Rafael Kubelik A Portrait

1971

Portrait of an often underrated conductor

Documentary

5h 4m
March 4, 1971 · Austria, Germany

Overview

A comprehensive portrait of one of the 20th century's most brilliant and charismatic conductors working with three great orchestras: The Berlin Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam and the Vienna Philharmonic, performing works by Beethoven, Mozart and Bruckner. Kubelik didn't arrive on the podium trailing clouds of glory like von Karajan or Leonard Bernstein. He seemed to just appear there, shyly and without fanfare. His 'bed hair' curling outward, making his head look like the letter w. His appearance and demeanor suggested that a timid, tentative performance was likely. Then he'd rip into a taut and crisp Eroica or an effervescent, crystalline Prague Symphony.

Details

Status: Released
Release date: March 4, 1971
Original language: English
Spoken languages: English
Countries: Austria, Germany
Production: Deutsche Grammophon
Budget: $21
Revenue: Not recorded