Set The Piano Stool On Fire

Set The Piano Stool On Fire is a 2011 documentary film that beautifully captures a unique and mutually enriching relationship between two remarkably talented pianists, Alfred Brendel and Kit Armstrong. Their connection is not only steeped in mastering the art of piano playing but also in the potent transfer of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the other.

Directed by Mark Kidel, the film presents a captivating journey into an intimate space of artistic expression and passion where the boundaries of teacher-student, mentor-protégé, and a master-apprentice relationship become blurred. The documentary is a tribute to the unifying power of music, magnifying a profound connection anchored in a shared love for their art.

At the core of Set The Piano Stool On Fire, is the story of Alfred Brendel, one of the world's most accomplished pianists, who had made the decision to retire from public performances in 2008. By this point, Brendel had left an indelible mark on the art of piano playing with an illustrious career spanning over six decades.

After retirement, Brendel shifted his focus to teaching and passing on the wisdom gathered over the years to the next generation of pianists. In Kit Armstrong, a young prodigy and a talented pianist, composer and mathematician, Brendel found an ideal protégé, capable of inheriting his artistic vision.

Set The Piano Stool On Fire follows Brendel, as he vehemently believes in Armstrong's genius and does his part in molding this raw talent by sharing not just his immense knowledge in the realm of music, but also his philosophy of life. The film is a powerful reflection of not only the relationship between Brendel and Armstrong, but also a look into the evolution of Armstrong as a pianist under the guidance of Brendel.

Shot over the course of two years, the film showcases a fascinating interplay between the two musicians as they explore the nuances of classical music while delving into the works of masters like Mozart, Liszt and Bach. Director Mark Kidel adopts an immersive narrative style that takes the viewer through both the public and personal spaces of the two pianists, producing an authentic visual representation of the emotional resonance these sessions hold for both mentors and protégé.

The intimate conversations are brought to life with a collection of musical illustrations, performed by Armstrong, through which the audience can witness the concealed layers of classical music exposed under Brendel's guidance. In this way, the film manages to demystify the complexity of classical music, making it accessible to both seasoned musicians and casual listeners.

In its essence, Set The Piano Stool On Fire is a subtly-told tale about the forgotten art of mentorship - where Brendel and Armstrong exemplify the beauty of such a relationship. The piano serves as a shared language, a bond and tool through which Brendel imparts many of life’s profound lessons to Armstrong.

The beauty of their dynamic relationship becomes a testament to the process of growing, learning, and evolving as an artist that can inspire anyone, whether musically inclined or not. The film is interspersed with scenes showing the nuances of Armstrong’s growth and changing perspectives on life and music, enriched by Brendel's wisdom.

Mark Kidel's film also carries a stronger message about the power of mentorship and how it transcends beyond the obligatory teacher-student dynamics. It's a remarkably insightful exploration of how a seasoned artist can guide a younger talent, not just in terms of technical skill, but also in instilling the love, passion, and respect for the art form itself.

Performed with sincerity and deep respect for its subject matter, Set The Piano Stool On Fire is a celebration of art, music, mentorship, and unexpected friendships. It is bound to leave the audience moved - trailing in its wake a stronger appreciation for the power of teaching, and the enduring beauty of classical music.