Characters: Music composer
Immerse yourself in the lives and legacies of classical music's greatest icons. This curated collection of movies follows renowned composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky from early genius to lasting fame. Witness the creativity and madness behind some of the world's most enduring masterpieces. Lavish period productions transport you to Old World Europe, recreating the beauty and passion of Vienna, Paris, and other musical meccas. Biopics dramatize the inspirations, romances, and personal struggles hidden in the notes.
Explore the humanity beneath the myths of these troubled geniuses through nuanced performances. Whether a lavish costume drama or introspective character study, these acclaimed films offer front row seats to lives dedicated to and immortalized by music. Let the master's works come alive again through their stories.
More characters to explore:
Characters: Monarchs
Characters: Rebels
Characters: Polymaths
Characters: Writers
Characters: Singers
Characters: Filmmakers
Characters: Politicians & Influencers in History
Characters: Gangsters
Characters: Pioneers
Characters: High IQ
Characters: Poets
Characters: Fashion Designers
Characters: Teachers
Characters: Painters & Sculptors
Characters: Pirates
*Some descriptions might have been enhanced by AI.
Explore the humanity beneath the myths of these troubled geniuses through nuanced performances. Whether a lavish costume drama or introspective character study, these acclaimed films offer front row seats to lives dedicated to and immortalized by music. Let the master's works come alive again through their stories.
More characters to explore:
Characters: Monarchs
Characters: Rebels
Characters: Polymaths
Characters: Writers
Characters: Singers
Characters: Filmmakers
Characters: Politicians & Influencers in History
Characters: Gangsters
Characters: Pioneers
Characters: High IQ
Characters: Poets
Characters: Fashion Designers
Characters: Teachers
Characters: Painters & Sculptors
Characters: Pirates
*Some descriptions might have been enhanced by AI.
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- DirectorAgnieszka HollandStarsEd HarrisDiane KrugerMatthew GoodeA fictionalized account of the last year of Beethoven's life.This film features composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), a pivotal figure of the Classical and early Romantic eras. The movie centers on Beethoven's relationship with a young copyist during the composition of his Ninth Symphony.
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsF. Murray AbrahamTom HulceElizabeth BerridgeThe life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), an icon of the Classical era, is the focus. The film narrates a fictional rivalry between Mozart and composer Antonio Salieri.
- DirectorLiana MarabiniStarsSteven CreeClemency Burton-HillJames JaggerThe life of Antonio Vivaldi, called "the red priest", his relationship with the world and the Church, his spiritual battles, his love for a woman.This movie is about Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), from the Baroque era, focusing on his life as a priest and his influence on classical music.
- DirectorJean-Louis GuillermouStarsStefano DionisiMichel SerraultMichel GalabruThe life of Antonio Vivaldi, the great Italian composer and musician of the 17th century.Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is showcased, depicting his status and contributions to the Baroque era in Venice.
- DirectorJerzy AntczakStarsPiotr AdamczykDanuta StenkaAdam WoronowiczA tangled web of unruly passion lies at the center of this drama, chronicling the stormy affair between the great piano virtuoso Frédéric Chopin and the flamboyant feminist writer George Sand.Centers on Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a composer of the Romantic era, emphasizing his love life and music.
- DirectorLuciano OdorisioStarsMichele PlacidoTino SchirinziGiuliana de SioA well established music conductor in Chieti (Italy) tries to rebuild a historic city orchestra, which no longer exists.Focused on Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a Romantic era composer, this film explores his youth and early influences.
- DirectorKim Seong HwaJoanna KaczmarekMaciej PawelczykStarsFares BasmadjiLeszek MozdzerWon Jae YeonThree pianists are preparing concerts of Chopin music in places associated with unimaginable suffering: Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland, the border between South and North Korea, and the city center of Beirut.Showcases Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) during the Romantic era, offering a new perspective on his life and works.
- DirectorBoleslaw PawicaJaroslaw SypniewskiStarsZbigniew ZapasiewiczMaciej KozlowskiDominika OstalowskaA documentary about Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), Romantic era composer, focusing on his music and biography.
- DirectorJames LapineStarsJudy DavisHugh GrantMandy PatinkinIn 1830s France, pianist/composer Frédéric Chopin is pursued romantically by the determined, individualistic woman who uses the name George Sand.Focuses on the Romantic era composer Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) and his love affair with writer George Sand.
