This is a dramatic exploration of the life and works of Franz Schubert. Featuring excerpts from many of his compositions, the central narrative occurs during Schubert’s hospitalization for syphilis, the contraction of which was both a consequence of his darker inclinations and a spur to some of his greatest work. As the doctors diagnose Schubert’s symptoms, identify their cause and administer treatment, the composer conducts his own internal imaginative examination, a sometimes delirious and dreamlike evocation of the moments and music from his past life. The characters he recalls are his maverick friend and ‘Svengali’, Franz von Schober, his authoritarian father, his illustrious but conformist patron Michael Vogl and his unfulfilled love Karoline Esterhazy.

Schubert is played by Simon Russell Beale, von Schober by Jason Flemyng, Father Schubert by Freddie Jones, and Karoline Esterhazy by Emilia Fox. The film features baritone Richard Van Allan as Vogl, and the bass Christopher Maltman as The Singer. The film was made in 1997, and is directed by Roy Goodman.

	Region: 2,3,4,5
	Format: NTSC
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Warner Music Vision - 5186507982

(DVD Video)

$13.49

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days.

J C Bach - Symphonies Concertantes Volume 6

Bach, J C:

Symphonie Concertante in B flat major for Oboe, Violin, Violoncello & Fortepiano

Symphonie Concertante in C major for Flute, Oboe, Violin, Violoncello & Orchestra

Fortepiano Concerto in G major for Fortepiano, 2 Violins & Violoncello

Cadenza in C major (attributed to Symphonie Concertante In G) for Oboe, Violin, Viola & Violoncello

The Hanover Band, Anthony Halstead

CPO - 9998452

(CD)

$13.99

Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days.

Mozart, The Supreme Decorator

Diana Montague, Elizabeth Futral & Majella Cullagh

The Hanover Band, Sir Charles Mackerras

An explanation of the glorious music you will hear on this disc is given by Sir Charles Mackerras in the booklet that accompanies the CD.

"As we approach the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, I feel that it is appropriate to look into two aspects of Mozart’s composition which are not usually commented on but which actually give us new insight into the way this great composer’s mind worked. The first will show Mozart ornamenting his own vocal music in order to teach a young singer (with whom he was in love), how he could heighten the expressiveness or the brilliance of an aria by the judicious addition of extra notes, effects and cadenzas. The other aspect of Mozart, which will be shown on this CD, is that of Mozart the Borrower. He was often inspired by another composer’s work and determined to write a composition in similar style. In doing so, he often transformed a quite pleasant and charming original into pure gold, so that it became a work of genius. Mozart particularly admired the music of his somewhat senior contemporary, Johann Christian Bach. In this recording we will show how Mozart’s borrowings from J.C. Bach were turned into some of his most divine inspirations"

Opera Rara - ORR232

(CD)

$17.49

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Sullivan: The Rose of Persia

Richard Morrison, Richard Stuart, Ivan Sharpe, Jonathan Veira, Ian Caddy, Sally Harrison, Alison Roddy, Marilyn Hill Smith, Marcia Bellamy & Claire Pendleton

Southwark Voices & The Hanover Band, Tom Higgins

CPO - 7770742

(CD - 2 discs)

$26.99

Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days.