Stravinsky found the inspiration for his work in sources ranging from Greek Orthodox liturgy to his beloved Verdi.

The film documents an impressive performance from the Schauspielhaus on the Gendarmenmarket in Berlin under the direction of Sir Colin Davis.

A hand-picked ensemble of soloists join together with the Gächinger Kantorei and the Bach-Collegium Stuttgart under the direction of Helmuth Rilling to give a truly definitive performance of this pre-eminent masterwork.