- DirectorAlain CorneauStarsGérard DepardieuJean-Pierre MarielleAnne BrochetThe story of Monsieur de Sainte Colombe, fierce and somber man, grand master of the viola da gamba and professor of Marin Marais, prestigious musician in the court of Louis XIV.Explores the life of Baroque-era composer Marin Marais (1656-1728) and his relationship with his mentor.
- DirectorGérard CorbiauStarsBenoît MagimelBoris TerralTchéky KaryoCorbiau repeats the Farinelli formula, artistic rivalry and social private drama expressed in dazzling, sometimes excessively lavish baroque scenery, music and costume, but this time in its ultimate setting: Versailles. There are two protagonists - first the title character, Louis XIV, the French sun-king who has two passions, establishing absolute rule over the realm -after decades of religious/civil wars- by divine right and artistic brilliancy as a dancer (like Nero wrote and performed musical poetry), and starts asserting himself against the entourage of his Medici mother, the regent during his minority, by building his palace complex and launching a 'fitting' new, mainly musical display of baroque show. Secondly the musical genius Gianbattista Lulli ('Jean-Baptiste') Lully, a Florentine upstart of unbridled ambition, quickly gains the king's absolute trust, despite the nationalist and aristocratic opposition to a low-born Italian, and thus turns the normally socially humble post of court composer into a 'ministerial portfolio of culture' of Cabinet rank, complete with a monopoly which kills of his artistic rivals in operatic theater. The script also weaves a complex web of court scheming for individual power and social interests, and even a sadistic but accidental murder on a young valet, producing a sensuous and sumptuous drama too complex for this format, ending in a freakish but fatal accident. Louis XIV's mother was Ana de Austria (in French, Anne d' Autriche), the daughter of one of the Hapsburgh Kings of Spain. Maria di Medici (in French, Marie de Médicis) was his grandmother, his father's mother. She was dead before Louis XIV reached the throne. Please correct the reference to "his Medici mother"Centers on Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687), a Baroque composer, and his relationship with King Louis XIV.
- DirectorDominique de RivazStarsVadim GlownaJürgen VogelKaroline HerfurthComposer Johann Sebastian Bach is introduced to King Frederick II of Prussia in 1747. The aging composer and the young monarch clash and a battle of egos ensues.Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) of the Baroque era is portrayed in a fictional meeting with Frederick the Great.
- DirectorCesca EatonDavid JeffcockStarsJohn Eliot GardinerBBC documentary written and presented by the famous English conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner. It is a rigorous biography that tries to show the man and the musician at the same time. Gardiner reveals an artist so complex and passionate; a family man both warm and cozy who must fight the hierarchies of the state and the Lutheran Church to accomplish her art.Documentary on Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), providing an in-depth look at the composer's life and era.
- DirectorBernard KnowlesStarsStewart GrangerPhyllis CalvertJean KentBiography of the famous--and notorious--Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini.About Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), from the early Romantic era, and his life as a virtuoso violinist.
- DirectorAleksander FordStarsCzeslaw WollejkoZbigniew LobodzinskiJózef NieweglowskiA story of the formative years in Chopin's life between 1825 and 1831, a time of social unrest throughout Europe, of rising nationalism, and of cries for reform. Chopin, an outstanding student in music, and inflamed with the revolutionary spirit in his native Poland, gives a number of concerts which are praised by the aristocracy. His fame growing, he sets out on tour and, while in Vienna, hears of the November uprising in Warsaw. He makes an attempt to return and join the fight but his carriage breaks down, and his is brought back ill. Warned by his doctor, he settles down to a quieter life in Paris, and continues his work.Centers on the early years of Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a Romantic era composer.
- DirectorCarmine GalloneStarsGabriele FerzettiMärta TorénNadia GrayThis biographical story of Puccini (Gabriele Ferzetti) spans his creative life from early student days to the height of success, including his early flop Madame Butterfly and his incomplete Turandot. Along the way he encounters three women who change his life, including a sexy, beautiful singer (Nadia Gray) whom he drops for a small town girl (Märta Torén), and a servant girl who commits suicide over him.About Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), a composer of the Romantic and Verismo eras, and his dramatic life.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleStarsYvonne De CarloCarlos ThompsonRita GamThe life and career of German composer Richard Wagner.Chronicles the life of Richard Wagner (1813-1883), a Romantic era composer, focusing on his controversial life and works.
