Dohnanyi's rehearsal technique is laid bare: his phenomenal attention to the smallest details of phrasing and articulation, his rather severe manner lightened by the occasional pleasantry, and his uncanny precision in the matter of wind tuning. His general comments on the art of conducting and its foundation in human trust are also engrossing. All told this is serious, informative, and thought provoking--and highly recommended. --Warwick Thomson

Description
A highly acclaimed conductor, Christoph Von Dohnanyi, joins one of the world's great orchestras, the Philharmonia, for a performance of Haydn's "Symphony No. 88 in G." This "In Rehearsal" program allows cameras to witness the process of development of a new relationship between an orchestra and its Music Director.

I'm a great fan of the Grandpa Dohnanyi (the composer and a hugely underrated marvelous pianist) and I knew little and as such expect little of Dohnanyi the conductor-- for to pass music onto the next generation would be difficult enough. How can one pass it onto his third generation? But upon seeing this DVD, there is no question about it whatsoever.

The way Dohnanyi rediscovers Haydn, in particular his humour; the way he approaches Haydn, or compares him with Mozart, Beethoven or even Mendelsohnn as a conductor; the sitting arrangement of the players; the reading of music notes as distinct from a book; intonation as a whole and the place of woodwinds in the orchestra; when the tempo should be faster (but not rushing) and when it should be slower; that muisc should be a dialogue instead of being mechanical... Often, you have clear and precise illustrations through these rehearsals with a great conductor as how he puts these elements of music together to make music. And mind you, the Philharmonia Orchestra sound georgeous under the baton of Dohnanyi and I find the photgraphy very well too.

Interesting and good stuff for any serious music lover. I just can't wait to go back to it a second time. My only grumble is: it's too short.


Orchestra rehearsal, von Dohnanyi, Haydn   October 3, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is an honest take on orchestra rehearsing--interested in the mechanics of music making, sharing a few of the conductor's conceptual drivers and some of the orchestra's members reactions too. So while it doesn't touch on the higher notes of, say, truth telling through music it does very well at what it aims in title. Throughout the material, the conductor makes several assessments with respect to Haydn's works and his approach towards them. On a subtler note, one gets a glimpse at Christoph von Dohnanyi's personality and character. Good sound, less than great camera work.