An unmissable, riveting documentary that follows superstar violinist Janine Jansen as she records a new album on twelve of the greatest ever 'Strads'.

Directed by PRIX ITALIA winning documentary maker Gerry Fox, and
accompanied in her quest by legendary Sir Antonio Pappano, the documentary
will follow Janine fl y- on-the wall from her home town of Stockholm to research in
Stradivarius' home town of Cremona, where she will meet world leading luthiers,
to a hectic ten day period in London. She will become acquainted with each of
the violins, select works that fi t them best, learn about their histories and particular
foibles and rehearse and record this astonishing album. It will be nerve-wracking,
intense, and hugely exciting. Finally, at Christmas, we will follow Janine home to
the chamber music festival she has established in Utrecht, where accompanied
by Pappano, she will play the pieces for a public audience.
This is the fi rst time ever that so many of the greatest Strads have been gathered
together in one place, and the camera will accompany Janine at every step.
As a violinist with phenomenal bowing technique, she is uniquely qualifi ed to
bring out the character of each violin, rather than impose her character on the
instruments. In a series of up close and personal interviews with both Janine and
others, we will capture the diffi culties and joys of playing these phenomenally
diffi cult but rewarding instruments.
Interweaving though Janine's story, we will also for the fi rst time, trace the stunning
history of the Stradivarius as an emblem of affl uence, ambition and power. These
violins have essentially been witnesses to history, containing within them the rise
and decline of empires, as well as the evolution of classical and western music
into a major part of global culture.
This fi lm will continue to explore the Strad's ever-growing mastery through archive
footage of some of the fi nest luminaries ever: Fritz Kreisler, Marius Casadesus,
Bronislaw Huberman, Efrem Zimbalist, Zino Francescatti, Nathan Milstein, Arthur
Grumiaux and Cho- Liang Lin, all played regularly on one of these Strads.

Media

Cast & Crew

Director: Gerald Fox

Additional Details

Label: Arthaus Musik

Genre: Classical

Language: English

Run Time: 131 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 05/06/22

UPC: 4058407094531