Slatkin! A Symphony: The Story
SLATKIN! A SYMPHONY features Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Louis Opera Theatre Orchestra, and the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Produced in 1987, this documentary offers a rare opportunity to learn about the inner-world of a major conductor, to discover a Maestro that concert audiences can not experience in a symphony hall. With humor and candor, this documentary probes the mystique that surrounds the conductor while showing how one leader compels a hundred strong-willed musicians to follow his musical vision.
The story is structured as a classical symphony, in four discrete "movements".
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ALLEGRO-VIVACE shows the speed of Slatkin's wit as a public persona. Performing here with Slatkin is pianist Emanuel Ax.
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In ADAGIO, Slatkin meditates on his boyhood spent in a musical family.
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The third movement, SCHERZO, shows Slatkin in rehearsals with his orchestra and his youth orchestra. He is also shown rehearsing with singers and acting directors in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
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MAESTOSO climaxes in the Maestro's most intimate musical moments with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Additional scenes feature Slatkin and Yo-Yo Ma in a tense Senate sub-Committee hearing on increasing NEA funding for the arts. The documentary culminates with his final 1986 performance conducting his Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
This program has broad appeal in terms of its educational applications, its artistry, and the international caliber of its featured artists.
Produced and written by Jill Petzall, directed by Deeds Rogers, Edited by Wally Bonham, the program emphasizes the personal intensity required to become a maestro of international stature while maintaining one's original commitment to making fine music.
First broadcast on A&E in 1987. Nominated for a Cable ACE Award, 1987
