ludwig van beethoven

Immortal Beloved

Fri, 16 Dec 1994

A chronicle of the life of infamous classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven and his painful struggle with hearing loss. Following Beethoven's death in 1827, his assistant, Schindler, searches for an elusive woman referred to in the composer's love letters as "immortal beloved." As Schindler solves the mystery, a series of flashbacks reveal Beethoven's transformation from passionate young man to troubled musical genius.

A World Without Beethoven?

Tue, 15 Sep 2020

"What would the world be like without Beethoven?" That’s the provocative question posed by this music documentary from Deutsche Welle. To answer it, the film explores how Ludwig van Beethoven's innovations continue to have an impact far beyond the boundaries of classical music, 250 years after his birth.

Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity

Sun, 28 Apr 2024

Can a work of art remain relevant 200 years after its creation? Ludwig van Beethoven’s last completed symphony proves it’s possible.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

Wed, 30 Sep 1992

When his mother rents their vacant room to a peculiar composer, Christoph can't believe his bad luck. But as the abrasive boarder, Ludwig Van Beethoven, begins creating his masterful 9th Symphony, Christoph is won over by the majesty of his music. This lighthearted family drama was awarded the 1993 Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program.

Ode to Joy: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

Tue, 05 Apr 2016

Showcasing a musical masterpiece in a rare full-length television recording by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra with the Westminster Symphonic Choir, under the direction of conductor Mark Laycook. An introduction to the performance, narrated by actor John Lithgow, gives a unique perspective on music history.

Concerto: A Beethoven Journey

Mon, 07 Sep 2015

Filmed over the course of four years, Grabsky and his Seventh Art team followed leading concert pianist Leif Ove Andsnes's attempt to understand and interpret one of the greatest sets of works for piano ever written: Beethoven's five piano concertos.The end result is a beautifully-crafted film with lavish cinematography, a signature of Grabsky and Seventh Art's style. Considered one of the top pianists of the age, Leif Ove Andsnes offers rare insights into the mind of a world-class pianist and access to his personal and professional life. Against the wonderful background of Leif Ove Andsnes playing these five pieces, we also peel back the many myths of Beethoven's life. Perhaps above all it is the fresh new biography of Beethoven that is most revealing.

For Elsie

Thu, 26 Apr 2012

Glenn is a disillusioned piano teacher, who once aspired to be a concert pianist. He is moving back to his parents house and is on the brink of giving up the piano for good when Kilov, a Russian gangster, offers him a unique opportunity: £10,000 if Glenn teaches his daughter Beethoven's "Fur Elise"... in a day.

Currentzis conducts Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Thu, 24 Feb 2022

Ludwig van Beethoven headed for Symphony No. 9 literally his entire life. As early as the 1790s, he had an eye on Ode to Joy, perhaps the most well-known poem by Friedrich Schiller, written on the threshold of the French Revolution (1786). In his mature and, in particular, later years, the deaf composer with an acute ‘hearing vision’ increasingly distanced himself from conventional forms and genres and wrote parts beyond the possibilities of instruments of his day. He nurtured the idea of a symphony with a choir for at least several years. The history of the Ninth’s interpretations includes 200 years of staggering revelations and lingering stagnation. Performed by the musicAeterna orchestra, choir, and guest soloists under the baton of Teodor Currentzis, Beethoven’s opus magnum acquires the original poignancy and energy of a recent discovery.

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos

Tue, 13 Nov 2007

Leonard Bernstein filmed Piano Concertos 3, 4, and 5 in 1989, but did not live to film the first two. He died in 1990. So Krystian Zimerman, the pianist, paid tribute to Bernstein and rounded out the set in 1991 by both playing and conducting Concertos 1 and 2.

The Life and Loves of Beethoven

Fri, 15 Jan 1937

Lyrical biography of the classical composer, depicted as a romantic hero, an accursed artist.

Beethovens Neunte - Symphonie für die Welt

Mon, 30 Nov 2020

The 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most popular pieces of classical music in the world. Even those who are not passionate about the classical music recognize the famous Ode to Joy. Despite the grim context in which it was created, the 9th Symphony leaves us fascinated, moved and uplifted by its creativity, its power and its culmination in the Ode to Joy. More than 160 years after it was written, Beethoven’s hymn to brotherhood was adopted by the European Union as its official anthem. But Beethoven’s Ninth is also met with enthusiasm far beyond the borders of Europe. What’s the explanation for its never ending success? What is it about this work of art that fascinates people all over the world?

Beethovens Zehnte

Fri, 01 Jul 1988

Die Akte Beethoven

Wed, 30 Oct 2013

Space and Light

Sat, 01 Jan 1972

An award-winning wordless documentary that explores the architecture of the then new St. Peter's Seminary which is now seen as one of the most important post-war buildings in the United Kingdom. The film was made in celebration after architect Jack Coia was awarded the RIBA Gold Medal in 1969. Winner of the Medalla de Bronce at the Fifth Union of International Architects Festival in Madrid (1975).

Viva la banda de Mozart

Wed, 01 Jan 1997

A new way to approach classical music, more fun, more original, more entertaining. Mozart Band arrives, and with it his four young members: Mozart, Betoven, Chopin and Verdi. Since the filming of a music video for a superstar to the mysterious theft of a valuable harp, Mozart and his friends live a host of incredible adventures. There comes a symphony of humor, adventure and above all, lots of music.

Beethoven's Birthday: A Celebration in Vienna with Leonard Bernstein

Wed, 16 Dec 1970

In this documentary portrait prepared for the anniversary of Ludwig Van Beethoven's 200th birthday, Leonard Bernstein illustrates his analysis with excerpts from his performances of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major and the Ode to Joy from the Ninth Symphony.

Ludwig van Beethoven: Fidelio

Wed, 15 Oct 2003

Two years prior to the opening scene, the nobleman Florestan has exposed or attempted to expose certain crimes of the nobleman Pizarro. In revenge, Pizarro has secretly imprisoned Florestan in the prison over which Pizarro is governor. The jailer of the prison, Rocco, has a daughter, Marzelline, and a servant (or assistant), Jaquino. Florestan’s wife, Leonore, came to Rocco’s door dressed as a boy seeking employment, and Rocco hired her. On orders, Rocco has been giving Florestan diminishing rations until he is nearly starved to death. Place: A Spanish state prison, a few miles from Seville; Time: Late 18th century.

Beethoven: Fidelio (Garsington Opera)

Tue, 01 Sep 2020

Suspecting her missing husband to be held as a political prisoner, a noblewoman disguises herself as a male prison guard. She discovers him weakened in the darkest dungeon, but will she be able to rescue him before it is too late? The themes of oppression and isolation, but also of hope and the power of love, make Fidelio the perfect opera for our times. Garsington Opera’s outstanding cast, led by Katherine Broderick as Leonore and Toby Spence as Florestan, performs Peter Mumford's semi-staged concert of Beethoven's masterwork, complete with a beautifully filmed backdrop.

Herbert von Karajan conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

Wed, 01 Jan 1986

General's Regal Smile

Sun, 06 Oct 2002

After the experience in the War of Independence, Luka Gavez returns to his old job, reselling works of art and antiques. He is very successful in these actions, collaborating with a retired actress. However, when given the opportunity for a “big hit”, Luka does not resist the temptation.