Maria João Pires Discovering Sound

Maria Joao Pires - Discovering Sound
Hidden in the depths of the Portuguese country, pianist Maria Joao Pires's house and intriguing cultural centre is located, which attracts young talents and renowned musicians from far and wide. Pires deliberately established the place far beyond the reach of the official music business, to be able to propagate her passion for art, music and life according to her personal views. So, she gives classes according to her personal artistic principles, assisted by other teachers. To the piano sounds of composers like Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and one or two modern composers, Discovering Sound draws a portrait of both the centre and the pianist herself. The virtuoso piano player elucidates her distinct ideas, teaches, organises an in-house concert and bakes bread. `When you're very successful, you become isolated. Here in Belgais, I'm at home.'


Hidden in the depths of the Portuguese country, pianist Maria Joao Pires's house and intriguing cultural centre is located, which attracts young talents and renowned musicians from far and wide. Pires deliberately established the place far beyond the reach of the official music business, to be able to propagate her passion for art, music and life according to her personal views. So, she gives classes according to her personal artistic principles, assisted by other teachers. To the piano sounds of composers like Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and one or two modern composers, Discovering Sound draws a portrait of both the centre and the pianist herself. The virtuoso piano player elucidates her distinct ideas, teaches, organises an in-house concert and bakes bread. `When you're very successful, you become isolated. Here in Belgais, I'm at home.'

Production year2004
Length73 minutes
Production countryNetherlands
DirectorRoel van Dalen
ProducerPiet Erkelens
ProducerFrank de Jonge
Executive producerJeanMarc van Sambeek
ScenarioRoel van Dalen
Camera Mark Bakker
Camera Martijn van Beenen
Set GeluidCharles Kersten
Editor Elja de Lange
Production companyIDTV Docs
TV companyNHK-Japan Broadcasting Corporation
TV companyNPS TV


DISCOVERING SOUND is a film about Belgais: the home and arts center of the world famous Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires. From all parts of the world artists and students visit her farm in rural Portugal to follow master classes from Pires and other teachers. Over the years her skeptical attitude towards the concept of art, based on competition, ambition and promotions, with all it’s displays of egocentricity, has led her to create a world in which there is space to develop her own ideas. This film is a portrait of this intimate and secluded place where Pires can live and work according to her own artistic principles. In this sense ‘Discovering Sound ’ is also a portrait of the pianist herself. We learn about her pronounced opinions and views on art and life and how these two are undeniable entwined. Most importantly we experience the ravishing passion with which she teaches and creates.