In the early 1960s, Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) became fascinated by
the movie director Henri-Georges Clouzot, who had directed "Quai des
orfèvres" and "Mystère Picasso." He suggested that Clouzot work with him
on a "visual interpretation" of musical masterworks. Their fruitful
collaboration included Schumann's Fourth Symphony (1965), Beethoven's
Symphony No. 5 (1966), Mozart's Fifth Concerto (1966), Dvorak's Ninth
Symphony (1966) and Verdi's Requiem (1967). The chemistry between the two
men was unparalleled: the score becomes a script, the musical phrases are
translated into cuts where the musicians are treated as "actors" of music.
The director creates an extraordinarily captivating climate, reproducing in
images all the nuances and strength of the work. Tracked by Clouzot's
camera, Karajan's concentration is equally fascinating. Never had a
conductor been filmed with as much strength and passion. In this recording
of Beethoven's monumental Fifth Symphony, Karajan is also shown discussing
"The Art of Conducting," explaining the conductor's role and the manner of
obtaining from the performers "the colors, volumes, dynamics, all the
essential elements" to achieve a total interpretation.