- DirectorCharles VidorGeorge CukorStarsDirk BogardeCapucineGeneviève PageThe romantic story of Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt (Sir Dirk Bogarde), whose scandalous love affair forced him to abandon his adoring audiences.Features Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a Romantic era composer and pianist, and his love affairs and friendships.
- DirectorGérard CorbiauStarsStefano DionisiEnrico Lo VersoElsa ZylbersteinThe story of castrato opera singer Carlo Broschi, who enthralled 18th-century European audiences under his stage name Farinelli.About Carlo Broschi, known as Farinelli (1705-1782), a famous castrato singer of the Baroque era.
- DirectorMalcolm ClarkeStarsJeremy NorthamTushka BergenAllan CordunerA story about real life early 20th century British composer and music critic Philip Arnold Heseltine.Features various composers, with a focus on the challenges and glories of the human voice in classical music.
- DirectorAdam CushmanStarsKristen GutoskieMackenzie AstinXander BerkeleyAfter the Second World War, budding film composer Jerry Herst moves to Hollywood to study with infamous master teacher Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.This film is about Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968), a composer from the 20th century, and his influence on Hollywood film music.
- DirectorPauline MoreauStarsQuentin EvrardSephora FoucherPascal MichelA documentary on Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), focusing on his life and contributions to the Classical and early Romantic eras.
- DirectorRené FéretStarsMarie FéretMarc BarbéDelphine ChuillotA reimagined account of the early life of Maria Anna 'Nannerl' Mozart, five years older than Wolfgang, and a musical prodigy in her own right.The film spotlights Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), a Classical era composer, and her struggles in a male-dominated society.
- Features Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), a key figure in the Baroque era, offering another glimpse into his life and works.
- DirectorHelma Sanders-BrahmsStarsMartina GedeckPascal GreggoryMalik ZidiA look at the lives of 19th-century composers Clara and Robert Schumann.Centers on Clara Schumann (1819-1896), a composer of the Romantic era, and her relationship with her husband, Robert Schumann.
- DirectorMatthew WhitemanStarsCharles HazlewoodEd StoppardWilliam ManneringThis documentary focuses on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), a composer from the Romantic era, delving into his life and compositions.
- DirectorTimo KoivusaloStarsMartti SuosaloHeikki NousiainenMiina TurunenThe life story of Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer.Explores the life of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), a composer from the Late Romantic and 20th-century classical periods.
- DirectorSimon Cellan JonesStarsPeter HansonJack DavenportLeo BillOn June 9, 1804, Ludwig van Beethoven and his pupil Ries assemble a group of musicians to give the first performance of his Third Symphony, 'Bonaparte', to his patron Prince Lobkowitz and his guests, including hypercritical Count Dietrichstein, in Vienna. The piece provokes political arguments among players and audience as to whether Bonaparte is a tyrant, or, as Beethoven believes, a liberator. The composer is also rejected by his former love, the recently widowed Josephine von Deym, though the visiting elder statesman of composers Haydn pays him a strange compliment. Leaving the gathering, Beethoven confesses to Ries that he is losing his hearing and later he reads that Bonaparte has declared himself the French emperor. As a result he will lose all respect for Napoleon and will change the symphony's title to 'Eroica'.The film features Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) of the Classical and early Romantic eras, focusing on the composition of his Third Symphony, Eroica.
- DirectorJean-Louis GuillermouStarsChristian VadimElena LeninaFrédérique BelJ.S. BACH: THE MUSIC, THE LIFE, THE LEGEND is a dramatic look at the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, a man who dedicated his life to the service of music.Chronicles the life of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a leading composer of the Baroque era.
- DirectorBruce BeresfordStarsSarah WynterVincent PerezJonathan PryceThis movie is a biopic of Alma Mahler, the wife of composer Gustav Mahler (as well as Walter Gropius and Franz Werfel), and the mistress of Oskar Kokoschka.Focuses on Alma Mahler (1879-1964), wife of Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), a composer from the Late-Romantic era.
- DirectorRichard MozerStarsGeordie JohnsonDrew JureckaPeter KeleghanA dashing Franz Liszt appears to have it all - talent, success, wealth and adoring fans. Yet when he takes on a young street musician as a violin student, his own fork is transformed.Centers on Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a composer of the Romantic era, spotlighting his dazzling piano compositions.
