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This thread reminds me of a movie I saw decades ago on TV and have never seen again (probably because it's not a very good movie.) I have no idea of the title but it is about a female piano student who is a protege of a famous conductor who is preparing her for her concert debut in which she is to play Rach 2. Anyone else ever see or hear of this movie? I have always remembered it because it was the first time I heard any part of the Rach 2.

MADAM SUZATSKA Great film for piano teaching and perfomance

And unfindable.

Sophie's Choice, when Nathan (Kevin Kline) plays Schumann's "About Strange Lands and People" (Kenderszenen Op. 15 No. 1). Its a truely magical scene for three reasons:

1. A beautiful piece, one of my favorites.
2. Perfect timing. Listen to the rhythm of Sophie's voice as she narrates over the music.
3. A memorable twist, as Nathan spins the ending into a rowdy, six-handed "Swanee River" for Stingo's benefit.

One of my top 10 films of all time.

The piano scene (Richard Gere is actually playing his own composition)in Pretty Woman.

d

"The legend of 1900" when 1900 was duking it out--fictitiously--with Jelly Roll Morton.

Kind of spotty movie, but the music was just great! I think the composer was Enrico Morricone?? Cool Jazzical stuff...

Anyone remember the episode of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" that ends with Scott Bakula's character playing a grand piano in a room that's otherwise pretty empty? I seem to remember the piano being something like a 7' Steinway, but maybe that's just wishful thinking. Yes, Cap't Archer / Dr. Sam Beckett actually plays the piano.

I can't believe nobody else list this. Casablanca play it again sam

I can't remember the name of this movie, but I saw it when I was a little kid in the earl sixties. It's about a kid who didn't want to practice the piano. I think it was written by Dr. Seuss, and it featured a piano with five thousand keys. does anybody know what I am talking about, or should I just go out and shovel snow?

The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)

http://www.angelfire.com/mn/nn/FingersDrT.html

'The Beast with Five Fingers' (1946)

The severed hand of a concert pianist plays an arrangment of Bach's famous Chaconne from the D minor violin partita. Marvellous.

Does anyone know if it is the Brahms transcription?

Definitely "The Legend of 1900". Too many great scenes. The ballroom scene was so unreal but heavenly. Come on, don't you want to be able to do that?

After this movie, I couldn't be moved by any dueling scene. Nothing could compare to the OK Corral style "play-out" scene with Jelly Roll Morton.

I do like the movie. There were funny scene. Not depressing but I cried buckets.

The Legend of 1900
Sample some of its music

Big time dittos Tavner. I get chills every time I see this scene. There is so much emotion behind the playing. Awesome flick.
Jon

That is a significant oversight. Reminds me of another favorite with Bogart. I especially love Hoagy Carmichael doing his own material including "Hong Kong Blues" and "How Little We Know" in "To Have and Have Not". Enough that I learned both pieces after buying a good piano. I especially love playing HLWK with its beguine rhythm. I can entertain myself all evening playing nothing but Carmichael.

I agree with those who've commented about "The Legend of 1900". The music in the playoff is wonderful, but the whole film is great.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned "Immortal Beloved" starring Gary Oldman as Beethoven. Oldman actually plays the piano in this movie, including the incredible 2nd movement of the "Emperor" piano concerto.
This movie has never received the acclaim that it deserves IMHO!

Rhapsody in Blue...the movie about the Gershwin brothers. There is a lot of suspense and nervousness as to how the "Rhapsody" will be received. After the conclusion of the piece, the audience just leaps out of the seats to a thundering ovation!...tears of joy, etc. Just fantastic!

Watching "Austin Powers" on TBS... Dr. Evil plays a Boesendorfer in the movie. Mini-Me plays a small "toy" grand piano stacked on top of the Bosie in that scene. Didn't quite catch name on the toy piano's fallboard though.

Immortal Beloved. I loved it. It's a move about Beethoven's life.

What about the scene in "The Pianist" where he's hiding, so he can't play the upright and instead just pantomimes it? I could just feel the longing!

Anyone watch Smallville and catch that scene where Lex Luther, under a trance by suggestion, can't stop playing piano, even while his fingers bleed? That was a very disturbing scene (the part where you see blood all over a piano -- Lex, he lives to see another day -- again).

penny

Yep, I saw that Smallville episode...very, very strange.