Living with Beethoven – The Nine Symphonies with the BPO and Sir Simon Rattle

“A Beethoven symphony cycle is a kind of Mount Everest for all of us to climb” Sir Simon Rattle said about his first full cycle of all nine symphonies with his Berliner Philharmoniker. In this documentary Sir Simon Rattle presents us his approach to the cycle with extended explanations on the piano, we see him rehearsing with the orchestra resulting in the first – by audience and press equally enthusiastically – celebrated performances in Berlin. Next to the one hand documentation how the new Beethoven cycle originated, we the films tries to give answers to what is the motivation and fascination for a conductor as well as for an orchestra musicians to “climb” this musical monument? What makes those symphonies true milestones and unique masterpieces, with impact even on our lives! What was Beethoven’s message… ?