Ode To Freedom - The Berlin Celebration Concert Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Music and History

Few Concerts in the recent past have encapsulated the historic moment in a way this event did for Germany in 1989. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 a plan was made to hold a very special Christmas Concert and over a period of just six weeks and assembly of renowned singers and musicians from those East Germany in West Germany as well as all the allied forces prepared for this performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Under the leadership of Leonard Bernstein a decision was made to replace the word 'Joy' in the final movement with 'Freedom' to underline the symbolism of the historic moment. The concert itself was a mesmerising event and when Leonard Bernstein somewhat overrun the anticipated schedule even the Pope delayed his traditional Christmas blessings 'Urbi et Orbi' to start until after the concert had finished. This DVD captures a moment in excellent 5.1 surround sound and really makes you feel as if you are sitting in the concert hall. Unfortunately it seems that although it is available to buy it has not been released for rental but this is truly a great DVD so you might want to check out your favourite online store right now...