Search - Van Cliburn in Moscow, Vol. 1 on DVD

A piece of history--not a piece de resistance

Jeffrey L. O'Key | Tucson, AZ USA | 08/10/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't watched the performance of the Beethoven yet, but, judging from the Tchaikovsky, while the audio is good, the video quality is strictly mediocre. The manufacturer, VAI, makes no claim as to remastering the existing tapes, so what we get is what was broadcasted in the 60s: a piece of history, but not a piece de resistance! Don't get me wrong, though: It's WONDERFUL seeing Van Cliburn playing--particularly observing his facial expressions (one of which is depicted on the cover)--but,if you've been wondering if this is a visually sharp recording,it's not."

Van Cliburn in Moscow #1

L. C. Manning | 03/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was like going to heaven -- listening to Cliburn and seeing Kondrashin conduct -- I'm so grateful this has been released on DVD"

Best pianist alive

Helene Ng | Singapore | 08/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought a Van Cliburn CD from Amazon some years back at random and had never heard of him then. Since then, I have listened to various interpretations from other famous concert pianists and still like Van Cliburn best. This DVD displays his youthful brilliance on the piano and the great warmth he shows the Russians in the inspiring most famous performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1 that effectively launched his career. His enthusiasm in embracing the Russian people and even learning some Russian words endeared him to the world. I would have never guessed that this episode took place during the heart of the Cold War."