In Search of Beethoven

April 12 & April 16, 2020

A comprehensive and dynamic account of the life and works of the great composer. 

In Search of Beethoven delves beneath the mythical image of the tortured, cantankerous genius to search for the real Ludwig van Beethoven. In Search of Beethoven addresses the romantic myth that Beethoven was a heroic, tormented figure battling to overcome his tragic fate, struck down by deafness, who searched for his ‘immortal beloved’ but remained unmarried. The results reveal someone quite different and far more interesting.

The film brings together the world’s leading performers and experts to reveal new insights into both Beethoven the man and his music. The line-up of performers and interviewees includes Gianandrea Noseda, Sir Roger Norrington, Riccardo Chailly, Claudio Abbado, Fabio Luisi, Frans Brüggen, Ronald Brautigam, Hélène Grimaud, Vadim Repin, Janine Jansen, Paul Lewis, Lars Vogt, and Emanuel Ax among others. The film is narrated by Juliet Stevenson and young RSC actor David Dawson.

Running time: 80 min.

Rating: NR

Director: Phil Grabsky

Official website

Screening Times

Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m.

Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m.