about the role of craft in creativity and how to balance one's art with the rest of life. I was completely engaged by the film, which also has a lot of information about the world of pianos and piano playing and excerpts from many beautiful piano pieces.

[2015-04-04, Kendall Square Theater, Cambridge, MA]