The Berlin Philharmonic Story

The Berlin Philharmonic has a strong tradition of musical excellence, as this superb documentary tracing its history from its founding in 1882 under the aegis of Hans von Bülow to the present day with Sir Simon Rattle makes abundantly clear. As it unfolds, the film forms a dual history with the city of Berlin, from the glory days of the arts-and-intellectual-rich 19th century through two World Wars and the fall of the Berlin Wall, up to the present-day cosmopolitan atmosphere, with the orchestra mirroring this evolution in its social transformation from an all-male national entity to the contemporary melting pot of musical talent. All of this is served up through magnificent photography and archival footage, buoyed by glorious music (in PCM stereo), as well as insightful commentary from noted conductors and musicians, past and present. A vivid, well-rounded, and engrossing portrait of one of the world's great orchestras, The Berlin Philharmonic Story is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)