Seldom Equalled Michelangeli plays Beethoven, Galuppi and Scarlatti - and impresses HOWARD SMITH 'His relentless perfectionism allows him spellbinding precision ...'

Any filmed performance of Brescia-born Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (1920-1995) is invaluable, for here was a pianist of formidable, if somewhat controversial artistry; indisputably a legend within his lifetime.

Music lovers flocked to his sometimes infrequent concerts, and at this live Turin performance of Beethoven's magisterial final sonata, Op 111, every seat appears to be occupied.

At the outset a camera tracks idly from right to left bringing murky medium black and white shots of Turin theatre boxes (1962) and their finely bedecked occupants.

Turning to the stage we see it captured in grainy, dated focus though this is dispelled in part as the cameras move in closer.

Much of the performance is seen from keyboard level or in oblique shot, presumably from a lower tier...

ARTURO BENEDETTI MICHELANGELI

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

DOMENICO SCARLATTI

BALDASSARE GALUPPI

TURIN

ITALY

PIANO