Watch Rick Wakeman - Live Portraits

Rick Wakeman - Live Portraits from 2019 is a concert film that captures the iconic keyboardist and composer, Rick Wakeman, performing in three different venues across the UK. The film is a celebration of Wakeman's incredible talent, with him playing some of his greatest hits and lesser-known tracks that are sure to delight fans of his work.

One of the standout features of this film is the way it is shot. The filmmakers have used a technique called "live portraiture," in which they film Wakeman in close-up as he performs. This gives viewers an intimate look at his playing style and allows them to appreciate his incredible skill in a way that simply wouldn't be possible from further away.

The film opens with Wakeman performing live at Lincoln Cathedral, a stunning medieval building that provides an awe-inspiring backdrop to his music. He starts out with "Catherine Parr," a track from his album The Six Wives of Henry VIII. This is an upbeat, energetic piece that really gets the audience going and sets the tone for the rest of the show.

Next up, Wakeman performs "The Visit," a piece from his more recent album Piano Odyssey. This is a much quieter and more introspective track that showcases Wakeman's ability to create a beautiful, reflective melody. The live portraiture technique really comes into its own here, as the camera zooms in on his fingers as they play the delicate notes.

From there, the film moves on to its second venue - the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in London. Here, Wakeman performs some of his more well-known tracks, such as "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and "Starship Trooper." These pieces really showcase his incredible keyboard skills, with Wakeman playing intricate solos that leave the audience spellbound.

The final third of the film takes place at the Birmingham Symphony Hall. This is perhaps the most visually striking section of the film, as the hall itself is a beautiful modern building with a bronze-coloured exterior that reflects the light beautifully. Here, Wakeman performs "Merlin the Magician," a 13-minute epic that shows just how versatile and innovative he can be as a composer.

Throughout the film, Wakeman's music is accompanied by elaborate lighting and visual effects that add to the overall sensory experience. The stage is bathed in coloured light, with patterns and shapes projected onto screens behind him. This creates a really immersive atmosphere that draws viewers in and allows them to lose themselves in Wakeman's music.

Overall, Rick Wakeman - Live Portraits from 2019 is an incredible celebration of one of the greatest keyboardists of all time. The live portraiture technique used in the film is truly innovative and allows viewers to appreciate Wakeman's talent on a whole new level. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates good music, this film is a must-see.

Rick Wakeman - Live Portraits is a 2019 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes.