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Written and Directed by: Phil Grabsky
Documentary/Biography
Running time: 2 hours 19 minutes
This 2009 documentary begins with the words:
“If we had to choose ten great things about humanity, there would probably be a Beethoven work amongst them.”
Phil Grabsky showcases Ludwig Van Beethoven by mingling the facts of his life with the music he created along with comments from conductors, performers and music historians such as Emanuel Ax, Hélène Grimaud, Louis Langrée, and Roger Norrington.
The film includes fascinating details about Beethoven such as why his name is "Van" not "Von", the actual manuscript he wrote of the Eroica Symphony showing how he scratched out the dedication to Napoleon when he became disenchanted with him. Homes he lived in, paintings of the women he loved and much more. All through the documentary Beethoven’s loss of hearing is discussed and we learn how much it caused great bouts of depression throughout his life.
Homes he lived in, paintings of the women he loved and much more. All through the documentary Beethoven’s loss of hearing is discussed and we learn how much it caused great bouts of depression throughout his life.
The movie ended with a wonderful performance of the 9th Symphony, a perfect conclusion to celebrate one of the greatest artists that ever lived.
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