At the turn of the nineteenth century Vienna appeared to be one of Europe’s most affluent and cultured capitals but, behind its elegant façade, a young generation of artists, musicians, writers and thinkers was struggling to escape the strait-jacket of the old Austrian Empire and its frivolous trappings. This film looks at the traumatic re-birth of Vienna and at the pioneers of a new age – Klimt, Schiele, Loos, Zweig, Kraus, Schoenberg, Hofmannsthal and Freud, among them.
King Priam
This specially-staged studio recording of King Priam features a strong cast.
Rodney Macann heads a strong cast in the title role, giving a compelling performance as Priam, alongside Sarah Walker’s moving portrayal of Hector’s wife, Andromache. Howard Haskin plays Priam’s rebellious son Paris, who elopes with Helen, wife of the Greek King of Sparta, thus instigating the great Trojan war.
Nicholas Hytner’s innovative production is matched by the starkly stylised setting designed by David Fielding, which creates a timeless arena of war. Minimal costume and colour, frozen action and white light further enhance Tippett’s marvellously sparse music played with fearless conviction and driving impetus by the youthful Kent Opera Orchestra under the direction of Roger Norrington.
An Illustrated Guide to Caricature
The three-dimensional style of caricature originated by Roger Law and Peter Fluck, creators of the Spitting Image puppets, is unique but, in essence, it is part of a British tradition stretching back to the eighteenth Century. In this programme, Fluck and Law consider the work of famous caricaturists, including Gillray, Daumier, Grosz and Dix.
Sergeant Early’s Dream
British, Irish and American folk tunes inspired choreographer Christopher Bruce to create this exuberant, yet poignant, ballet which takes as its theme the migration of people to the ‘New World’ in America. In this studio recording, a series of dances recalls the lives, loves and hardships left behind in the old world and expresses the sadness of tearing up roots to re-plant them in a land that will inevitably develop a culture of its own.
The Dream Is Over
Christopher Bruce’s ballet, specially-choreographed for television, is set to music by John Lennon and performed by soloists of the Cullberg Ballet. The piece has a biographical theme and includes scenes recalling Lennon with his family, breaking out of his working class background, falling in love and eventually dying at the hands of an assassin. The songs used are Mother, Working Class Hero, Love, Well, Well, Well, Look at Me, Don’t Believe It, My Mummy is Dead and Imagine. A documentary introduction to this programme is also available.
Paul Delvaux
When Paul Delvaux died in 1994, he was the last surviving member of the first generation of surrealist painters. This definitive portrait of the Belgian artist was made when he was in his nineties. He reminisces about his family and his art, and Charts his career from his Student days in Brüssels up to the time when failing eyesight forced him to give up painting. His memories of childhood and women play key roles in his visual ideas and the film explores both these aspects of his work.
The Aida File
This film chronicles the life and times of Verdi and the history of one of his best-loved operas. It includes extensive extracts from the triumphant La Scala production starring Pavarotti, archive film of notable Aida productions from the past, and contributions from some of the great singers who have a special affection for this work – Pavarotti, Carlo Bergonzi, Grace Bumbry and Eva Turner among them.
String Quartet in F major
This live recording of the celebrated American string quartet comes from the library of the monastery at Polling, near Munich, which boasts an exquisite baroque interior. They play Ravel’s String Quartet in F.
Shirley Verrett
The cameras followed Shirley Verrett during the course of a year to capture a glimpse into the life of one of opera’s great stars. She is seen rehearsing with Domingo, performing at top opera houses in roles she has made her own – Iphigénie, Tosca, Dalila, Carmen – and talking on subjects ranging from her religious upbringing and experiences of being black, to her health, diet, style and family. She performs blues and gospel numbers specially for the programme.
Alan Davie
Scots-born Davie’s work has gained him international recognition. The world of his paintings is a mystic one of signs and symbols, one that disturbs the primitive subconscious but yet is wholly modern. This insight into his art shows Davie immersed in his work at his homes in England and St. Lucia.