Watch That Higher Level

That Higher Level is a 2018 documentary that provides an inside look at the International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow, Russia in 2015. The film follows four contestants from around the world as they prepare and compete against each other for the prized title. The movie is directed by Barrie Gavin and produced by Robert Paterson.

The International Tchaikovsky Competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious classical music competitions in the world. It was created in 1958, during the height of the Cold War, and held every four years, alternating between pianists, violinists, cellists, and singers. The 2015 edition was for pianists and had over 600 applicants from all over the world.

The documentary begins by introducing the four main contestants: George Li, a 19-year-old American; Lukas Geniušas, a 24-year-old Lithuanian; Anna Tsybuleva, a 26-year-old Russian; and Dmitry Masleev, a 27-year-old Russian. Each of them is shown practicing in their respective homes and discussing the challenges of preparing for such a rigorous competition.

As the film unfolds, the audience gets to know each of the contestants on a deeper level. George Li talks about the pressure he feels as a young competitor, while Anna Tsybuleva opens up about the sacrifices she has made to pursue her passion. Lukas Geniušas discusses his family's musical legacy, and Dmitry Masleev shares his experience of growing up in a small Siberian village with limited access to resources.

The film also provides a glimpse into the lives of the judges, many of whom are renowned pianists and music educators. They discuss their own experiences competing in the Tchaikovsky competition and the difficulty of judging such a high-stakes event. The jurors also offer their perspective on the contestants, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

The competition itself is filmed in great detail, with each contestant given the opportunity to perform multiple times in front of the judges and a live audience. The filmmakers capture the tension and excitement of each round, from the initial selection process to the final performance.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the contrast between the contestants' different styles and interpretations of the same pieces. The audience can see how each performer brings their own unique voice and personality to the music, despite playing the same notes on the same instrument.

Throughout the film, there are also interviews with prominent musicians and music critics who provide context and historical perspective on the competition. They discuss the legacy of the Tchaikovsky competition and how it has influenced classical music over the years.

In the end, the film does not reveal who wins the competition, leaving the audience to ponder the outcome for themselves. Instead, the focus is on the journey of the four contestants and what the competition means to them personally.

Overall, That Higher Level is a beautifully filmed and engaging documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of classical music competition. It celebrates the passion, dedication, and artistry of the performers while also acknowledging the grueling nature of the competition. Anyone with an interest in music or the human experience will find something to appreciate in this film.

That Higher Level is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 74 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.