Documentary

Grigory Sokolov, A Conversation That Never Was

A documentary by Nadezhda Zhdanova

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Cast

Grigory Sokolov — Pianist

Program notes

A truly rare opportunity to meet one of the world's greatest—and most private—pianists, Grigory Sokolov!

As put by pianist Sergei Maltsev, "It seems that one can touch him, but in reality, one can't." Grigory Sokolov is one of the most incredible pianists of the 20th century, a musician overflowing with artistry and intention. His meteoric arrival on the worldwide stage came in 1966 at the 3rd International Tchaikovsky Competition, when, as the competition's Press Bulletin put it, "something like a miracle happened": the 16-year-old pianist captured First Prize, vanquishing his older and more-established competitors and inducing the jury to vote against its biases, as well as those of the audience.

Although his career put him in the limelight since adolescence, Sokolov's individual identity remains hidden by the intensely private artist, who refuses most interviews or recordings and distrusts what others say about him. All the more reason to celebrate filmmaker Nadezhda Zhdanova's recent documentary, which features incredibly rare interviews with the great man himself, and takes a detailed look at his life story and career. From rehearsal and concert footage to little-known facts about his past, meet Sokolov on his own terms.

Photo: Grigory Sokolov © EuroArts International

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