The Master and His Pupil

A masterclass given by famous Russian conductor Valery Gergiev to three colleagues just starting out, recorded at De Doelen in Rotterdam in September 2002 during the Gergiev festival. Gergiev conducts his pupils exactly as he would his orchestra: with passion, humour and uncontested authority. His calmness is also catching: both for the pupils and the viewer. Where his students animatedly brandish their batons, the world-famous conductor needs only a tiny gesture to elevate the entire orchestra and the spirited music to a higher level. Director Sonia Herman Dolz needs little means to put across her message. She records the whole masterclass using three cameras, with which – thanks to their strategic positioning on the stage – she is able to draw the viewer into the work of master and pupils. The compelling drama of the learning process is supported by the pieces that are performed and the score, specially composed by Paul M. van Brugge. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)