- DirectorDavid DevineStarsJoseph Di MambroMelissa PirreraFrances BayNine-year old Reliana witnesses Rossini's efforts to salvage his seemingly cursed new opera, the Barber of Seville.About Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), a composer from the Classical and Romantic eras, and his influence on opera.
- DirectorTony PalmerStarsSimon CallowMichael BallRebecca FrontIn 1960s, a British playwright attempts to reconstruct the life of real life 17th century English composer Henry Purcell even though little is known about him. Purcell's life is reenacted and his music performed.The film features Henry Purcell (1659-1695), one of England's greatest composers from the Baroque era.
- DirectorDavid DevineStarsMaurice GodinBrittany MadgettCatherine BarrollA 12 year old Parisian girl takes piano lessons from composer Georges Bizet and becomes captivated by his story of the gypsy Carmen.Focuses on Georges Bizet (1838-1875), a Romantic era composer, during the creation of his opera Carmen.
- DirectorAndrzej ZulawskiStarsMarie-France PisierJanusz OlejniczakSophie Marceauthe film covers the last few days of fragile Chopin's professional life.Features Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) and his time spent with writer George Sand, both figures of the Romantic era.
- DirectorAnna AmbroseStarsSimon CallowAlan DevlinJean RigbyThis film presents scenes from the life of German composer George Frideric Handel in the style of a baroque opera. After the success of his London debut, Handel settles in England. He abandons aristocratic and royal patronage and throws himself on the mercy of the marketplace, having to deal with money worries and fickle audiences as well as fluctuating health. After the public rejects a string of his operas and a stroke nearly fells him, Handel embarks on a high-risk gamble for his 1742 oratorio "Messiah": he premieres the new work far from fashionable London and with a leading singer whose career is tainted by scandal.Chronicles George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), a composer of the Baroque era, focusing on his career in England.
- DirectorTony PalmerStarsRobert StephensVirginia McKennaJudith HowarthWhen Italian composer Giacomo Puccini is accused of sleeping with his maid, the scandal threatens to destroy his life and career. This biopic intercuts with director Tony Palmer's efforts to stage Puccini's last opera.About Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), delving into the life and works of this Romantic and Verismo era composer.
- DirectorPeter SchamoniStarsNastassja KinskiHerbert GrönemeyerRolf HoppeChronicles the illustrious 19th-century love affair between composer Robert Schumann and pianist Clara Wieck.Focuses on Robert Schumann (1810-1856), a composer of the Romantic era, and his relationship with Clara Wieck, his wife.
- StarsRichard BurtonVanessa RedgraveMiguel Herz-KestranekA huge panorama of Richard Wagner's life and work, from before the 1848 revolution, through his exile in Switzerland, his rescue by the besotted King Ludwig II of Bavaria, to the final triumph at Bayreuth. Richard Wagner's radical musical and political ideas, his German nationalism, and even his anti-Semitism are set in the context of his life and times.Chronicles Richard Wagner (1813-1883), a composer from the Romantic era, and his groundbreaking operas.
- StarsRonald PickupCarla FracciGiampiero AlbertiniGiuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 and lived until 1901, his life spanning nearly a century of political turmoil and considerable personal turmoil. This 1982 biographical television miniseries, as seen on PBS's Great Performances, dramatizes the life of this classic Italian composer known for operas including La Traviata, Rigoletto, and Aida and his Requiem.Covers the life and works of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), a composer of the Romantic era, and his influence on opera.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsRoger DaltreySara KestelmanPaul NicholasComposer and pianist Franz Liszt (Roger Daltrey) attempts to overcome his hedonistic life-style while repeatedly being drawn back into it by the many women in his life and fellow composer Richard Wagner (Paul Nicholas).A fantastical portrayal of Franz Liszt (1811-1886), capturing the public obsession with this Romantic era composer.
- StarsStuart WilsonAnne StallybrassBarbara FerrisA seven-part mini-series produced in England about Vienna's Strauss family in the 19th-century. Members of the London Symphony Orchestra provided the music.About the Strauss family, primarily Johann Strauss I (1804-1849) and Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), composers from the Romantic era.
- DirectorIgor TalankinStarsInnokentiy SmoktunovskiyAntonina ShuranovaKirill LavrovThe life and work of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tschaikovsky is shown through his relationship with aristocratic art connoisseur Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck.Depicts the life of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), a Romantic era composer, focusing on his emotional struggles and masterworks.
