Info
Duration: 55’ 12”
Narrated by Christopher Nupen
Year of production: 1969
Contributors include:
Jacqueline du Pré
Daniel Barenboim
Itzhak Perlman
Pinchas Zukerman
Zubin Mehta
On August 30th 1969, five young artists, all of whom were beginning to be established as international artists of the highest rank, came together to play Schubert's "Trout Quintet" in the new Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Their names: Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Jacqueline du Pré, Zubin Mehta and Daniel Barenboim.
The intention was two-fold: to film the concert itself live on stage, exactly as it happened, with five film cameras, and to make an introduction to it during the preceding week, documenting the preparations and, in particular, the spirit behind the event. It was a heady blend of observational documentary and classical music performance that became synonymous with Allegro Films.
The artists had all been intimate friends for many years but, more important, they had a great deal in common musically. In addition, they shared an exuberance in their talents which was unforgettable. Furthermore, they were all close friends with the director, Christopher Nupen, which gives the film an air of intimacy which, at the time, was completely new to classical music programmes on television.
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This recorded performance of THE TROUT quickly acquired a legendary status and the film remains among the most celebrated musical treasures in the history of television.
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