“Good As Gold”
Documentary of the 2006 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis
3 stars
WFYI-Public TV 20
Oct. 4 at 9 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 4 p.m.
www.wfyi.org

Emphasizing the “rivalry and drama” of the competition that brought 45 young violinists from around the world to Indianapolis, this 90-minute documentary touches on a handful of individual stories and showcases a lot of playing during all the stages, from first round to finals and succeeding concerts in the community. The intensity of the competition comes through, yet equally important is the caring between the people in charge and the individuals whose careers turn on the outcome. The judges are forthright in their evaluation of what makes a winner in the present marketplace, and the contestants are honest about why they come and want to win. While the spotlight is on the violinists, equal credit should be given to the accompanists, who are extraordinary in their support of the contestants. Todd Gould gives a flavor of what the “Indianapolis” means to the world of classical music and the young players who want to make their mark.