I, Berlioz

Synopsis

Tony Palmer's film contains a startling kaleidoscope of images reflecting precisely what Berlioz (1803-69) had written in his music: war, destruction, death, sometimes blending seamlessly with great natural beauty, sometimes juxtaposed with erotica. The pictures are underscored by the composer's powerful and evocative music – mainly from his life's work, The Trojans. This opera's failure to convince the musical establishment of its greatness caused Berlioz to die a broken man. The programme, which takes as its source the composer's letters and memoirs, details his vain attempts to gain recognition for this epic work. Corin Redgrave portrays Berlioz. The soloists are Ludmilla Schemtschuk, Giorgio Lamberti, Agnes Habereder and Anne Sofie Von Otter, and the ensemble, chorus and orchestra of the Zürich Opera House are conducted by Ralf Weikert.

Additional Info

• No: R0479
• Conductor: Ralf Weikert
• Production year: 1991
• Run time: 01:28:00
• Director: Tony Palmer
• Producers: RM Arts/Ladbroke Films/LWT South Bank Show/BR/WDR
• Format: HDTV