When, in the mid 1960s, Herbert von Karajan decided to record on film all
nine Beethoven symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic, he began with the
"Fifth" and asked the famous French movie director Henri-Georges Clouzot
(Quai des Orfèvres) to direct. Recognizing in the music-loving director a
kindred soul and master of the symbolic image, Karajan found an inspired
partner. In another of Karajan's first efforts, he asked six directors to
"stage" one movement each of a Beethoven symphony. For a full week, the
directors had the Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan - all in full
dress - at their disposal, with all the 35mm film, cameras, lighting and
technical assistance they needed. Karajan's most controversial production
was Hugo Niebeling's highly personal interpretation of the "Pastorale",
with its abstract shots of instruments, rapid rhythms, fade-ins and
symbolically arranged colors. Some critics raved: "This music film could
have been made by Antonioni, Fellini or Godard." Karajan pursued his plan
with tenacity, and the result is a milestone in the history of music on
film: all nine Beethoven symphonies recorded at the peak of Karajan's
powers, unified by the performers but varied through the artistic vision
of different directors.
The DVD is also released within the complete "Beethoven / Karajan" DVD package which is available in selected stores worldwide and through Amazon or JPC.