Nelson Freire

Leading Chopin interpreter Nelson Freire is the soloist in Chopin’s lyrical and brilliant Second Piano Concerto. On the podium the French conductor Lionel Bringuier makes his Proms debut conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra and gives a sizzling performance of Roussel’s Symphony No.3 and of Ravel‘s score for the ballet Daphnis et Chloé – Suite No 2. ‘’The programme, otherwise entirely French, highlights everywhere this purity of style and gesture (which would give him more in common with Pierre Monteux than Charles Munch), which charms all who see and hear the young conductor: a clear and understandable beat, subtle control of balance and level, natural rhythm and pulse, and expression without embellishment.’’

João Moreira Salles' "Nelson Freire" is a film-documentary about the great Brazilian pianist, who is certainly among the five great pianists of the world today. Nelson Freire is a quite discreet / shy person and João Salles respected this feature of his personality. During almost two years he followed the pianist around the world to compose a film, made of 31 thematic sections to cover the many aspects of the life of this genius of the piano.

Classical music aficionados are in for a treat with this rare filmed performance by acclaimed pianist Martha Argerich. This recording of Agerich's 1982 concert features 12 pieces, including works from Mozart, Schuman, Ravel and Rachmaninov. Argerich also performs a number of duets with the aid of talented guest performers such as Mischa Maisky, Nicolas Economou and Nelson Freire. Biographies of the performers are included as on-screen liner notes