Lucas Debargue : To Music

«In this documentary about Lucas Debargue, shot and directed by the pianist’s contemporary Martin Mirabel, the camera follows the young musician during concerts, recordings and even walks, capturing his original and paradoxical judgments about art, revealing his complete immersion in what makes up the meaning of his life. The jury appreciates both the stylishly-made visual component of the film and the special way of filming, which combines a news-reel manner with great focus on the details. It reveals the creative personality of an artist who may become one of the greatest musicians of the 21st century.» – ICMA

« This film shows a serious, open and reflective musician who, at the age of almost thirty, is not yet sure where his career should go. Successful as a soloist and chamber musician, Lucas Debargue’s great passion is composing. He modestly describes himself as an “instrument of music”, searching for “the core of a composer’s soul” in the pieces of music, and in doing so, he also risks making mistakes. Martin Mirabel, who has known Lucas Debargue for years, portrays the pianist friend subtly, in all his versatility and creativity, but also with his doubts and uncertainties.» – PREIS DER DEUTSCHEN SCHALLPLATTENKRITIK

«…I can only admire Lucas Debargue’s pianism and his obvious enthusiasm for everything he performs. One of the most delightful segments of the documentary is his take on the rags of Scott Joplin where he convincingly demonstrates how the rather mundane tune of The Entertainer can be transformed into something much more interesting by employing jazzy syncopation to give the piece bounce. Debargue has great fun with this piece by varying dynamics and using the whole keyboard to depict a solo voice, then a chorus, and finally the whole orchestra.

Lucas Debargue is clearly a pianist with a bright future and one who visually also provides real enjoyment and entertainment. » -MUSICWEB INTERNALTIONAL