NAGANO CONDUCTS CLASSICAL MASTERPIECES – JOHANNES BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO 4 Arthaus Musik

Johannes Brahms
MONUMENTE DER KLASSIK VOL. IV
Philharmonie Berlin, 2006
Orchestra, Chorus: Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Conductor: Kent Nagano
DVD Specials: Documentary (52 mins)

At the heart of each film is a technically and visually sophisticated concert recording. All footage was shot in the Philharmonic Hall in Berlin. A new view of the orchestra is achieved through extreme close-up shots of the musicians, remote-controlled cameras on the platform, crane and dolly shots and unconventional montage sequences. In interview sequences Kent Nagano explains what he finds particularly important about each specific work and its interpretation. The maestro also provides the viewer with interesting supplementary information on the genesis and context of the work. Another integral part of each programme is the footage of rehearsals. This shows that the musicians are ordinary people who are dedicated to their vocation. In interviews the players talk about their work, their music and their orchestra. Finally, the animated sequences take the viewer on a fascinating journey into the world of each composer. The scenes portray events and encounters in their lives that had an important bearing on them personally and on their works. Another special feature is the fact that all the dialogues are based on original quotations from the composers and their contemporaries.