Great Conductors: Sergiu Celibidache

Sergiu Celibidache (1912-1996) has been called a “musical giant”, a “magician” “a brilliant lion-tamer” and an enfant terrible of classical music. He was famous for refuting the commercial aspects of the music business, which makes his rare recordings even more valuable. This programme gives us a fascinating insight into the mechanics of rehearsing and performing and reveals Sergiu Celibidache’s special techniques of motivating the orchestra to obtain the effects he desires. The films from 1965 and 1982 are among the very few visual records we have of the legendary rehearsal work of this highly charismatic Maestro; they provide a unique insight into his Stuttgart years, bringing to light the marvels he achieved with the Radio Orchestra, which he conducted from 1971-1983. Celibidache was a master Straussian and his reading of the symphonic tale Till Eulenspiegel ranks among the best recordings available. His version of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade is full of sensuality and subtlety. Both documents last almost an hour - they give today's listeners an exclusive opportunity to observe Celibidache in rehearsal and concert, making it a must for lovers of symphonic music.