Composer, conductor, cultural-political figure, human being – who was Pierre Boulez?
One of the most important composers of the 20th century; a legendary Wagner conductor, his recordings, especially of classical modernist works, sold hundreds of thousands of copies; he persuaded politicians to build him ideal concert halls and a unique research laboratory for electronics worth millions, which is still groundbreaking today. For some, he was a hot-headed dogmatist; others revered him as a visionary and generous educator.
A surprising and emotional portrait pays tribute to the musician of the century Pierre Boulez on his 100th birthday. The film focuses on the impact of his multifaceted work as a composer, conductor and cultural-political figure. For the first time, however, it also sheds light on the man behind the artist.
First broadcast date: Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 11:20 pm.
Written and directed by Thomas von Steinaecker
Editor: Volker Schaner
DOP: Christoph Valentien
Producer: Mária Géczi
Commissioning Editor SWR: Karl Thumm
A production by 3B-Produktion GmbH
Commissioned by SWR
In Cooperation with ARTE
