Peter Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 (1888)
Berliner Philharmoniker / Claudio Abbado
Host: Constantin Floros
The Symphony No. 5 in E minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was composed between May and August 1888. It was first performed, under Tchaikovsky's own baton, in St Petersburg on November 6, 1888. While composing the symphony, Tchaikovsky constantly doubted his powers of composition. However, after a performance of the symphony in Hamburg the composer wrote: "I no longer have a bad opinion of the symphony, and like it once more!" Constantin Floros, one of Germanys most renowned musicologists and Tchaikovsky experts, works out the interesting connection between Tchaikovsky‟s work and his biography.
The series...
“Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music” is an informative and entertaining audio-visual concert guide which analyzes some of the most important symphonic works of music history. 20 famous masterpieces from the standard repertoire of the greatest international orchestras are brought closer to the viewer through first class concert broadcasts in a timely visual style.
Each of the 20 episodes...
offers an instructive introduction to the origins of each work and its musical structure. In 27 minutes, the viewer is guided through the pieces with prominent interpreters, conductors and musicologists providing expert insights into each work.
Excellent musical interpretations…
underlie the cinematic concert guide. The concert broadcasts feature first-class interpretations by famous classical musicians and internationally renowned orchestras. Featured among others are Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez, Mariss Jansons, Martha Argerich, Gil Shaham, Berliner Philharmoniker, Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and Wiener Philharmoniker.
Famous soloists…
personally explain the works aided by their instruments.
Outstanding Conductors...
explain their interpretations in rehearsal out-takes and through concert excerpts.
Acclaimed Experts...
highlight the distinctive features of compositions using manuscripts or at the piano.
Examples…
from the musical scores help the viewer to follow the themes and rhythms and to understand the structure of the work. The leading voice can be followed in the score at important points in a piece – this way the viewer can apply useful background information to rediscover the compositions.
Each episode…
is clearly and informatively designed. New filmed material of locations including the birthplace of the composer and locations of composition is combined with historic film material, works of art, as well as original manuscripts and autograph scores. Each episode vividly follows the story of each work alternating equally between documentary and analysis.
The viewer…
goes on a journey back to the time and place of the composition and is immersed in the life of the composer while receiving a complete introduction to the work.
