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Summary: From Mao to Mozart
Comment: This film is sure to leave you moved and illuminated. Stern's warm, natural persona is an invigorating force, as he encourages young Chinese musicians not just to play musical notes, but to feel them. The lesson is simple: if you feel the joy of the music yourself, you will spread it to all who hear you play. An intimate, revealing glimpse into a first-rate musician and human being, using his special gift to foster unity and understanding.
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Summary: Outstanding Musical and Social Documentary!
Comment: I came somewhat late to this DVD. I had seen from Mao To Mozart on television but only recently got a copy of the DVD. It was a very refreshing reconnection with a phenominal musician and teacher. I liked the way he worked with the Chinese musicians - having one violinist sing the music and then played like she sang was, to me, inspired but to Stern probably seemed eminently logical in order to help the musician gain a better understanding of the work in front of her. It is an interesting look at a China that is rapidly disappearing - as the market economy roars ahead less of the old China will remain. It is also (1980) just after the cultural revolution and here Stern surprises me - he asks where are the young musicians and seems to not realize that a generation of musicians were being "re-educated". I was a little surprised by his question - I would have thought the answer was self-evident. The return trip to a much different Beijing was equally impressive. It was great to see the evolution of the young musicians - one a musician in the Hong Kong Symphony, others doing well in their own fields and yes the singing violinist is seen again. In all, this is a delightful and very interesting musical documentary. What was a surprise to me was that although I knew Stern had died I was surprised to learn that David Golub had also died - before Stern. This might be considered a fitting tribute to both men for them to bridge the gap (at that time) between China and the rest of the world. I recommend this to historians and musicians alike.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Mao to Mozart
Comment: this DVD is excellent for anyone interested in classical music. Issac Stern visits China in the mid 1970's and finds western music is played but not with feeling. He encourages the players he meets and especially the young musicians and finds them very responsive. He revisits 20 years later and hears what happened to music professors during the cultural revolution. He meets again the young players he'd inspired and finds they have successful careers and remember his former visit with gratiude. I wish we had more DVD's of this type.
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Summary: One of the best music documentaries made
Comment: From Mao to Mozart gets under the skin of a great musician, and reveals the heart of classical music as Isaac Stern travels around China sharing his musical vision with young students. An illuminating documentary on post Mao China, the damage the cultural revolution regime caused it's survivors and an insight into the new generation of music students who hunger for contact with western classical music. This documentary is heart warming and full of optimism.
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Summary: Great musicans with great passion
Comment: I'd better not to elaborate the content as it's marvelous and certainly speaks for itself. I just want to mention why I bought this DVD. Months ago, I met an old friend who is a violinist tutor herself and when we chatted about Isaac Stern, she told me that her brother's father-in-law was actually the famous Chinese conductor Mr. Dilun Li in Beijing with whom Isaac worked closely with in the video. And they worked together to help prompting and promoting China to open her door to the world in the 70's through the art of music. Issac & Dilun were two music giants and the artistic exchange between Isaac & the Chinese musicians has proven his genuine attitude and devotion to inspire the next generation musicians.
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