Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica (2006)
A vivid musical journey through Beethoven's revolutionary Third Symphony, guided by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony.
Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica - Movie Information
- Original Title: Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica
- Release Year: 2006
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music
- Runtime: 55m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 2006 (United States)
Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica - Plot
Beethoven spent three years composing the Eroica, an intimate journal of his emotional crises and his dramatic emergence as an original master. Michael Tilson Thomas and the musicians of the San Francisco Symphony help you make sense of this voyage into life as it really is.
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Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Michael Tilson Thomas
- San Francisco Symphony
Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica - FAQs
What is Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica about?
Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica follows conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony as they guide viewers through Beethoven's monumental Third Symphony. The film explores the emotional crises and creative breakthroughs Beethoven experienced over three years of composition, revealing how the Eroica transformed the course of Western music.
Why is Beethoven's Eroica considered so revolutionary?
The Eroica shattered every convention of its time. At nearly 50 minutes, it was far longer than any symphony before it, and its emotional intensity and structural ambition were unlike anything audiences had heard. It marked a decisive break from the Classical era and announced Beethoven as a bold, original voice in music history.
Who is Michael Tilson Thomas in this film?
Michael Tilson Thomas is the charismatic conductor and music director of the San Francisco Symphony who serves as the film's guide. Known for making classical music accessible and exciting, he breaks down the Eroica with insight and passion, helping viewers connect with Beethoven's emotional journey on a deeply personal level.
Is Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica worth watching?
Absolutely, especially if you're curious about classical music but don't know where to start. Michael Tilson Thomas has a rare gift for making complex music feel immediate and human. Whether you're a seasoned concert-goer or a complete newcomer, this film offers a genuinely moving and illuminating experience.
How long is Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica?
The film runs 55 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that mirrors the documentary's purpose: to immerse you in Beethoven's Eroica without overstaying its welcome. It's the perfect length for a deep yet accessible exploration of one of the most important symphonies ever written.
Is this film part of a larger documentary series?
Yes! Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica is part of the broader Keeping Score series produced by the San Francisco Symphony and SFS Media. The series features Michael Tilson Thomas exploring landmark works by composers including Mahler, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Berlioz, each film blending performance footage with historical and analytical context.
What similar films would fans of this documentary enjoy?
If this film resonates with you, check out Beethoven: The Symphonies (2013), Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Resurrection with Gustavo Dudamel (2020), or Divertimento (2023). For a broader musical experience, TÁR (2022) and Immortal Beloved (1994) also offer rich, immersive dives into the world of classical music.
When was Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica released?
Keeping Score: Beethoven's Eroica came out on January 1, 2006, in the United States. It was part of the acclaimed Keeping Score documentary series, which brought the San Francisco Symphony's educational mission to a wider television and home-viewing audience.
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