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Actors: |
James Buswell, Max Pommer, Hans-Joachim Rotzch, Maria Brautigam, Waltraut Wachter, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Ekkehard Wagner, Johanna Schneiderheinze, Christiane Schwarz, Andrea Doring, Blanche Honegger Moyse |
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Description: |
In this program, the career of J.S. Bach is traced by visiting each city in Germany that was important to the composer. A selection of his works is presented, taking into consideration the political and social environment of the country at the times in which they were produced. The Stations of Bach is hosted by musician James Buswell, who also performs some of the pieces. The special guests are all authorities on Bach, and include Blanche Honneger Moyse, Paula Sutter Fichtner, Christian Wolff, and Hans-Joachim Schulze. (Alice Day)
This fascinating documentary on the life and music of J.S. Bach also explores the social, political and aesthetic forces in Germany during his time (1685-1750). Performances by soloists and ensembles, as well as commentary by distinguished Bach scholars, enliven the film. Violinist James Buswell, long identified with Bach's music, acts as both host and performer.
The story of Bach's life is told by visiting each German city where the composer lived, studied or worked, from Eisenach where he was born, to Leipzig where he died at the age of sixty five. Each location represents a turning point in his growth and musical development. As the documentary unfolds we are treated to several fine performances, including one by the boys choir of the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Supporting Mr. Buswell's interpretation are discussions by such well-known experts as Christian Wolff, Hans-Joachim Schulze of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Paula Sutter Fichtner, a historian at City University of New York, and Blanche Honneger Moyse of the New England Bach Festival. |
