In Search of Beethoven

Synopsis: Juliet Stevenson narrates a documentary account of the life of Ludwig von Beethoven, from his birth in 1770 until his death in 1827. Writer-director Phil Grabsky gives an impressionistic approach, building much of the film around the basic foundational material of interviews and studio performances of the great man’s work by artists including Ronald Brautigam, Emanuel Ax, and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Grabsky also offsets Stevenson’s traditional chronicle of Beethoven’s life with letters from the composer, read by David Dawson, that unveil an intense and almost belligerent side to the musical giant, leavened with offbeat humour. The film explores the truth behind the many layers of myth and legend surrounding a man hailed not only as the world’s first truly independent composer, but also the most important.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2009
Year of production: 2009
Subjects: Music
Keywords: Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827); biographies; composers (music); music - classical

Director

Phil Grabsky

Writer

Phil Grabsky

Cast

Juliet Stevenson

Name: Seventh Art Productions
Email: info@seventh-art.co.uk
Web: http://www.seventh-art.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone: 01273 777678
Address: 63 Ship Street
Brighton
BN1 1AE
Notes: Seventh Art specialises in producing television programmes and films on history and the arts, under the direction of award-winning documentary filmmaker Phil Grabsky. There are several series on aspects of the history of art, presented by Tim Marlow, as well as programmes on the life and work of Mozart and Beethoven and figures from ancient and more recent history such as Nero and Nelson. Sale on DVD.

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