Watch Schumann in Leipzig

Schumann in Leipzig is a music documentary movie that takes the audience on a captivating journey into the life and works of Robert Schumann. The movie features performances by the world-class Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, led by Riccardo Chailly, and includes appearances by internationally acclaimed pianist Martha Argerich and conductor Roger Norrington.

The heart of the movie is the story of Schumann's turbulent life - his position amongst the great composers of his day, his experiences of love, loss and mental illness, and his extraordinary creative output. Combining archive footage with re-enactments, interviews and stunning musical performances, Schumann in Leipzig is a masterful exploration of one of the greatest composers of all time.

The movie begins with a brief introduction to Robert Schumann's life and work, including his famous love letters to Clara Wieck, whom he later married. The story then moves to Leipzig, where Schumann settled with his family and founded the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, a new music journal which championed young composers and musicians.

The musical performances in this movie are breathtaking. Audiences are treated to a stunning performance of Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Op. 61, displaying the rich and complex harmonies that Schumann is known for. The movements provide viewers with a glimpse of Schumann's musical genius and demonstrate why he is considered one of the great composers of the Romantic era.

Martha Argerich's performances provide an exciting interlude in the movie. Playing Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, she demonstrates her musical prowess, not just in her musicianship but also in expressing the emotions of the music. Her elegance and grace convey the emotions that Schumann imbued in the concerto and provide the audience with an intimate connection to the piece.

The movie also features performances by conductor Roger Norrington, who leads the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig in excerpts from Schumann's Symphony No. 4, Op. 120. His passionate and energetic conducting style elicits a dynamic interpretation of the piece, capturing the spirit of Schumann's music and making it accessible for audiences who may not be familiar with the composer's work.

Overall, Schumann in Leipzig is a magnificent celebration of Robert Schumann's life and work. The movie provides audiences with an excellent insight into Schumann's mental health struggles, the friendships, triumphs, and tribulations that shaped his life, and how he turned these into the music that has touched so many. The musical performances are, of course, a highlight of the movie, and viewers are sure to be transported by the passion and energy of the performances by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Martha Argerich and conductor Roger Norrington.

Schumann in Leipzig is a must-see for anyone who has an appreciation for classical music and especially for those who hold an affection for the beautifully crafted works of Robert Schumann. The movie is a timely reminder of why Schumann remains a beloved figure in the classical music world and how his works continue to move people. The film provides an experience that viewers will savor and be grateful for sharing in the rich story of Schumann's life in the charming city of Leipzig.

Schumann in Leipzig is a 2006 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.