Celebrated classical guitarist Julian Bream features in this series, playing some of the finest pieces in the repertoire of the Spanish guitar, including compositions by Albéniz, Granados, de Falia, Tárrega and Rodrigo. Filmed on location in Spain, the programmes trace the evolution ot the instrument from 1500 to the present day. Against a backdrop of magnificent buildings and beautiful landscapes, ist music and history form a rich evocation of the country and her people.
Olivier Messiaen
French composer Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) is a key figure in the evolution of twentieth-century classical music. In this definitive profile, made when he was nearly eighty, Messiaen talks about his life, his music and the mainsprings of his work – a deep love of nature and a fervent Christian faith. He is seen improvising on the organ at the St. Trinité church in Paris, and the programme includes specially-recorded extracts from several of his major works.
Johann Sebastian Bach: The Cantor of St.Thomas’s
“Too operatic and too long!” – one opinion of Bach’s music, on his appointment to his last, longest and most famous post as Cantor of Leipzig’s Thomasschule. Brian Cox portrays Bach (1685-1750) in a film based on the records of his employers, the City Council – the story of his fight to defend position, status and, above all else, his music. Performances, in authentic style, are directed by Sir Roger Norrington.
The music content of the film includes excerpts from: The Art of Fugue, the St. Matthew Passion, Fugue in C Minor for Organ, Cantatas No. 131, 71 and 123, Passacaglia in C Minor for Organ, Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord in E Minor, Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, Invention for Harpsichord No. 5 in E Flat, Sonata No. 1, the St. John Passion, The Wedding Cantata, Mass in B Minor and The Musical Offering.
Cassily Kandinsky
Russian-born artist Kandinsky (1866-1944), one of the most prominent pioneers of abstract art in the early twentieth century, was widely influential both in Germany, where he taught at the Bauhaus in the twenties, and in France, where he settled in 1933. Extensive filming at a major Kandinsky retrospective at the Centre Georges Pompidou and at the Lenbachhaus in Munich forms the basis for this rich visual reappraisal of his work, which also draws on his essays, considered classics of artists’ writing.
Eduardo Chillida
This profile is an exploration of the life and work of the pre-eminent Basque sculptor. It uses Chillida’s own words as a commentary to approach the inherent drama within his sculptures and their breathtaking settings. Chillida is seen forging a massive work in iron as well as creating smaller pieces.
Julio Gonzalez
A friend and collaborator of Picasso, admired in the art world of Paris in the 1920s, the Catalan sculptor González (1866-1942) remained detached from the luminaries around him. Adapting the metal-working techniques learned in his youth and welding skills acquired as an employee of Renault, he created a style of abstract metal sculpture seminal to the development of modern art. This film seeks out witnesses to his life and work in Paris, Barcelona and on the Riviera.
Schumann, Liederkreis (Song-Cycle), op.39 Lieder Cycle based on poems by Joseph von Eichendorff
The internationally acclaimed baritone Hermann Prey was born in Berlin in 1929. He made his breakthrough in 1956 as Figaro in the Vienna State Opera’s production of Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”. He has since performed at all of the world’s great opera houses and festivals. Hermann Prey has always loved lieder, especially the works of Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. In spite of his many engagements on the opera stage or in the concert hall, in the TV and recordings studios, Hermann Prey always takes the time to pass his knowledge and experience on to younger generations by giving masterclasses in lied singing all over the world.
Schumann, Dichterliebe (Poet’s Love), op.48
The internationally acclaimed baritone Hermann Prey was born in Berlin in 1929. He made his breakthrough in 1956 as Figaro in the Vienna State Opera’s production of Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”. He has since performed at all of the world’s great opera houses and festivals. Hermann Prey has always loved lieder, especially the works of Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. In spite of his many engagements on the opera stage or in the concert hall, in the TV and recordings studios, Hermann Prey always takes the time to pass his knowledge and experience on to younger generations by giving master classes in lied singing all over the world.
Schumann, Symphony No.2 in C major, op.61
Following the cycles of orchestral works by Mahler, Beethoven and Brahms, Unitel chose to honor Robert Schumann in 1984/85 with this cycle performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein. Schumann’s orchestral works are firmly established in the repertoire of the Vienna Philharmonic. The glowing, romantic sound of this orchestra and Leonard Bernstein’s expressive interpretation complement each other in an ideal way to produce a perfect rendering of Schumann’s symphonic oeuvre. Schumann’s four symphonies, his piano concerto, the violoncello concerto and the Manfred Overture have been filmed and recorded in the “Golden Hall” of the Vienna Musikverein, held to rank acoustically among the world’s best halls. The soloists are Justus Frantz, piano, and the cellist Misha Maisky.
Schumann, Manfred-Overture, op.115
Following the cycles of orchestral works by Mahler, Beethoven and Brahms, Unitel chose to honor Robert Schumann in 1984/85 with this cycle performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein. Schumann’s orchestral works are firmly established in the repertoire of the Vienna Philharmonic. The glowing, romantic sound of this orchestra and Leonard Bernstein’s expressive interpretation complement each other in an ideal way to produce a perfect rendering of Schumann’s symphonic oeuvre. Schumann’s four symphonies, his piano concerto, the violoncello concerto and the Manfred Overture have been filmed and recorded in the “Golden Hall” of the Vienna Musikverein, held to rank acoustically among the world’s best halls. The soloists are Justus Frantz, piano, and the cellist Misha Maisky.