Vincent Paterson’s camera and imagination have given Anna Netrebko the scope to embrace five totally different characters within about an hour’s screen time. Revealing her true personality through an extensive and intimate interview on childhood, education, career and private matters, she then convinces the viewer as a gifted performer in her portrayals of Mozart’s Donna Anna, Bellini’s Amina, Gounod’s Marguerite, Dvorák’s Rusalka, and Puccini’s Musetta. The visual language of this portrait reflects a contemporary approach of introducing one of the most exceptional sopranos of our time to a wider audience.
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.
Karajan in Salzburg
This film shows Herbert von Karajan rehearsing Don Giovanni and a Wagner concert for the Salzburg Festival. It is a deeply moving tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the century. As one of the highlights: Karajan and Jessye Norman performing Isolde’s Liebestod.
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: The Last Romantic
After a few years rest and some at-home unofficial rehabilitation Horowitz was ready to begin performing again. Horowitz recorded the material on this production in his own living room. We see a rejuvinated, different Horowitz, somone in much more control than in the 1982 and 1983 recitals. The only thing lacking in Horowitz’s performance from this point on was preparation, Horowitz admittedly did not practice very much and it shows. The film was awarded with two Emmy Awards in the category “Outstanding Classical Program in the Performing Arts”: Peter Gelb (executive producer), Susan Frömke (producer), Vladimir Horowitz (star) and in the category “Outstanding Individual Achievement – Classical Music/Dance Programming Directing”: Albert Maysles, David Maysles. It was nominated for Emmy Award in the category: “Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special”: Lee Dichter (sound mixer), Lawrence Loewinger (sound mixer).Programme: J.S. Bach: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 – Transcribed for piano Ferruccio Busoni – Mozart: Piano Sonata No.10 in C major, K.330 – Chopin: Mazurka No.13 in A minor Op.17 No.4, Scherzo No.1 in B minor, Op.20 – Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op.90, D.899: No.4 in A flat – Liszt: 6 Consolations: No. 3 in D flat major (Lento, placido) – Schumann: Noveletten, Op.21: No.1 in F (Markiert und kräftig) – Rachmaninoff: Prélude in G sharp minor, Op.32, No.12 – Scriabin: Etude
Horowitz: A Reminiscence
After Horowitz’s death Wanda was interviewed for this production. Also included are segments of the 1974 footage including excerpts from Clementi’s Sonata in F-sharp minor and complete performances of Scriabin’s Vers la Flamme, op. 72 and Chopin’s Introduction and Rondo, op. 16) and segments from “The Last Romantic.”
Jessye Norman sings Carmen
Private recording sessions filmed in Paris.
La Casa Dei Suoni – The House of Magical Sounds
This film is both a memoir of the Berliner Philharmoniker director Claudio Abbado´s early years, and a personal introduction to the orchestra. It culminates in a deeply felt introduction to the sections of the orchestra with Abbado leading the Youth Orchestra of a United Europe.
Malibran rediscovered – Cecilia Bartoli
Cecilia Bartoli celebrates the 200th birthday of Maria Malibran with her personal tribute to female superstar Maria Malibran, one of the most famous opera singers of the 19th century. Malibran’s extensive, exceptionally varied repertoire also demanded a range of emotional and dramatic expressiveness to which only an outstanding talent like Cecilia Bartoli’s could do justice. “Malibran rediscovered” features a fascinating 67 minute film following Cecilia Bartoli as she researches the life of Maria Malibran and records their “Maria” album.
Sasha Waltz – Garden of Lust
This film portrait of the choreographer Sasha Waltz depicts the progress of her work between 1992 and 2007, describing her exhilarating course through from the early choreographies to her large opera productions. An appreciation for Contemporary Dance and an insight into the life and work of the choreographer are conveyed filmically and entertainingly.