The Legacy of Rosina Lhevinne

A film by Salome Ramras Arkatov

This documentary film offers an intimate and compelling portrait of the life and achievements of the legendary pianist and master teacher, Rosina Lhevinne: her years of study at the Moscow Conservatory of Music, her marriage to famous pianist, Joseph Lhevinne, her devastation following her husband's death and her recovery and stunningly productive life from age 65 to 96.

Recognized as one of the most remarkable women of the 20th century, Mme. Lhevinne was hailed as the greatest piano teacher in the world. Through her teaching on film, we witness her influence as a creative force that not only preserved the great 19th century Russian pianistic tradition but helped students go beyond themselves to develop their artistic individuality. We see how Mme. Lhevinne's incomparable teaching career flourished after age 65. And we hear extraordinarily beautiful performances from her solo career which began at age 75 and climaxed at age 82 when Mme. Lhevinne made her spectacular debut with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. Through her playing, teaching, and unique personality we witness how Rosina Lhevinne brought her passion for music making and creative living to generations of students who are now among the great musicians of the world, such as John Browning, Van Cliburn, Misha Dichter, James Levine, Hiroko Nakamura, Kun Woo Paik, Daniel Pollack, Jeffrey Seigel and John Williams.

Aside from musical considerations, the examination of Rosina Lhevinne's life and accomplishments is an inspiration to those who have traditionally viewed age in terms of "declining years" and diminished creative output. To those who associate bereavement of a mate with loss of identity, Mme. Lhevinne's story speaks of recovery, adaptability and newe opportunities. The elderly may identify with her capability for late-in-life resourcefulness, energy and expressiveness. By focusing on one remarkable artist whose work flourished in the twilight of her life, we may enlighten society on the creative experience, the aging process and the possibilities that lie within both.

"This film is an inspiration to all. Starting her solo piano career at the age of 75, Mme. Lhevinne did so by overcoming the challenges of major depression and advancing age. As we watch her we see IT CAN BE DONE!" Lissy Jarvik, MD, PhD, Prof. Emer. Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine UCLA.

"The Legacy of Rosina Lhevinne says it all about creativity and the triumph of the human spirit. Rosina Lhevinne inspired creativity and innovation in generations of students who passed her sparks on to the next generation." Moshe F. Rubinstein, Prof., UCLA & Director, UCLA Creativity & Innovation Program

"She could do so much for a student and get so much out of a student through Inspiration..." Van Cliburn

"The feeling that everything is exciting, every passage can become better, every piece can be more spontaneous next time, not less." -- Misha Dichter

Official Selection, Ten Years Best of Full Frame Film Festival, 2003
Platinum Award, WorldFest, Houston, 2002
The Chris Award, Columbus International Film & Video Festival, 2002
Audience Favorite, Palm Springs International Film Festival, 2003
Best of Festival Award, Berkeley Film Festival, 2003
Grand Prize, Rhode Island International Film Festival, 2003.

56 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Rental $85