Paul Dessau

Synopsis

The film’s subtitle identifies it as a “study of the constructive discontent of a composer”. It is a portrait of the pugnacious musician Paul Dessau (1894 – 1979), who was controversial in East Germany, as a teacher. It follows the composer as he rehearses the “Bach Variations” with the Berlin state opera orchestra, as well during classes at the Polytechnic School I in Zeuthen, where he strives to teach the students a critical attitude. In an interview, Dessau bemoans the simplification of artistic media and elucidates the meaning and necessity of “hard sounds in an era that is not soft”. As we see when he works, “pleasure requires effort” … “art is never comfortable. Building socialism is not comfortable at all. That’s why I’m in favour of the uncomfortable”.

Main Cast

Paul Dessau

Himself

Age : 84 | Popularity : 7%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Richard Cohn-Vossen
Writing	Writer	Richard Cohn-Vossen
Editing	Editor	Barbara Simon
Crew	Cinematography	Hans-Eberhard Leupold Christian Lehmann Werner Kohlert Niko Pawloff
Department	Role	Name

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