Watch Stravinsky: Once At A Border

Stravinsky: Once At A Border is a documentary film that examines the life and work of renowned composer Igor Stravinsky. Directed by Tony Palmer, the film features interviews with some of Stravinsky's closest friends and associates, including Nadia Boulanger, Jean Cocteau, and Robert Craft, as well as footage of the composer himself.

The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each of which explores a different aspect of Stravinsky's life and career. The first section focuses on his early years in Russia, where he was a member of the artistic elite and became known for his bold, innovative approach to music. We see footage of Stravinsky conducting his own works, as well as interviews with his contemporaries who discuss his early influences and the impact his music had on the cultural landscape of Russia.

The film then moves on to Stravinsky's decision to leave Russia and settle in Paris, where he embarked on a new phase of his career. Here, we see him collaborating with artists like Pablo Picasso and Sergei Diaghilev, and creating works such as The Rite Of Spring that challenged traditional notions of music and performance. Interviews with his collaborators shed light on Stravinsky's creative process and how he went about incorporating different artistic disciplines into his work.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to Stravinsky's personal life and the people who were closest to him. Nadia Boulanger, his longtime friend and mentor, discusses the struggles he faced as an immigrant in Paris and his unwavering commitment to his art. Jean Cocteau, who collaborated with Stravinsky on several occasions, shares anecdotes about their working relationship and the impact that Stravinsky had on the artistic scene in Paris at the time.

The film also touches on some of the controversies that surrounded Stravinsky during his career. Some critics accused him of being too avant-garde and out of touch with the traditional values of music, while others praised him for his ability to push boundaries and innovate. Stravinsky himself addresses these criticisms in interviews, often with a wry sense of humor that belied his serious commitment to his work.

Throughout the film, we see archival footage of Stravinsky at various points in his career, as well as still photographs and film clips that help to bring the early 20th century to life. There are also performances of his music by orchestras around the world, showcasing the enduring power and influence of his work.

Overall, Stravinsky: Once At A Border is a rich and engaging look at one of the most important figures in 20th-century music. Through interviews with those who knew him best and footage of his life and work, we gain a deep understanding of the man behind the music and the impact he had on the cultural landscape of his time.

Stravinsky: Once At A Border is a 1982 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.