In 1962, the young pianist, John Ogdon wins international success in Moscow and embarks on a whirlwind career. Ten years later he suffers the onset of mental illness that threatens to destroy his playing, marriage and sanity.
Acting
Molina's transformation from arrogance to fractured vulnerability.
Direction
Smith's clinical restraint lets the horror breathe.
Production
Period Moscow recreated on BBC budget—somehow works.
Director
Tony Smith
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
John Ogdon was a real pianist who still performed after his breakdown, sometimes forgetting what he was playing mid-concert.
The 1989 BBC production coincided with renewed interest in Ogdon's late recordings, often considered more emotionally raw than his 'sane' work.
GB
