Sergei Nakariakov has broken through more than a few of the perceived boundaries framing the world of the trumpet in classical music. Dubbed “The Paganini of the trumpet” and “Caruso of the Trumpet”, Nakariakov has developed a unique musical voice, which is much more than a vehicle for astonishing virtuosity. His repertoire includes not only the entire range of original literature for the trumpet; but is continually expanding into broader territories, including many fascinating transcriptions, while he searches for ever new means of musical expression. At the same time, he has single-handedly brought the flugelhorn to prominence on the concert platform.

The film presents the musician at his best but it also shows the victim of a soviet child prodigy biography. The mature Nakariakov’s breathtaking virtuosity is contrasted with footage of the child whose lips are sore from practicing. Is it true that Sergei was “never a wunderkind”, as he claims in the interview?

“Nakariakov’s control of tone and dynamics – he can be loud but never shrill – and supple phrasing are marvellous, and he makes hauntingly eloquent such items as Schumann’s ‘Widmung’, Rachmaninoff’s ‘Vocalise’, Ravel’s ‘Habanera’ and ‘Kaddish’.” Sunday Times

“Sergei Nakariakov plays the trumpet the way the rest of us breathe – if we are lucky.” San Fransisco Chronicle

BONUS: Sergei Nakariakov plays pieces by Robert Schumann, Oskar Böhme, Francis Poulenc and others.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 16:9

DVD Format: DVD 9 / NTSC

Audio Language: DE

Subtitle Languages: GB, FR

Running Time: 60 mins & 23 mins (bonus)

FSK: 0