Even at over 80 Krzysztof Penderecki is still an unflinching and highly active composer and conductor. Director Anna Schmidt followed Penderecki’s paths for a year – in the process interviewing such worldfamous artists as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Julian Rachlin and Janine Jansen as well as Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead) and legendary film director Andrzej Wajda. As a result, Paths Through the Labyrinth has become a comprehensive “work in progress” documentary, accompanying Penderecki from Kraków to Munich, from Vienna to Leipzig, and to his private country estate. Throughout, the composer reflects on his beginnings, the turning points in his life and the world of his ideas. Thoughts, dialogues, encounters and extracts from several famous Penderecki compositions coalesce into a fascinating, multilayered portrayal of one of today’s most influential musicians.
Verdi & Wagner – 6 part documentary series
“Wagner vs. Verdi” illuminates the two composers, the Italian Giuseppe Verdi and the German Richard Wagner from different and very personal angles: Six episodes that explore various aspects of live and work of the two titans of opera: politics, love, music and emotions. Big names of the classical music scene such as conductor Christian Thielemann and singer Rolando Villazón are being interviewed as well as music experts and designated Verdi and Wagner fans and haters. A diverse and entertaining documentary series for newcomers and connoisseurs alike. PART 1: … and the Effects of their Music – Director: Christian Kugler (Length: 26′ – A045500090001) / PART 2: The Chant – Director: Thomas Macho (Length: 27′ – A045500090002) / PART 3: The Revolutionairies – Director: Pepe Pippig (Length: 27′ – A045500090003) / PART 4: …and the Women – Director: Martin Betz (Length: 27′ – A045500090004) / PART 5: The Wagner Religion – Director: Daniel Gerlach (Length: 27′ – A045500090005) / PART 6: Verdi’s World – Director: Anna Schmidt (Length: 27′ – A045500090006) // ALSO AVAILABLE: Wagner Madness! – Director: Martin Schneider (Length: 43′ – A04550010)
Paths Through The Labyrinth – The Composer Krzysztof Penderecki
On the occasion of Penderecki’s 80th birthday in 2013, this film portraits the artist with a comprehensive ‘work in progress’ documentary: despite his growing age, Penderecki is still an unflinching and active composer and conductor. For one year, the author Anna Schmidt has been studying this world-famous artist, speaking also with high-carat companions: Anne-Sophie Mutter, Julian Rachlin and Janine Jansen, Mariss Jansons and Lorin Maazel; Johnny Greenwood (“Radiohead”) and Andrzej Wajda. The film follows Penderecki from Kraków to Munich, from Vienna to Leipzig, and on various occasions to his country estate in Luslawice. And throughout, the composer reflects on the meteoric beginning to his career, unexpected turning points in his life and ingenious ideas. Thoughts, dialogues, extracts from his music and film scores, encounters and the natural world all condense to create a fascinating, multi-layered portrait including also very rare archive material.