“The Language of the Unknown” enters the universe of one of the last living saxophone legends of Jazz. Wayne Shorter’s maxim is to reinvent his music in each concert, always again in the radical originality. The film accompanies the great saxophonist and his band as they ready themselves for a concert on November 3, 2012, in the Salle Pleyel in Paris and observes the effect of the music on their creators, who are normally much too busy with creating the new rather than to deal with music already played. Surprising insights into the essence of their music open up, as well as the realization that true Creator-Spirit goes far beyond pure virtuosity. “Without doubt, one of the best jazz documentaries of all time.” Jazz Podium (Also available: The Wayne Shorter Quartet – Live in Paris. Concert 93′ min. / Prog. No. 9346)
Gianni Schicchi
Gianni Schicchi is a comic opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano, composed in 1917–18. The libretto is based on an incident mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The work is the third and final part of Puccini’s Il trittico (The Triptych)—three one-act operas with contrasting themes, originally written to be presented together. Although it continues to be performed with one or both of the other trittico operas, Gianni Schicchi is now more frequently staged either alone or with short operas by other composers. The aria “O mio babbino caro” is one of Puccini’s best known, and one of the most popular arias in opera.
Philippe Jaroussky and the Concerto Köln
The young French counter tenor Philippe Jaroussky is one of the most exceptional artists of our time. He is highly acclaimed by critics all over the world for his virtuoso coloratura technique, as well as for his compelling and lively interpretations of baroque cantatas and operas. Together with the Concerto Köln he embarks on a journey into the world of an almost forgotten composer. Antonio Caldara (1670-1736) was on one of the most renowned opera composers of his time. Philippe Jaroussky and the ensemble transfer selected arias of the composer into the 21st century. The film accompanies the musicians to rehearsals and to the concert at the Prinzregententheater in Munich.
Sehnsucht – Jonas Kaufmann sings German Arias
From the Gasteig in Munich: Germany’s most popular Tenor Jonas Kaufmann presents an evening with the most famous German operatic arias. Amongst them ‘Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön’ from W.A. Mozart’s The Magic Flute, ‘In fernem Land’ from Wagner’s Lohengrin and ‘Winterstürme’ from Walküre, as well as works by Carl Maria von
Weber (‘Freischütz’). With this repertoire Kaufmann goes back to his roots: ‘I grew up with this music. It is embedded in my genes.’
The Impossible Dream
On the evening of July 7, 1990 an ‘impossible dream’ came true. Against the majetic backdrop of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, superstar tenors José Carreras, Placído Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti were joined by conductor Zubin Mehta and more than two hundred musicians for a spectacular event that was to make musical history. ‘The Impossible Dream’ is telling the extraordinary story of this massive musical mega-hit. Featuring interviews with the three star tenors, this documentary offers a unique glimpse behind the scenes, documenting the creation and impact of this unparalleled musical phenomenon.
Kathleen Battle at the Metropolitan Museum
This recital of Kathleen Battle, taped in the Temple of Dendur at the Met Museum in New York. Kathleen Battle presents a selections of famous songs and arias by Gershwin, Handel, Mozart, Strauss and Obradors as well as some spirituals.
Oedipus Rex
This ambitious production uses a number of striking visual elements including a massive set that floats above a reflecting pool, huge puppets and sculptures. The noted Butoh artist, Min Tanaka, dances the role of Oedipus, and is joined by twenty dancers to portry this classical tragedy.
Ozawa
This 1985 documentary focues on conductor Seiji Ozawa and the behind-the-scenes world of the symphony orchestra. It communicates the intensity and passion by Ozawa brings to his works as conductor and teacher, and shows him in the context of his relationshipwith former masters, current students and family. It also exproes the cultural tensions that caused him to leave Japan and begin a career in the West.
Horowitz plays Mozart
Legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz, conductor Carlo Maria Giulini and The Orchestra of La Scala perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major in a studio setting. The film also includes discussions, playback sessions and interviews. Nominated for Grammy Award in the Category “Outstanding Classical Program in the Performing Arts”: Peter Gelb (executive producer/producer), Susan Frömke (producer).
Jessye Norman sings Carmen
Private recording sessions filmed in Paris.