Sound Unseen 2009

From acclaimed director, Phil Grabsky, director of the international documentary sensation of 2006, In Search of Mozart, now brings his latest documentary, In Search of Beethoven, which delves into the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven. The genius of Grabsky’s method lies in meticulously reconstructing the chronology of Beethoven’s life revealing new insights though his biography and letters in tandem with the chronology of his poetic music. Beethoven was a heroic, tormented man battling to overcome his tragic fate, struck down by deafness, and searched for his 'immortal beloved' but remained unmarried. Grabsky documents each piece of music as he travelled across Europe and North America to interview historians and musicians between rehearsals and performances. One highlight includes exclusive footage of Claudio Abbado’s critically acclaimed performance of Beethoven’s opera, Fidelio. More than 55 performances and interviews by the world’s leading musicians and conductors, including Gianandrea Noseda, Sir Roger Norrington, Riccardo Chailly, and Vadim Repin, among others, contribute to a breathtakingly intimate interpretation of the man and his music.