Nelsons No 5

In Nelsons No 5, Carmen Cobos’ second feature documentary, the world-renowned Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons – a man who is gentle and modest, but deeply passionate about his craft – takes on the Shostakovich masterpiece together with one of the world’s most celebrated ensembles, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orches­tra.

Director Cobos’ camera is curious but not intrusive, and expertly cap­tures the vitality and inquisitiveness of the orchestra both in rehearsal and in the concert auditorium. It follows the maestro Nelsons in reflec­tive mood as he texts home and talks movingly of the young daughter he desperately misses. Cobos also creates a delightful cameo motif for the orchestra’s harpist whose instrument is so prominent within the symphony.

Also 71 min version available