Sibelius: The Early Years / Maturity & Silence - Christopher Nupen Films DVD

UPC: 5060134470006

Product Features:

• Director: Christopher Nupen
• Orchestra: Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Piano: Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Vocalist: Elisabeth Söderström
• Violinist: Boris Belkin
• Film Awards:Running Time: 151 minutes
  • Silver Medal in the Music Category at the 1984 New York International Film and Television Festival
  • Special Jury Award at the Banff Television Festival, 1985
• Format: DVD, NTSC, 4:3 Aspect Ratio (film), 16:9 (menus and intros)
• Audio: LPCM Stereo
• Subtitles: French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)

Overview:

This DVD set, directed by Christopher Nupen, offers an intimate and in-depth look at the life and work of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, one of the towering symphonists of the 20th century. Divided into two parts—The Early Years and Maturity & Silence—the films explore Sibelius’ musical journey, personal struggles, and the evolution of his artistic vision. Through the words of his wife Aino, his personal letters, and his music, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a man dedicated to the pursuit of pure musical expression.

Sibelius’ career spanned a transformative period in Western music, and while contemporaries like Schoenberg and Stravinsky pushed boundaries with bold, innovative styles, Sibelius followed his own path. His music, often described as pure and elemental, was not always in favor with critics, but this film revisits his legacy and what he sought to achieve as a composer.

The films are accompanied by performances from acclaimed artists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Elisabeth Söderström, and Boris Belkin, along with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Interesting Facts:

• Sibelius’ Unique Path: While his contemporaries were experimenting with modernism, Sibelius adhered to a more traditional, personal style, which he famously compared to offering "pure spring water" in contrast to the "multicolored cocktails" of others.
• Changing Critical Reception: Sibelius' reputation fluctuated throughout the 20th century. He was once voted the most popular composer by the New York Philharmonic Society in 1935, but by the 1950s, he had fallen out of critical favor. However, his stature has since been reassessed, and his music is once again widely celebrated.
• Personal Perspective: The documentary uses Sibelius' letters and the words of his wife, Aino, to offer an intimate perspective on his life and work, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of his creative struggles and triumphs.
• Award-Winning: The films have been recognized for their insightful portrayal of Sibelius’ life, winning prestigious awards, including a Silver Medal at the New York International Film and Television Festival.

Track Listing:

• Sibelius - The Early Years
• Sibelius - Maturity & Silence
  • Featuring performances of Sibelius’ music by Vladimir Ashkenazy, Elisabeth Söderström, Boris Belkin, and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

Bonus Features:

• Personal introductions by Christopher Nupen
• Allegro Molto, an Allegro Films compilation

Publishers:

• Produced by: Allegro Films
• Distributed by: Argos Productions Ltd

Hashtags:

#SibeliusDocumentary #JeanSibelius #ChristopherNupen #VladimirAshkenazy #SwedishRadioSymphony #ClassicalMusic #MusicDocumentary #SibeliusSymphonies #AllegroFilms