Emanuel Ax Movies
- 2009
- NR
Juliet Stevenson (Truly, Madly, Deeply) narrates this straightforward documentary account of the life of composer Ludwig von Beethoven, covering all the major highlights from his birth in 1770 through his death in 1827. Writer-director Phil Grabsky skirts around the option of dramatic period reenactments, and instead opts for an impressionistic approach. He builds much of the film around the basic foundational material of interviews and studio performances of the great man's work by artists including Ronald Brautigam, Emanuel Ax, and The Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Grabsky also offsets Stevenson's traditional chronicle of Beethoven's life with letters from the composer, read by David Dawson, that unveil an intense and almost belligerent side to the musical giant, leavened with offbeat humor. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Juliet Stevenson, David P. Dawson, (more)
- 2005
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra gets a new lease on life when new music director Peter Oundjian steps on board, and music lovers get to see a firsthand account of the creative firestorm that follows in this documentary from filmmaker Barbara Willis Sweete. A former classical violinist who studied under Itzhak Perlman before being forced down another path by a career-ending injury, the charismatic Oundjian caringly utilizes innovation, collaboration skills, and vast musical knowledge to steer the troubled orchestra back into calm waters while providing the musicians with the inspiration needed to truly refine their skills. In this feature documenting the early days of Oundjian's career with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, interviews with the musicians, candid footage, and performance footage all combine to tell the tale of a one man's tireless efforts to coax beauty from the edge of a deep abyss, and the creativity that it inspired. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Oundjian, Emanuel Ax, (more)
- 1990
The popular artist Yo Yo Ma is presented in a live concert performance at the renowned Tanglewood Music Festival. The personable cellist plays a wide range of music, from Bach and Brahms, to Beethoven and Gruber. He manages to entertain, inform, and delight his audience on a warm summer night in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
