Immortal Beloved

Immortal Beloved 1994

7.10

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.

1994

Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity

Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity 2024

6.00

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

2024

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos 2007

1

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.

2007

A World Without Beethoven?

A World Without Beethoven? 2020

7.70

"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.

2020

For Elsie

For Elsie 2012

1

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.

2012

In Search of Beethoven

In Search of Beethoven 2009

6.20

In Search of Beethoven offers a comprehensive documentary about the life and works of the great composer. Over 65 performances by the world's finest musicians were recorded and 100 interviews conducted in the making of this beautifully crafted film. Eleven interviews are included in the Extras and Six complete movements.

2009

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

Beethoven Lives Upstairs 1992

7.00

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.

1992

Viva la banda de Mozart

Viva la banda de Mozart 1997

5.00

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.

1997

Beethoven - Symphony No. 8

Beethoven - Symphony No. 8 1971

1

Recording of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan playing Beethoven's 8th Symphony.

1971

Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 6 & 8

Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 6 & 8 2001

1

Claudio Abbado conducted Beethoven’s symphonies on many occasions in the Philharmonie in Berlin. But only at the end of his tenure as chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker did he decide to give a performance of the complete symphonies. It was left to audiences of his native Italy to witness these concerts in February 2001 in the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome.

2001

Beethovens Neunte - Symphonie für die Welt

Beethovens Neunte - Symphonie für die Welt 2020

8.70

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?

2020

General's Regal Smile

General's Regal Smile 2002

8.50

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.

2002

Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Concertos 1-5 - (Mitsuko Uchida, Berliner Philharmoniker)

Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Concertos 1-5 - (Mitsuko Uchida, Berliner Philharmoniker) 1970

1

One of the highlights of Simon Rattle’s 16-year tenure as chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic was his final cycle of the Beethoven symphonies (BPHR160091), a set that rightly walked off with the 2016 Limelight Orchestral Recording of the Year. Now that he has moved to London, as a more than worthy pendant, the BPO has released a compelling set of the Beethoven piano concertos from 2010 with Mitsuko Uchida, a cycle that possesses all the advantages of live performance with, as far as I can hear, none of the drawbacks.

1970

Fidelio

Fidelio 2020

6.00

Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen his wife Leonore (disguised as ‘Fidelio’) who daringly sets out to rescue him. Set in strong counterpoint are the ingredients of domestic intrigue, determined love and the cruelty of an oppressive regime. The music is transcendent throughout and includes the famous Act I Quartet, the Prisoners’ Chorus and Florestan’s impassioned Act II cry in the darkness and vision of hope. Tobias Kratzer’s new staging brings together the dark reality of the French Revolutionary ‘Terror’ and our own time to illuminate Fidelio’s inspiring message of shared humanity.

2020

Ode to Joy: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

Ode to Joy: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 2016

1

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.

2016

Currentzis conducts Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Currentzis conducts Beethoven Symphony No. 9 2022

10.00

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.

2022