Itzhak Perlman: Virtuoso Violinist

Violinists who are more technically accomplished than Itzhak Perlman may be performing today, but none are more lovable than the Perlman, whose ebullient personality (and ample talent) both come through in this extended version of a 1978 portrait from filmmaker Christopher Nupen. The fact that Perlman contracted polio as a child—yet went on to become both a master of his instrument and an international superstar—is inspiring, but his infectious joie de vivre is no less so. Nupen's film combines archival footage (including the young violinist's appearance on Ed Sullivan's variety show) with extended interviews in which the artist talks about his life and career, as well as scenes of Perlman performing solo and together with friends, sharing time with his family, cooking, vacationing in Aspen, and teaching. A winning and revealing tribute to a talented violinist and an engaging man, Itzhak Perlman: Virtuoso Violinist also features contemporary reminiscences by Perlman on the late cellist Jacqueline Du Pré. DVD extras include complete performances of two of Bach's solo partitas as performed by Perlman for BBC radio in front of a live audience, as well as a compilation titled Allegro Molto (after the name of Nupen's Allegro Films), comprised of various clips from Nupen's television films on musicians, composers, and great musical works. Nupen's introduction to the latter, during which he bemoans the decline of public service music programs, has a rather condescending tone, but otherwise this is a fine program overall, presenting a superb musician in his prime. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)