- DirectorPhil GrabskyStarsEmanuel AxJonathan BissRiccardo ChaillyThe first truly comprehensive feature length cinema documentary ever made about Beethoven. With over 60 live performances.This documentary delves into the life of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), a pivotal figure in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era.
- DirectorLuis César AmadoriStarsPedro López LagarSabina OlmosMarisa RegulesThe film is based on the life of Spanish composer and pianist Isaac Albéniz. In this story Albéniz is represented since he was a child prodigy, so talented that even comes to say that his presentations were a fraud. The film also shows the child as the victim of a tyrannical father, who tries to fulfill his own desires through his son. To escape the pressure of his father, Albéniz fled his home, first to South America and then to the United States. The musician's personal life was marked by tumultuous romances. Albéniz returned to Spain, but received a scholarship at the Brussels Conservatory awarded by King Alfonso XII, but once again the focus of his attention was on women, rather than on music. The musician achieved international fame through concerts that he financed himself, obtaining many awards.Chronicles the life of Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909), a composer from the late Romantic era, focusing on his contributions to Spanish classical music.
- DirectorJohn StephensonStarsAneurin BarnardJames PurefoySamantha BarksThe incredible tale of Mozart's Prague years.Features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), a Classical era composer, setting his life against the backdrop of 18th-century Prague.
- DirectorJan KounenStarsAnna MouglalisMads MikkelsenElena MorozovaParis 1913. Coco Chanel is infatuated with the rich and handsome Boy Capel, but she is also compelled by her work. Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is about to be performed. The revolutionary dissonances of Igor's work parallel Coco's radical ideas. She wants to democratize women's fashion; he wants to redefine musical taste. Coco attends the scandalous first performance of The Rite in a chic white dress. The music and ballet are criticized as too modern, too foreign. Coco is moved but Igor is inconsolable. Paris 1920, Coco is newly wealthy and successful but grief-stricken after Boy's death in a car crash. Igor, following the Russian Revolution is now a penniless refugee living in exile in Paris. Coco is introduced to Igor by Diaghilev, impresario of the Ballets Russes. The attraction between them is instant and electric. Coco invites Igor along with his wife - now sick with consumption - together with his four children and a menagerie of birds to stay at her new villa, Bel Respiro, in Garches.Highlights the relationship between fashion designer Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), who belonged to the 20th-century classical period.
- DirectorKlaus KinskiStarsKlaus KinskiDebora CaprioglioNikolai KinskiA biography of Italian violinist Niccolò Paganini.Focuses on Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), a composer and violinist from the Romantic era, exploring his virtuosity and controversies.
- DirectorFelix O. AdlonPercy AdlonStarsJohannes SilberschneiderBarbara RomanerKarl MarkovicsAlma Mahler's affair with the young architect Walter Gropius sets in motion a marital drama that forces her husband Gustav Mahler to seek advice from Sigmund Freud.Centers on Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), a composer of the Late-Romantic era, delving into his personal life and marriage.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsRobert PowellGeorgina HaleLee MontagueComposer Gustav Mahler's (Robert Powell) life, told in a series of flashbacks as he and his wife (Georgina Hale) discuss their failing marriage during a train journey.Another take on Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) from the Late-Romantic era, focusing on his career and personal dilemmas.
- DirectorBernard RoseStarsDavid GarrettJared HarrisJoely Richardson19th Century violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini incurs the wrath of his diabolical manager while preparing for his debut performance in London, and falling for the daughter of an English impresario.Chronicles the life of Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), a Romantic era composer and violin virtuoso, spotlighting his public performances.
- DirectorDanièle HuilletJean-Marie StraubStarsGustav LeonhardtChristiane LangPaolo CarliniThe life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach as presented by his wife, Anna.Explores the life of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a Baroque era composer, through the eyes of his second wife, Anna Magdalena.
- DirectorBernard RoseStarsGary OldmanJeroen KrabbéIsabella RosselliniThe life and death of the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven. Besides all the work he is known for, the composer once wrote a famous love letter to a nameless beloved, and the movie tries to find out who this beloved was--not easy, as Beethoven has had many women in his life.Focuses on Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), delving into the mystery surrounding his immortal beloved amidst his contributions to the Classical and Romantic eras.
