The Highest Level - Documentary on the Recording & Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3

We enjoyed this disk a lot and the documentary was worth the price of admission (definitely 5 stars). I just want to clarify what is actually on this disk since it's very hard to know by the information provided - and hard to navigate around the disk. I hope this helps.All of the video on this disk has only stereo sound. This includes: The documentary and a casually dressed, but magnificently played, performance of the Prokofiev Piano concerto. The rest of the disk includes a stereo 96/24 AUDIO ONLY and a 5.1 surround 48/24 AUDIO ONLY (screen is black) recording of both the Prokofiev and Bartok concertos. This surprising and odd combination of formats was hard to figure out but in the end everything that showed Lang Lang, Simon Rattle and the orchestra was superb. I much prefer true high res surround for classical music but if I had known what was really on this disk I may not have bought it . . . and would have missed a lot of fun seeing the documentary and the great music and performances.

Fun to watch Simon Rattle and Lang Lang working together in the sound booth, preparing the Prokofiev and Bartok for a CD--and then to see Lang Lang posing for camera shots for the cover of the CD. Quality of the video through-out is top-notch: extremely clear and detailed. The music? Heavenly--except for one moment in the Prokofiev that seems just a little TOO dissonant and chaotic. (Maybe it was just me.) One criticism--not of the music but of the BD's format. On the menu you can access a complete performance of the Prokofiev, from start to finish--but the same can't be said of the Bartok. As far as I can tell, the only way to listen to the Bartok--not in a PATCHWORK way but from beginning to end--is to listen to it in audio section, with no accompanying video. [Disappointed groan.] Other than that, great fun! Lang Lang's energy and MASTERY of the two concertos is astonishing. (Only a true artist and master pianist would feel comfortable in confessing to the conductor that, at one point, he played the wrong note!)

No Problem

Thanks to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, to maestro Simon Rattle and to the great Lang Lang. This was very inspiring. I am truly grateful for the documentary and the recorded concert and clips.

One of my favorite concertos and Lang Lang is a treat to watch. Camera work on his hands top notch.

Agreat performance.

wonderful insight into the workings of a recording session. But, the actual complete performance of the Prokofiev piano concerto is absolutely outstanding. Lang Land is such a complete artist.

a great watch of prokofiev 3rd. nuances missing but , fun to watch nonetheless.recommended for all lang lang fans.

This is a highly entertaining and informative account of the recording of these two brilliant concertos. This bluray version not only has the filming of the making of the cd but also a hi rez 24bit 96khz audio of both concertos. Stunning performances by all (especially Lang Lang) at an unbelievably bargain price

Lang LangExtremely educational as well as quality performance. Both conductor Rattlte and pianist Lang Lang plus orchestra were absolutely brilliant

Good recording and great music. Wonderful pianist.

The highest level it is for sure

Ich muss dem Kollegen mit seiner Rezension etwas widersprechen. Die beiden Konzerte sind sehr wohl komplett aufgenommen, aber leider nur der Ton. Beim Abspielen der Konzerte bleibt der Bildschirm schwarz und der Ton kommt - obwohl 5.1 - irgendwie nicht in bester Qualität aus den Lautsprechern. Bei den Probenausschnitten ist es dagegen anders, hier gibt es leider nur Stereoton, dafür aber auch das Bild. Die Interviews und die mitgeschnittenen Szenen sind sehr interessant und auch informativ. Lieber wäre mir gewesen, man hätte die beiden Konzerte während einer Live-Aufführung mitgeschniten, so hat man einmal das Bild in Häppchen und den Ton zwar ganz, aber ohne Bild. Da kann man sich gleich eine CD kaufen. Irgendwie ist das Ganze nicht durchdacht. Wer Prokofievs 3. Klavierkonzert ungetrübt hören und sehen will, ist mit der Live-Performance mit Wang unter Abbado aus Luzern besser bedient und bekommt dann noch eine Mahler-Sym,phonie dazu. Kleiner Wahnsinn am Rande: die Klassikbranche jammert doch immer, dass sie nicht mehr genug verdient, doch hier wird für die Aufnahme von zwei nicht wirklich populären Klavierkonzerten in Berlin dem Solisten Lang Lang ein weiterer Flügel aus New York eingeflogen. Leider ist meine wirklich hochwertige Surroundanlage nicht in der Lage, den klanglichen Unterschied herauszustellen. Steinway klingt leider immer wie Steinway, furchtbar brilliant, aber mit wenig Tiefe.