PIANOFORTE-Doc Chopin Piano Competition-Compelling with a Soft Touch

The Int'l Chopin Piano Competition which is held only once every five years. This is held in Poland, the birthplace of Chopin and it is the pinnacle conquest for young, aspiring pianists.  The PIANOFORTE doc. is a delightful and exciting peek behind the scenes which captures the pressures, practice routines and passions that consume a field of talented artists all vying for top honors in this competition for talented  piano virtuosos. There's a visceral sense of the intense stress these artists experience while preparing and waiting to perform. The camera follows six competitors from six different nationalities who've been selected for this prestigious competition.  This international competition has only been held 18 times over the last 100 years.  Overflowing with beautiful classical music which sounds imperious and flawless to the untrained ear, the refining instructions give us a clue to what's honed in an exclusive master class.  For the competitors and their mentors, there is always more to perfect. The film contains a treasure trove of great music but what makes this an exceptionally captivating film is the camera's focus on a handful of pianists for whom we develop an intimate attachment and empathize with.  We are as much in awe of their talent as we are of their sheer devotion to the seemingly all consuming focus that is required.  Although, to my pleasant surprise, several of the artists we follow seemed to maintain a healthy perspective in regards to wanting a well rounded life that encompasses pursuits outside the realm of becoming a concert pianist.  The Japanese piano teacher who accompanied her student to Plant explained in her youth she was not willing to give everything demanded of her to take performing to the highest echelon.  Her mentorship style with her student contained a gentle touch and a great deal of pride.  One of the contestants fell ill from the pressures and bowed out despite having passed the first few levels in the 21 day competition.   Another contestant's tears at not finishing in the top spots was heartbreaking to behold.  There's much to embrace as you watch students get a feel for the various pianos they have to select from, as you witness the audience's emotional responses despite hidden behind COVID required masks and above all the camaraderie  evident amongst the competitors.  PIANOFORTE is winning not just for the splendor of brilliant classical compositions but also for the soft human touches highlighted, the rare insight of the tolls exacted and the rousing passions stirred through the allure of music.