- DirectorCarlos SauraStarsTobias MorettiEulàlia RamonSergi RocaA drama based on the life of 18th century Italian lyricist Lorenzo da Ponte, who collaborated with Mozart on his "Don Giovanni" opera.Chronicles the life of Lorenzo Da Ponte, librettist for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), a composer of the Classical era.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsRichard ChamberlainGlenda JacksonMax AdrianPiano teacher Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky struggles against his homosexuality by marrying, but unfortunately he chooses a nymphomaniac whom he cannot satisfy.Spotlights Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), a composer from the Romantic era, focusing on his tumultuous life and relationships.
- DirectorJulien DuvivierVictor FlemingJosef von SternbergStarsLuise RainerFernand GraveyMiliza KorjusIn 1845 Vienna, Johann Strauss II (Fernand Gravey) - 'Jonahi' to his friends - would rather write and perform waltzes than anything else, this at a time when a waltz is not considered proper society music. After he is fired from his clerical bank job because of his preoccupation with composing, he decides to follow his passion and form an orchestra. After some famed opera singers, including Carla Donner (Miliza Korjus), hear his music, they expose Johani's music to the masses, to royalty and to music publisher Julius Hofbauer (Hugh Herbert). As such, Johani becomes the toast of Vienna. With his new found musical fame, Johani's life, which includes his work in the European Revolutions, changes. He becomes torn for his love for his loving and faithful wife Poldi Vogelhuber (Luise Rainer) and his more emotionally passionate but somewhat destructive love for Carla Donner, who herself is involved with Count Anton Hohenfried (Lionel Atwill).Chronicles Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), a composer from the Romantic era, known for his famous waltzes like The Blue Danube.
- DirectorCharles VidorStarsPaul MuniMerle OberonCornel WildeBiography of Frederic Chopin.Focuses on Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a composer of the Romantic era, and his relationship with George Sand.
- DirectorStephen WilliamsStarsKelvin Harrison Jr.Samara WeavingLucy BoyntonSon of an African slave and a French farmer, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, achieves an unthinkable position in society as a famous violinist, composer and fencer, in addition to experiencing an ill-fated love affair.Chronicles the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), a composer of late 18th-century France. Explores his rise in society and downfall due to a tragic love affair.
- DirectorGérard CorbiauStarsJosé van DamAnne RousselPhilippe VolterAging opera singer Joachim Dallayrac retires from the stage and retreats to the countryside to school two young singers, Sophie and Jean. Although the rigorous training takes its toll on both teacher and students, there is plenty of time for relationships to develop between the three. Based on their teacher's reputation, Sophie and Jean are invited to participate in a singing contest staged by Prince Scotti. Scotti's protege is set up to get revenge for Scotti's defeat at the hands of Dallayrac in a similar competition many years ago. The young students overcome Scotti's trickery to win the competition.Centers around fictional characters but pays homage to various composers from the Classical and Romantic eras through its musical selections.
- DirectorGheorghe VitanidisStarsVlad RadescuTamara CretulescuEmanoil PetrutThe evocation of Ciprian Porumbescu's life is punctuated from place to place, throughout the film, by strongly emotional moments, which manage to convey not only the deep patriotic thrill that animated his creation and belief.Chronicles Ciprian Porumbescu (1853-1883), a Romanian composer from the Romantic era.
- DirectorEttore Maria FizzarottiStarsRomina PowerAl BanoAgostina BelliMusic lessons crescendo with a love affair as a young Franz Schubert tutors a countess in Budapest.Then her fiance challenges the composer to a duel.Centers on a fictional account of Franz Schubert (1797-1828), a composer from the late Classical and early Romantic eras. The film focuses on Schubert's music lessons with a countess in Budapest, culminating in a love affair and a consequential duel with her fiancé.
- DirectorChristian-JaqueStarsRenée Saint-CyrLise DelamareJean-Louis BarraultBiographical romance about the great composer Hector Berlioz, someone whom the French, during their WWII occupation by the Nazis, could look back proudly on.Focuses on Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), a Romantic era composer, and his symphonic work, Symphonie Fantastique.
- DirectorJohn La BouchardiereStarsMatthew BrookMark DenhamSamantha E. HuntSix couples meet in a restaurant. Over the course of the meal and the following morning, they break up, leaving six abandoned lovers. Sung throughout to Claudio Monteverdi's compete fourth book of madrigals.Highlights the work of Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), a composer from the Renaissance and early Baroque eras, using his music as an emotional narrative.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsAdrien BrodyThomas KretschmannFrank FinlayDuring WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.Although not strictly about a composer, the film heavily features the works of Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a composer from the Romantic era.
