Thomas Hampson

Known for his mournful Adagio for Strings, Samuel Barber was never quite fashionable. This film is a probing exploration of his music and melancholia. Performance, oral history, musicology and biography combine to explore the life and music of one of America's greatest composers. Features Thomas Hampson, Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop and many more of the world's leading experts on Barber's music.

Director Peter Konwitschny achieved a resounding success and Marlis Petersen a sensational debut in the title role with this new production of La Traviata at the Graz Opera - a highly-focused, intelligent reading of the music that was widely acclaimed by audiences.