Rating: 
Summary: Uneven, but with moments of brilliance...
Review: Almost any pianist or piano enthusiast will find something to like from this DVD, although I doubt any will like all the selections. This is as it should be...a fair tribute to the piano must include music from many genres.For me, the highlight of the DVD is Cyrus Chestnut's performance of 'Baroque Impressions', an original jazz improvisational piece built from a Bach theme. His performance was spellbinding...I watched that segment over and over again. Also excellent were the performances by Marcus Roberts and the Labeque sisters. Billy Joel does a creditable job as MC, and his over-the-top rendition of 'Baby Grand' that opens the DVD is also great. The producers did a good thing by trying to include some living legends performing live: Jerry Lee Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Dave Brubeck. Unfortunately, as these artists are well past their prime, watching their performances was a little saddening...knowing what greatness they've produced in earlier times. Of this group, Brubeck does well in picking a piece that is reflective in nature. I expected to see Ray Charles here, but curiously a performance by him was not included. Cyrus Chestnut's performance alone justifies the price of this DVD. All in all, a great way to spend an evening!
Rating:
Summary: Uneven, but with moments of brilliance...
Review: Almost any pianist or piano enthusiast will find something to like from this DVD, although I doubt any will like all the selections. This is as it should be...a fair tribute to the piano must include music from many genres. For me, the highlight of the DVD is Cyrus Chestnut's performance of 'Baroque Impressions', an original jazz improvisational piece built from a Bach theme. His performance was spellbinding...I watched that segment over and over again. Also excellent were the performances by Marcus Roberts and the Labeque sisters. Billy Joel does a creditable job as MC, and his over-the-top rendition of 'Baby Grand' that opens the DVD is also great. The producers did a good thing by trying to include some living legends performing live: Jerry Lee Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Dave Brubeck. Unfortunately, as these artists are well past their prime, watching their performances was a little saddening...knowing what greatness they've produced in earlier times. Of this group, Brubeck does well in picking a piece that is reflective in nature. I expected to see Ray Charles here, but curiously a performance by him was not included. Cyrus Chestnut's performance alone justifies the price of this DVD. All in all, a great way to spend an evening!
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing
Review: I bought this dvd mainly because I'm so intrigued by the French piano school at the Conservatoire de Superieur in Paris. The pianists from the Paris Conservatoire that were featured included Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Labeque Sisters. I am just in total awe of Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Being a professional concert musician myself, I have one of the greatest respect for him in the world. He is not a "snobbish" classical musician and his playing style appeals to many different types of audiences. His performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor (1st movement only) just made me feel like I was floating on a cloud, daydreaming on a beautiful spring day in Norway. All you Thibaudet fans MUST see this dvd.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I bought this dvd mainly because I'm so intrigued by the French piano school at the Conservatoire de Superieur in Paris. The pianists from the Paris Conservatoire that were featured included Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Labeque Sisters. I am just in total awe of Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Being a professional concert musician myself, I have one of the greatest respect for him in the world. He is not a "snobbish" classical musician and his playing style appeals to many different types of audiences. His performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor (1st movement only) just made me feel like I was floating on a cloud, daydreaming on a beautiful spring day in Norway. All you Thibaudet fans MUST see this dvd.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding find !
Review: I bought this DVD primarily to see Diana Krall, but was totally enthralled with the whole show. Billy Joel is excellent as emcee, and the whole two hours is captivating if you are a piano enthusiast, as I am. Well worth the money...I am sure I will watch/listen to this DVD many times. Makes for a very relaxing and entertaining evening in front of the tube.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding find !
Review: I bought this DVD primarily to see Diana Krall, but was totally enthralled with the whole show. Billy Joel is excellent as emcee, and the whole two hours is captivating if you are a piano enthusiast, as I am. Well worth the money...I am sure I will watch/listen to this DVD many times. Makes for a very relaxing and entertaining evening in front of the tube.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: I first saw this presentation on PBS TV. Unfortunatly, I did not see it all but was determined to "See It All". The opening by Billy Joel alone is worth the DVD. His greatest recording ever of "Piano Man" If you think you have heard it before, forget it. This performence will bring tears to your eyes beleive me.The rest of the program will give you a cross-section of great Pianists like nothing else you have seen. From the Classics to "Dianne Krall" This is an absolute "Must Have DVD" for the piano enthusiast. Period.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: I first saw this presentation on PBS TV. Unfortunatly, I did not see it all but was determined to "See It All". The opening by Billy Joel alone is worth the DVD. His greatest recording ever of "Piano Man" If you think you have heard it before, forget it. This performence will bring tears to your eyes beleive me.The rest of the program will give you a cross-section of great Pianists like nothing else you have seen. From the Classics to "Dianne Krall" This is an absolute "Must Have DVD" for the piano enthusiast. Period.
Rating:
Summary: What a find!
Review: I happend across this DVD in my local library and it is by far the best-produced concert video I have seen. The production quality is extremely high. The picture is crisp, the sound is clear and balanced. Billy Joel is an engaging host who introduces the listener to a vast array of well-known performers with backgrounds in classical, jazz, and pop music. While there is such a wide range of musical genres, there are no dissapointments in this show. Performances are all of a high caliber. You won't be disappointed with this choice, I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who loves classical or jazz music, and mostly... the piano.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the best
Review: Short review because I have nothing but the best things to say about this package. If you are a true piano jazz fan like myself, this is a must own dvd. Buy it.. you WILL NOT be disappointed!
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