Barenboim - Beethoven Piano Concertos DVD

Advantages: Shows joyful side of tragic Du Pré; invaluable performances; entertaining spots.
Disadvantages: Too short, unfocused, worshipful; expensive for 1 hour film.

...and performers included in the film: Daniel Barenboim Sir John Barbirolli Zubin Mehta Itzhak Perlman William Pleeth Pinchas Zuckerman New Philharmonia Orchestra Excerpts from: Brahms' Sonata No. 2 in F, Op. 99 Offenbach's Duos for two 'cellos Beethoven's Sonata No. 3 in A, Op. 69 Schubert's Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 'The Trout' Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 5 in D, Op. 70 No. 1 'The Ghost' Elgar's 'cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Glorious music interweaved into a magnificent costume drama
Disadvantages: Inaccuracies of historical facts

...to the great composer. His cinematic interpretation of the incredible premiere of the 9th Symphony (which Beethoven was unable to hear at all and was received with a tremendous standing ovation) is just spectacular particularly the choral section with the Ode to Joy shot with accompanying flashbacks of Beethoven's traumati childhood. Which leads me on to mention how marvellously Georg Solti (musical coordinator and conductor) manages to fill the film with several of Beethoven's more memorable and powerful works including: Missa Solemnis in D Major, The Emperor Concerto, The Pathetique, The Eroica and The Pastoral Symphony. All pieces were wonderfully performed by the London Symphony Orchestra with Murray Perahia on piano. Gary Oldman's portrayal of the stereotypically anguished and tormented Romantic composer is superb. He brings to life all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Sublime Music, Great Performances
Disadvantages: None

...performances the real star is the music, considering the difficulties Beethoven he made many works of real genius, I think this is portrayed extremely well in the film and is in many ways the point of it. Who knows what his world really sounded like but I can easily believe it could well have been like it is portrayed here. The music is of course sublime, if you're looking for a good introduction to his music then this could be a good start as some of his best are performed here. Apparently Oldman is actually playing the piano most of the time, I thought he was just pretending, although it looked right. The DVD contains a thirty minute making of documentary that interviews the director and most of the stars with the exception of Isabella Rosselini . There is also a directors commentary audio track that is quite interesting. I can't say this movie... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful