Beethoven – Days in a Life

(Beethoven – Tage aus einem Leben)

GDR, 1976, 104 min, color
In German; English subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Dramaturg
Editor
Camera
Set Design
Costume Design
Cast

Synopsis

Vienna, 1813-1819: Beethoven (played by Donatas Banionis) is at the peak of his fame. Orchestras all over the world play his music, but he lives modestly and is dependent upon private patrons. Nagged by his patronizing brothers, spied upon by officials for his republican beliefs and faced by his progressive hearing loss, the composer becomes more and more isolated. Seeman’s poetic film explores the joys, heartbreak and artistic spirit of the great composer as he works on his Ninth Symphony.

 

This film is available for streaming.
I can also be purchase as part of the DVD set Beethoven Duet.

Awards

1977   Cannes International Film Festival

 

Press comments

“A classic reflection on the tension between art and freedom.” —Die Welt 

Availability

Stream

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