The White Grand Piano

Musicologist Alla Arsenyeva arrives in Tadjikistan on a mission. Her goal is to find a unique white grand piano, known to be made in France in the nineteenth century. Rumours say it was last seen in the republic’s capital Dushanbe. The local authorities, however, are uncooperative and do whatever they can to thwart her efforts, attempting to make the rare instrument national property. But Alla persists, assisted by her new friends, the celebrated composer J.J. Ahmedov, his young colleague Shodi, the charming Lola and the old woman Roziya-Bibi.

Directed by Mukadas Makhmudov, The White Grand Piano leans on a strong ensemble — Nina Shatskaya, Ruslan Akhmetov, Mher Mkrtchyan — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about music titles of 1969.