The International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, which takes place every five years, is the oldest and most prestigious piano competition in the world.

This spirited film follows four young American pianists from different backgrounds through each stage of the grueling thirty-day competition. As the camera tracks each contestant’s highs and lows and the enormous psychological and physical toll exacted from them, viewers learn what it really takes to be a pianist. Interviews with the young contestants' teachers contrast the innocence of the competitors with the wisdom of their mentors. Pianists: Defining Chopin is tale of passion and dedication, of aspiration, acceptance, and disappointment, always with Chopin's magnificent music at its center.

Music teachers and students explore various approaches to Chopin's music. Wide audiences will find this film engaging, both for the passion, dedication and inspiration of the young pianists and the timeless and universal appeal of Chopin's music.

"Highly Recommended. In ninety minutes the viewer is given a truly unique combination of information about Chopin's music and the story of the process of competing in the thirty day Chopin contest in Warsaw, Poland"
‒Educational Media Reviews Online

Entertaining and highly insightful. . . Will be a valuable addition to any DVD collection.
‒ Michael Adams, Project MUSE-Scholarly Journals Online