Bernard Haitink - The Enigmatic Maestro

John Bridcut´s documentary observes one of the best loved conductors at work as he prepared his final concert before he retires at the age of 90.

Poorhouse International is pleased to announce it has secured world-wide distribution to John Bridcut´s latest documentary. One of the best loved conductors, Bernard Haitink retired recently at the age of 90. Bridcut´s documentary observes him at work as he prepared his final concerts. Some of the musicians he has worked with try to explain the secrets of his conducting technique, while Haitink himself talks about how his approach has changed during his 68 years in front of orchestras and gives advice to young musicians hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Musicians recalling having worked with Haitink include Dame Sarah Connolly and Sir Thomas Allen, the pianist Emanuel Ax, the composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and players from the Vienna Phil, the CSO, LPO and the Netherlands Radio Orchestra. Members of his family also give us a rare glimpse of the private man. Threaded through the film are his final performances of Bruckner´s Seventh, both in rehearsal and performance, the European Première at the 2008 Proms of a piece by Turnage, music by Beethoven, Mahler, Stravinsky and Wagner. “I could translate music with my hands”, he says, “which I still can. I´m quite proud of that.”

Production Company Crux Productions
Director John Bridcut
Duration 90min.