In Search of Mozart

Produced in honor of the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, writer-director Phil Grabsky's documentary is a combined biography and appreciation of the 18th-century Austrian composer who is often considered the greatest natural genius in the history of music (while at the same time being an intensely practical craftsman). Lavishly illustrated and filmed across Europe as it follows Mozart's travels, this engaging biographical sketch takes pains to quietly but firmly correct many of the examples of dramatic license taken by Peter Schaffer in Amadeus, offering reams of fact-based narration (read by Juliet Stevenson), as well as excerpts from family letters (with Samuel West as the voice of Mozart), comments from musicians and scholars, and snippets of compositions (for the most part chronologically arranged). The result can serve as a fine, if rather conventionally presented, introduction for the uninitiated, although some may find the wealth of detail intimidating. On the other hand, committed Mozartians may not hear much they don't already know, but they will appreciate the coverage—and especially the awestruck reflections of conductors René Jacobs, Charles Mackerras, Adam Fischer, Roger Norrington, Christophe Rousset, and Frans Brüggen; singers Ian Bostridge, Simon Keenlyside, and Renée Fleming; and director Jonathan Miller. The piano concertos receive special attention, with keyboard artists Lang Lang, Ronald Brautigam, Imogen Cooper, and Leif Ove Andsnes prominently featured. Grabsky's approach could have been more imaginative, but it shows dedication, sensitivity, and good taste, and this documentary should appeal to neophytes and devotees alike. DVD extras include an interview with Grabsky. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)