An unusual multimedia piece dealing with the Prometheus legend that, in spite of a top-notch orchestra and conductor, fails to cohere into a satisfying watch
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 [Berlin Philharmonic/Karajan] Blu-ray Audio Review
This a Beethoven Ninth Symphony for the ages that has been given new life through high resolution remastering.
The Reichsorchester: The Berlin Philharmonic and the Third Reich Blu-ray Review
The Reichsorchester is a compelling documentary about the Berliner Philharmoniker during the Hitler regime. Historical still and film footage of the era are well blended with interviews of surviving players, their descendants, and current members of the orchestra.
Dances and Dreams [Berliner Philharmoniker/Rattle] Blu-ray Review
The 2011 New Year’s Gala from the Berliner Philharmoniker features pieces based on dance and fantasy. Sir Simon Rattle with superb soloist Evgeny Kissin deliver musical masterpieces.
Die 12 Cellisten [Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker] Blu-ray Review
Twelve cellists from the Berliner Philharmoniker celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary with a stellar and varied concert program, ably abetted by soprano Annette Dasch and trumpeter Till Bronner. Sonics and visuals are stunning and a documentary on the group’s history adds further interest to a superb release from EuroArts
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 [Celibidache/Berliner Philharmoniker Orchestra] Blu-ray Review
EuroArts delivers an historically significant performance featuring the return of legendary conductor Sergiu Celibidache to his former orchestra. What follows is a mesmerizing Bruckner Symphony No. 7, limited only by 20-year old video and sound quality.
Fellini, Jazz & Co. [Berliner Philharmoniker/Chailly] Blu-ray Review
Fellini, Jazz & Co. is a delightful hour and a half of varied musical fare from Shostakovich to Rota. The atmosphere of an outdoor concert is well captured by video and audio engineers.
Europa Konzert Madrid 2011 [Berliner Philharmoniker/Rattle] Blu-ray Review
Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra perform three symphonic war horses to great effect in the magnificent Teatro Real Madrid.
Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain [Achucarro/Rattle] Blu-ray Review
Joaquin Achucarro, the reigning dean of Spanish pianists, presents two programs of mostly Spanish keyboard music, Nights in the Gardens of Spain, supported by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra led by Sir Simon Rattle, and a solo recital of impressionist Spanish and French pieces. The pianism is consistently at a high level with the visual and audio recording being much better in the recital section than the orchestral one.
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition & Borodin: Symphony No. 2 [Rattle] Blu-ray Review
Sir Simon Rattle leads the Berlin Philharmonic through a gala New Year’s Eve concert of 19th century Russian music. This superb concert video highlights a world class orchestra playing much-loved symphonic selections in a visually arresting setting.
