Watch The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach

The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach is a 1968 German biographical film about the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, a renowned German musician and composer of the Baroque period, as told through the eyes of his wife, Anna Magdalena Bach. The film was directed by Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, and it stars Gustav Leonhardt as Johann Sebastian Bach, Christiane Lang as Anna Magdalena Bach, and Paolo Carlini as Georg Christoph Wagenseil, a fellow musician and friend of Bach.

The film is shot in a documentary-style format and follows the life of Bach from his appointment as court musician in Weimar in 1708 to his death in Leipzig in 1750. The story is told through a series of vignettes, each of which is based on a real-life event in Bach's life.

The film is notable for its use of Bach's own music to score the events depicted on screen. Leonhardt, who is a renowned harpsichordist and conductor, also provided the musical performances in the film. This approach gives the film an authenticity and artistry that is rare in biographical dramas.

One of the standout moments in the film is Bach's famous "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5," which is performed in its entirety by Leonhardt and a small ensemble of musicians. The performance is shot in a stunning long take that captures the energy and vitality of the music.

Another memorable scene is when Bach composes his beautiful aria "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen" for his wife, Anna Magdalena. The scene is shot in a simple, intimate style that allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty of the music and the tenderness of the moment.

Throughout the film, we see Bach as a dedicated musician and family man, but we also see his struggles and frustrations as he faces obstacles in his career and personal life. The film does not shy away from the darker aspects of Bach's life, including his ongoing conflict with his employers and his strained relationship with his son.

Overall, The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach is a powerful and moving film that captures the life and work of one of the greatest composers in history. Its use of Bach's own music and its documentary-style storytelling create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach is a 1968 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.