Bernard Haitink, The Enigmatic Maestro

[MJW]

Speaking as a non-musical person, I found this absolutely fascinating and at times - particularly when he was speaking about his early life in Amsterdam during the war, very moving. 

 

I would certainly recommend to all.

 

It was on BBC2 on Saturday night and is available on the iPlayer.

[Scheherezade]

I totally agree MJW. It was informative, sympathetic and drew in the viewer from start to finish. And, of course, the musical extracts were just sublime. 

[Shade]

I thought it was the most thought provoking and intelligent documentary that I have seen for some time. Really worth watching - loved his comment that he had done too much Mahler.

[JohnS]

Fabulous and deeply moving. Another truly great programme from John Bridcut after last year’s Janet Baker: In her own words. Wonderful to have so much of Meistersinger, bringing back memories of what was as close to perfection in opera as I’ve experienced and some the finest performances in the Royal Opera House. A fitting tribute to Bernard Haitink, peerless musician yet so modest, and good to hear so much from him. His humanity simply radiates. I shall look forward to seeing this again, many times. 
 

I do hope the next Chairman of the BBC sees both these programmes as they show the BBC at its finest.

[JohnS]

I meant to say this was repeated on BBC4 on 26 September so it’s available for another 3 weeks or so. Well worth seeing - or seeing again!

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000n1jp