Neville Marriner

Disciplined Italian composer Antonio Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and resentment towards the hedonistic and remarkably talented young Salzburger composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Set in Baroque France, a scheming widow and her lover make a bet regarding the corruption of a recently married woman. The lover, Valmont, bets that he can seduce her, even though she is an honorable woman. If he wins, he can have his lover to do as he will. However, in the process of seducing the married woman, Valmont falls in love.

Sir Neville Marriner conducts the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields chamber orchestra and Sheldon Schwartz dances the title role in this 1980 production of Stravinski's one-act ballet, choreographed by Heinz Spoerli. The story centers on Naples man-about-town Pulcinella (Schwartz), who woos all the local maidens and fakes his own death to escape an army of angry suitors. This production also stars dancers Amanda Bennett and Loya Molloy.

Sir Neville Marriner conducts this 250th Anniversary performance. Soloists include Sylvia McNair, Anne Sofie Van Otter. The performance is supported by an informative background film "For Ever and Ever", explaining the circumstances behind the composition and the work's early impact, featuring contributions from the popular Handel scholar Professor H.C. Robbins Land and from Sir Neville Marriner himself. Recorded in 1992, this performance of Handel's awesome "Messiah" took place on the 250th anniversary of the initial rendition of the piece. Recorded at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, this is an especially poignant rendition as it takes place in the city where it was originally performed in 1742.

This installment of the Classic Archive series captures renowned American pianist Murray Perahia at one with his art form, interpreting the works of Ludwig van Beethoven with unrivaled virtuosity and sensitivity. At once playful and disciplined, Perahia's technique evokes the mastery of a poetic genius who strives to blend the lyric and the epic, much like Beethoven united classic and romantic styles in his compositions.

A film loosely based on the book by Karla Kuskin. A behind-the-scenes glimpse of an orchestra and its members in rehearsal. The conductor, Sir Neville Marriner, criticizes, cajoles and lectures while the guest soloist, young violinist Nicky Eanet prepares for his performance of the piece.

Aldo Baldin was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, names in Brazilian lyrical singing. Born in a small town in Santa Catarina, his talent was present in the main operatic temples in the world. He died prematurely, and now his life and career are told by friends, relatives, widow and daughters.

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Over twenty-five years after his death in July 1989, the controversial Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan remains an enigma. He was the most successful conductor in the history of classical music. Many of his recordings - of Italian opera, of Wagner and Richard Strauss, of Sibelius, Beethoven and Brahms - are treasured by music lovers around the world. Yet, even at the peak of his fame, his performances were variously criticised for being too opulent, too manicured, lacking warmth or spiritual depth. This musical profile explores the many paradoxes in the life and music of this controversial figure, who forged his international reputation in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra shortly after the end of the Second World War and went on to reign supreme in the classical music world during his three decades with the Berlin Philharmonic. The film also examines Karajan's belief in the visual power of music, and his determination to leave behind a substantial legacy of music on film.

A film focusing on Joaquin Rodrigo's most famous work. It captures Spanish sculpture and architecture set to the music of Concierto de Aranjuez, and alternately touching as guitarist Pepe Romero relates the story and inspiration behind this work. Featuring Sir Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St.-Martin-in-the-Fields.