This 115 minute DVD features not only the re-issue of Stern's great documentary visit to China, but also the new film "MUsical Encounters", made twenty years after the original, in which Stern returns to China and finds that the children he once taught have turned into master musicians in their own right. The original film is about Stern's invited visit to China, shortly after the Cultural Revolution, which attempted to wipe out all of the Western influences on Chinese cultural life. Stern visits a music conservatory, hears and coaches young musicians and talks to professors about their troubles under the Cultural Revolution. The DVD includes "Gentleman From Shanghai."
In June, 1979, violinist Isaac Stern embarked on a three-week visit to China, as a guest of the government. The Academy Award winning "From Mao to Mozart," entertainingly chronicles that journey, capturing snippets of Stern's rehearsals, master classes and performances, as well as his meetings with numerous Chinese musicians, dancers and acrobats.
Stern and David Golub, the pianist who accompanied him, narrate part of the film, while Tan Shuzhen, a deputy director of the Chinese Conservatory of Music, provides a different and complementary perspective on Chinese culture.
In 1979, as China reopened its doors to the west, internationally acclaimed classical violinist Isaac Stern received an unprecedented invitation to tour the country. While in China, Stern performed concerts and gave a series of master classes to talented Chinese musicians at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. This classic documentary records this extraordinary cultural exchange. Stern and David Golub, the pianist who accompanied him, narrate part of the film, while Tan Shuzhen, a deputy director of the Chinese Conservatory of Music, provides a different and complementary perspective on Chinese culture. In addition to the reissue of the acclaimed documentary which captured this significant event (and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary while doing it,) this video also contains the newer film MUSICAL ENCOUNTERS. This tracks Stern as he returns to China, twenty years later, and catches up with his old students, many of whom are masterful musicians in their own right.
A Harmony Film Group release of a Hopewell Foundation Production.
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China Quotes/Excerpts:
"On the other hand, they can't play Mozart." -- Isaac Stern, shrugging, after watching the amazing things Chinese acrobats can accomplish.
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China Reviews:
"...[The] editing, photography and sound recording are all top-notch....An entertaining and perceptive documentary..."
-- Lor., Variety
"...Delightful....A most enjoyable record of a productive visit."
-- Richard F. Shepard, New York Times
"...Lerner fashioned an Oscar-winning documentary by showing how Stern's wit instilled zest into China's talented, but sometimes stiff, young musicians. The movie is still a jewel..."
-- Mike Clark, USA Today
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China Movie Review
Customer From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China Reviews Customer From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China DVD Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
One of the Best Documentaries in History This presentation depicts the ever present challenges that the Art of Performance of Music transcends throughout history and shows how one man and the members of his family and associates can prove how the development and human relations of communications of musical performance can be brought together to afformulate in their success, the longing for the assimulation of musical performance at it's highest level of concentration. Submitted by nickdevizzio (Saratoga Springs, New York) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Superb I enjoyed watching the little geniuses Submitted by jayadsilva (Vallejo, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
"singing" music Isaac travels across China teaching, and playing to young and old . He shows others how to play music and not just notes. As he plays he makes it look oh so simple, the true mark of a genius. Well made with some comments on the brutality of the cultural revolution. If you love music, this is a wonderful documentary. Submitted by martin (Edmonton Alberta) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China DVD
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital - English Additional Release Material: Bonus Film - GENTLEMAN FROM SHANGHAI Docurama Previews Interactive Features: Scene Selection Interactive Menu Text/Photo Galleries: Biographies: Isaac Stern
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China DVD Awards
From Mao To Mozart - Isaac Stern In China DVD Awards
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