Review of Great Composers - Beethoven (1997)

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"Watch out for him.One day he'll give the world something to talk about."

This is the actual quotation uttered by the older Mozart when he was talking about the then teen musical genius Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 to 1827).It is found in this documentary that presents the life and works of Beethoven.Besides learning about the man behind the music, we get to hear, through actual performances, mesmerizing extracts of his powerful, dramatic music.

Throughout this documentary are brief comments by respected others such as conductors, pianists, violinists, musicologists, and Beethoven scholars.All comments are interesting and informative.

This film is narrated by the actor (known especially for his Shakespearean talents) Kenneth Branagh.

What amazed me about this film is that, despite being only an hour long, it covers an incredible amount regarding Beethoven's life.With the addition of actual performances of Beethoven's works, this documentary is thus incredibly enjoyable and not ever boring.

I will give Beethoven's principal works below and include a specific extract example(s) of such a work from this film in parenthesis:

(1) Orchestral music: nine symphonies (#6 "Pastoral," #3 "Erotica," #5, #7, #9 "Choral")
(2) Concertos: five for piano (#1, #2,#5 "Emperor"); one for violin (Violin Concerto in D); one triple concerto for piano, violin, and cello
(3) Chamber music: string quartets (#6, #7 "Razumovsky," String Quartet in B Flat); violin and cello sonatas; one quintet; one septet; serenades
(4) 32 Piano Sonatas (#8 "Pathetique," #14 "Moonlight," #23 "Appassionata," #29); violin and cello sonatas
(5) One Opera (Fidelio)

Finally, the DVD (the one released in 2006) is perfect in picture and sound quality.It has no extras.

In conclusion, for those looking to find a quick way to learn everything about Ludwig van Beethoven ("the second Mozart") and become acquainted with his magnificent music, this is the film to see!!

(1997;1 hr;full screen;11 scenes;made for TV)

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Product Description
For many people, musicians and laymen alike, Beethoven is the most admired composer in the history of Western classical music – not only because of the intellectual rigour of his music, but also its expressive power. Beethoven’s struggle to resist being defeated by his deafness has a parallel in his music. This programme explores all aspects of Beethoven’s life, the music and the man, his views on life, politics and the French Revolution. Contributors include conductors Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Michael Tilson Thomas, pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy, violinist Peter Cropper from The Lindsays, musicologist Charles Rosen, sociologist Tia de Nora, director Sir Peter Hall, Beethoven expert John Suchet and Beethoven scholars Barry Cooper, Bill Meredith, Basil Deane and William Kinderman.

GREAT COMPOSERS – THE SERIES

This landmark series presents the lives and works of seven musical giants from the Baroque era to the twentieth century. It examines the backgrounds, influences and relationships that make these seven composers part of the very fabric of the history of western music. Each composer’s life and work is presented through extensive performance sequences, and through interviews and comment from some of today’s greatest artists and most respected authorities.

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