They Came to Play

In addition to their quadrennial International Piano Competition, in which ambitious young players from around the world vie for medals that can launch professional concert careers, the Van Cliburn Foundation also sponsors a competition for amateurs who play for sheer pleasure—the oldest such event in the U.S. Alex Rotaru's They Came to Play follows the 2007 fifth amateur contest, which proves to be every bit as exciting as the better-known one. Rotaru introduces select individuals from the 75 entrants, providing brief biographical sketches and interviews, along with footage of the contestants practicing at home, before proceeding to the performances held in Fort Worth, TX. The spotlighted players represent different countries and various occupations, from lawyers and doctors to financial planners, engineers, corporate executives, retirees, and a dental aide. Some have only recently taken up playing again after years away from the piano, while two have survived life-threatening illnesses. What binds them together, whether they advance to the finals or not, is their love of playing and joy in sharing it with others. Granted, their performances may not be note-perfect, but as one of the judges says, their obvious involvement with the music makes up for any technical flaws. DVD extras include six full performances. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)