All serious classical music devotees are aware of the Salzburg Festival, but few ever have the opportunity to attend, which makes filmmaker Tony Palmer's loving documentary especially welcome. Combining still photos, rare historical footage, and interview excerpts, the film covers the history of the event from its origins in the 19th century up through the present day, with both affection and critical acumen. Palmer has unearthed some precious clips featuring Max Reinhardt, the great theatre director (whose staging of Jedermann—the miracle-play Everyman in Hoffmanstahl's translation—has remained a staple), as well as stories about Richard Strauss, Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, and the Nazi era performers. But the lion's share of the running-time is devoted to the last 60 years or so, with substantial treatment of the Herbert von Karajan era and the conflicts that have raged between traditionalists and radicals over more recent stagings. There's a wealth of marvelous stuff here: footage of performances by Wilhelm Furtwängler, recollections by great singers and family members about such masters as Karl Böhm and Hans Knappertsbusch, comments by administrative figures and political leaders, and remembrances from the likes of Daniel Barenboim and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, as well as young contemporary artists such as the Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Although the sound quality is necessarily variable, this is an essential acquisition for music collections, and also highly recommended for music lovers in general. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Tony Palmer's Film About the Salzburg Festival
(2006) 195 min. DVD: $29.99. Kultur International Films. Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
Tony Palmer's Film About the Salzburg Festival
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