Alfred Brendel: Man and Mask

This acclaimed documentary offers rare insight into the life and work of renowned Austrian-born pianist Alfred Brendel - one of the most accomplished interpreters of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann.

Filmed in and around his London home, the musician discusses the key recitals and concertos in his career and reveals an eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, and death masks of famous composers. Brendel is seen rehearsing in Cologne for Schubert's Winterreise with baritone Matthias Goerne and in Vienna for Beethoven's Piano Concertos No. 2 and No. 3 with Simon Rattle conducting the Vienna Philharmonic.

Totally unexpected is a reading of Alfred Brendel's amusing poetry.