- DirectorChristophe BarratierStarsGérard JugnotFrançois BerléandJean-Baptiste MaunierPierre, a successful orchestra conductor, returns home when his mother dies. He stumbles upon an old diary and recollects the childhood school memories and his music teacher Clement Mathieu.Not centered on a particular composer but includes music that captures the essence of 20th-century classical compositions.
- DirectorYaron ZilbermanStarsPhilip Seymour HoffmanChristopher WalkenCatherine KeenerMembers of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos, and insuppressible lust.Revolves around the fictional Fugue String Quartet but includes compositions from various eras including Beethoven's late string quartets.
- DirectorAnand TuckerStarsEmily WatsonRachel GriffithsJames FrainThe tragic story of world renowned classic cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.Based on the lives of cellist Jacqueline du Pré and flutist Hilary du Pré, featuring various compositions from different eras.
- DirectorDustin HoffmanStarsMaggie SmithMichael GambonBilly ConnollyAt a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Composer Giuseppe Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean (Dame Maggie Smith), an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.Set in a home for retired musicians, featuring various composers but not focusing on any particular one.
- DirectorScott HicksStarsGeoffrey RushArmin Mueller-StahlJustin BrainePianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.Tells the story of pianist David Helfgott, featuring works from various composers including Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), who belonged to the Romantic and 20th-century classical periods.
- DirectorPeter WebberStarsSimon Russell BealeJason FlemyngEmilia FoxThe darker side of the composer is explored when he stays in the hospital for syphilis.Centers on Franz Schubert (1797-1828), a composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras, exploring his life, struggles, and iconic compositions.
- DirectorLuc DionneStarsPatrick DroletMarc LabrècheMacha GrenonOn the keyboard, the young hands fly rapidly and the melody rises. For the child, nothing is easier; he hears the sounds in his head. These hands belong to 6 years old André Mathieu. He won his audiences and fired up concerts halls in London, New York, Paris and around the world. Adulated, hailed, praised, the child prodigy seemed to have everything to succeed. From the top of his vertiginous successes, to depths of torment, the life of the "Little Canadian Mozart" blends into his music. A romantic and passionate composer wishing for happiness, his story is nevertheless played on tragic notes.Focuses on André Mathieu (1929-1968), a Canadian composer and pianist, emphasizing his prodigious talents and short-lived career in the 20th-century classical period.
- StarsPaul RhysCharles HazlewoodDavid BamberA dramatized documentary on the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven.Chronicles the life of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), who transitioned classical music into the Romantic era, covering his genius and personal struggles.
- DirectorFranco ZeffirelliStarsFanny ArdantJeremy IronsJoan PlowrightThe last days of legendary opera singer Maria Callas.Highlights the life of Maria Callas, a 20th-century opera singer, featuring operas composed by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), among others, from the Romantic era.
- DirectorRadu MihaileanuStarsAleksey GuskovMélanie LaurentDmitriy NazarovThirty years ago Bolshoi Orchestra conductor Andreï Filipov was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a lowly janitor, an opportunity arises to gather his old musicians to go and pose as the official Bolshoi orchestra in Paris.Focuses on an orchestra's journey to perform Tchaikovsky's (1840-1893) "Violin Concerto in D major," capturing the spirit of Romantic-era music.
- DirectorFrançois GirardStarsCarlo CecchiJean-Luc BideauChristoph KonczA red-colored violin inspires passion, making its way through three centuries over several owners and countries, eventually ending up at an auction where it may find a new owner.The film traces the journey of a red violin across centuries and continents, incorporating compositions from various eras including the Baroque and Romantic.
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsHelmut BergerRomy SchneiderTrevor HowardThe reign of the tormented Ludwig, king of Bavaria, from 1864 to 1886.An in-depth look at the life of Ludwig II of Bavaria, featuring compositions by Richard Wagner (1813-1883), a composer of the Romantic era.
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsDirk BogardeRomolo ValliMark BurnsWhile recovering in Venice, sickly composer Gustav von Aschenbach becomes dangerously fixated with teenager Tadzio.The film features music by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), a composer from the Late-Romantic era, as it explores themes of beauty and decay in Venice.
- DirectorRebecca MillerStarsPeter DinklageAnne HathawayMarisa TomeiA composer who suffers writer's block rediscovers his passion after an adventurous one-night stand.