Ignite your passion for music with conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. In this exclusive Marquee TV series, Pappano explores the history and artistry of three iconic symphonies, revealing the secrets that make them so extraordinary.  

In this episode, Pappano explores the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven, taking a closer look at his brilliant Symphony No.7 followed by a full performance of the symphony from the London Symphony Orchestra.

Like the man himself, Beethoven's 7th Symphony is a piece of extraordinary expressiveness and emotional extremes.  Sitting in the rehearsal room with the London Symphony Orchestra, Pappano explores the the inner workings of this iconic symphony and the history surrounding the composition, pointing out Beethoven's inspirations from familiar folk dances to Napoleon's military campaigns, and the sublime beauty of nature. Along the way hear from members of the orchestra about what it's like to play such a magnificent, and sometimes tiring piece. This is a wholistic look at one of Beethoven's most recognizable symphonies guaranteed to give you a newfound appreciation for his sublime melodies, iron-clad rhythms, and heartbreaking slow movements.

Discover a newfound appreciation for Beethoven's iconic Symphony No.7 with Antonio Pappano, followed by a full performance from the LSO.  

Antonio Pappano: Behind the Symphony & Beethoven Concert

One of the best loved conductors, Bernard Haitink, retired recently at the age of 90. Bridcut ́s documentary observes him at work as he prepares his final concerts. Some of the musicians he has worked with try to explain the secrets of his conducting technique, while Haitink himself talks about how his approach has changed during his 68 years in front of orchestras and gives advice to young musicians hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Bernard Haitink talks about how his approach to conducting has changed during his 68 years in front of orchestras.

Bernard Haitink: The Enigmatic Maestro

Some years before becoming King, Prince Charles explores the life and music of one of his favourite composers, Sir Hubert Parry.

Best known today for his tune Jerusalem, Parry was one of the leading lights in British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work has inspired and influenced British greats like Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams. 

In this insightful documentary, Prince Charles visits Westminster Abbey to hear the anthem I was glad, which he will hear again when processing into the Abbey for his coronation as King Charles III. Prince Charles also talks to musicians, musicologists, and members of Parry’s family to identify what makes Parry’s music sound English.

King Charles III explores the music of one of his favourite composers, Hubert Parry – famous for the tune of ‘Jerusalem’.

The Prince and The Composer

Ignite your passion for music with conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. In this exclusive Marquee TV series, Pappano explores the history and artistry of three iconic symphonies, revealing the secrets that make them so extraordinary. 

In this episode, Pappano explores the life and work of Gustav Mahler taking a close look at his groundbreaking ''Symphony No.1,''  before a full performance by The London Symphony Orchestra. Mahler's masterwork is a dramatic journey through the serenity of nature, the joys of youth, melancholy, and triumph, and this performance is nothing short of thrilling. ''Pappano wrung every last drop of drama from Mahler’s score'' - Bachtrack

Stepping out into nature, where Mahler drew his inspiration, and back into the rehearsal room, Pappano unpacks the genius of Mahler's work. Learn how Mahler stretched the boundaries of the symphony, capturing the spirit of nature in his music, and how his First Symphony evolved from its disastrous premiere to one of Mahler's most beloved works. Along the way, musicians from The London Symphony Orchestra share their experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on this heroic symphony. 

Explore Mahler's groundbreaking ''Symphony No.1'' with Sir Antonio Pappano before a full performance of the symphony from the LSO. 

Antonio Pappano: Behind the Symphony & Mahler 1 Concert

This must-see documentary follows neo-classical trailblazer Max Richter as he rewrites and reimagines Vivaldi's baroque violin concerto, “The Four Seasons.”

German-born British composer and pianist Richter works within postminimalist and contemporary classical styles. Trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he studied composition under the innovative Luciano Berio in Italy. 

With elements of punk, psychedelic rock, and electronic music as inspiration, Richter's score omits seventy-five percent of Antonio Vivaldi's original material. This film charts the making of “Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons” and delivers fascinating behind-the-scenes moments.

In the 2012 album "Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons,” neo-classical composer Max Richter completely re-composes and reinterprets Vivaldi's beloved baroque work The Four Seasons.

Max Richter: Recomposing Vivaldi

More than thirty years after her retirement, Britain's greatest classical singer of the 20th century, Dame Janet Baker, talks more openly and emotionally than ever before about her voice, her career and her life today. With excerpts of her greatest stage roles (Dido, Mary Stuart, Julius Caesar and Orpheus), as well as of her appearances in the concert hall and recording studio (works by Handel, Berlioz, Schubert, Elgar, Britten and Mahler), she looks back at the excitements and pitfalls of public performance.

Britain's greatest classical singer of the 20th century, Dame Janet Baker, talks more openly and emotionally than ever before about her life

Janet Baker In Her Own Words

This poignant documentary tells the story of Latvian Maestro Mariss Jansons, painting a portrait of the man and his music-making through the four orchestras that were central to his life: the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Concertgebouworkest, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. 

