Alfred Brendel and his protégé

After a long career of outstanding piano performances - and more recent poetry recitals - Alfred Brendel has found a young musical prodigy he is prepared to teach.  British-Taiwanese Kit Armstrong was 13 when Brendel first heard his interpretation of a Chopin Nocturne. "He played the Chopin B flat Nocturne so beautifully," explains Brendel "I thought to myself, I have to make time for him.' 

Recently released on DVD, Mark Kidel's film, Set the Piano Stool on Fire is a portrait of the relationship between Brendel and his talented pupil.

The film records both Brendel's piano teaching and uniquely documents Armstrong's progress under the guidance of Brendel who, in an attempt to free Armstrong from technical virtuosity, encourages him 'to set the piano stool on fire.'  

Follow the link to theartsdesk for more on Mark Kidel's film.