The Czech composer based his libretto on the play "Le Voyage de Thésée" by his friend and trusted source of inspiration, Georges Neveux. Martinu is said to have written the opera for Maria Callas. In this production, the role is sung by the…

"Il Ballo delle Ingrate" is based on the Idea that the "Ingrate" (women who have been hard-hearted in love) should return to earth from hell to warn the ladies in the audience against a similar fate. The warning is not expressed in the form of…

In 1808 the composer and violinist Louis Spohr was invited to a rehearsal in Beethoven's house of the D Major Piano Trio, Opus 70, No.1 known as The Ghost, and wrote of the occasion: "It was not an enjoyable experience. First of all the piano was…

A film about Georges Bizet and his ill-starred masterpiece. This film has two themes: first the substance and narrative of Bizet's perennially popular opera and second the story of its disastrous première, which had such a dramatic effect on Bizet…

This is a filmed record of Pinchas Zukerman’s first concert in Munich as both soloist and conductor. This is the concert, which provided two sequences for the film Pinchas Zukerman: Here to Make Music. Pinchas Zukerman was drawn into conducting by…

Two Bach Partitas filmed live at a BBC Radio Lunch Time Concert in St John’s, Smith Square, London.

Two Bach Partitas filmed live at a BBC Radio Lunch Time Concert in St John’s, Smith Square, London.

A series of recitals by the master pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy at a new peak in his career. Both his audiences and the critics have been aware in recent years of new dimensions in Ashkenazy's playing. This may stem in part from his broadening…

A series of six recitals, including the last five Beethoven Sonatas, by this master pianist at a new peak in his career. Both his audiences and the critics have been aware in recent years of new dimensions in Ashkenazy's playing. This may stem in…

A series of six recitals, including the last five Beethoven Sonatas, by this master pianist at a new peak in his career. Both his audiences and the critics have been aware in recent years of new dimensions in Ashkenazy's playing. This may stem in…