It's impossible not to feel Jansons' infectious passion for music in every performance. Discover his musical legacy as seen through the eyes of the musicians he led as Music Director or Chief Conductor. Through specially filmed performances, archival footage, and exclusive interviews see the indelible mark Jansons left on these orchestras and the the world of music. Each orchestra contributes a specially filmed performance dedicated to the mighty Maestro. 

Discover the musical legacy of Maestro Mariss Jansons as told by the four orchestras central to his legacy.

Mariss Jansons: A Tale of Four Orchestras

A critically acclaimed film uncovering the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Frédéric Chopin, who composed some of the most profound and powerful music ever written.

Over four years, award-winning filmmaker Phil Grabsky traveled Europe interviewing renowned historians and musicologists to piece together a comprehensive profile of Chopin's life. Performances and insights from world-class musicians, including Daniel Barenboim, Leif Ove Andsnes, and Ronald Brautigam, reveal the genius of a pianist unparalleled in his generation.

Despite his groundbreaking fluidity and expressiveness at the piano, Chopin gave only 30 public concerts in his short life. Yet his music continues to fill concert halls worldwide, and his grave in Paris remains a revered pilgrimage site. Narrated by Juliet Stevenson and featuring RSC actor David Dawson voicing Chopin’s letters, this documentary captures the essence of one of history's greatest composers.

A shy virtuoso and tortured genius, whose music continues to enchant. Journey through the life and loves of Frédéric Chopin.

In Search of Chopin

Prepare to be swept away by director Phil Grabsky's multi-sensory exploration of the genius of Franz Joseph Haydn.

Haydn's life spanned a musical revolution, bridging the Baroque and Romantic eras. This film, narrated by Juliet Stevenson, uncovers his world, his inspirations, and his prolific output—over 100 symphonies, 64 string quartets, and beloved oratorios like “The Creation” and “The Seasons."

"In Search of Haydn" isn't just a chronological biography. It places Austria’s "Father of the Symphony" center stage, showcasing captivating performances and offering a rich understanding of Haydn's artistic process through his own writings. It underscores a master composer instrumental in the development of chamber music who inspired both Mozart and Beethoven.

He was Beethoven’s tutor, Mozart’s friend, and a master composer. Delve into the life and legacy of Franz Joseph Haydn. 

In Search of Haydn

Tony Palmer's film was the first major exploration of the life and career of the great American soprano, Renée Fleming - for many the epitome of the modern-day diva. Share an intimate visit with Renée behind the scenes, at home and on stage as she rehearses and performs in Verdi's Otello and Requiem, and sings Strauss, Mozart, Dvorák, Korngold, Ellington, Gershwin, Puccini, Massenet, and Rachmaninoff.

ony Palmer's film was the first major exploration of the life and career of the great American soprano, Renée Fleming

Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Renée Fleming

This documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers.

Renowned for his groundbreaking work, including his controversial 1952 composition 4'33'', Cage was not only an artistic pioneer but a deep and philosophical thinker. When filmmaker Frank Scheffer first met Cage, their short conversation says Scheffer, ''changed my life as an artist.'' Over a decade, Scheffer collaborated closely with the composer, collecting a treasure trove of historical audio-visual material. This unique archive, comprised of interviews, musical performances, and evocative 16mm footage from Cage’s life comes together to capture the essence of this influential artist who had such a profound impact on the filmmaker. 

An essential watch for creatives, expect to learn some of Cage's creative techniques and guiding philosophies like the old Chinese methods based on the I Ching, and dive into the world of boundary-changing creativity. 

This intimate documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers. 

How To Get Out Of The Cage - A Year With John Cage

November 2020: the audience follows Janine fly-on-the wall from initial research and rehearsals in Stockholm, to a hectic month in London where, accompanied on the piano by Pappano, the legendary Director of the Royal Opera, she becomes acquainted with each of the violins and select works that fit them best. Made by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivarius, some of these violins have not been played for 200 years while others belonged to the greatest virtuosos ever, including Fritz Kreisler, Nathan Milstein, Ida Haendel and Oscar Shumsky, all featured in the film in powerful archive. Learning their histories, and coming to grips with their foibles, Janine then falls ill with Covid. Nevertheless, in a virtuoso feat of determination, she recovers to rehearse and record this astonishing album with just a day to spare before the first violin must be returned to its owner. This is a nerve-wracking, intense, and hugely exciting film, where, up close and personal, we see not only what makes these the most unique stringed instruments in the world, but also the enormous humour, spark and energy that drives two of the world’s leading musicians at the top of their creative game.

Janine Jansen embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record a new album on twelve of the greatest violins to have ever been created.

Global Wagner - From Bayreuth to the World

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