Keswick Film Club - Wagner

Synopsis

Tony Palmer's epic film was made in 1982/3 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wagner's death. Filmed in 200 locations throughout Europe, many where the actual historical events took place, it is only now released on DVD as Palmer wishes it to be viewed. The film portrays Wagner's life and work, from before the 1848 Revolution, through his exile in Switzerland, his rescue by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to the final triumph at Bayreuth, and sets his radical musical and political ideas in the context of his life and times. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir George Solti with singers including Dame Gwyneth Jones and Peter Hofmann performs the music, which is illustrated with images by cameramen Vittorio Storaro and Nic Knowland. The stellar cast includes Richard Burton, Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave and László Gállfi.

The film will be screened in two parts with a one hour interval and introduced by Tony Palmer

Thanks to Tony Palmer