One of the greatest masters of music, Beethoven is particularly admired for his orchestral works. His early work until 1802 shows a progressive mastery of the high classical style of Haydn and Mozart. A general growth in the preportions and rhetorical power of his works in the period of 1798-1802 culminates in the highly dramatic compositions that mark the birth of Romanticism in music. The late period, during which he grew deaf, marked a change from...

The composer of some of the world's best loved operas, Puccini's gifts were primarily theatrical. He had a great feeling for the stage and the sound of instrumental colors, combined with a well-developed melodic sense. Inspired by Verdi, he focused his attention on the Italian dramatic traditions. He won fame and fortune for Manon Lescaut, La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Turandot also achieved great success and critical acclaim. La Fanciulla...

Draws on old maps contemporary drawings & paintings, portraits & other archive material to present an outline of Haydn's life and music set against the social and historical background of the Classical era. Ends with an overview of his music.

Draws on old maps contemporary drawings & paintings, portraits & other archive material to present an outline of Brahm's life and music set against the social and historical background of 19th century Germany. Ends with an overview of his music.

Draws on old maps contemporary drawings & paintings, portraits & other archive material to present an outline of Bach's life and music set against the social and historical background of 18th century Geramny. Ends with an overview of his music.

His personal history has been the subject of controversy, with rumors of alcoholism and his marriage to a 13 year old cousin sparking the debate but adding to the mystique. His works include The Telltale Heart, The Murder in the Rue Morgue and more.

Confucius (551 - 479 B.C.) was not exactly an author in the way that other writers in the Famous Authors series are. His ideas however, expressed in his Analects, have been the backbone of the Chinese psyche ever since he uttered them. He was very concerned that people should read history and poetry, influencing China to become the most literate society on earth. This film tells what is known of his life and gives an introduction to his ideas and...

Recognized as one of the best American poets in history, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) made great strides while living in an age of predominantly male poets. This film traces Dickinson’s life in 19th Century New England and her remarkable work during a time when any ideas contrary to the norm were not accepted by society.

A gentle introduction to the French Language. Moustache has exciting adventures with his human and animal friends. What, you don’t speak French? Well, Moustache can certainly help you with this. Moustache wants to race!. Un, Deux, Trois, Partez! That means “One, Two, Three, Go!” Learn to count further in French with your new French friends, taste a little “glace,” and then bid “Adieu” to Mademoiselle Abracadabra.

A Gentle Introduction to the French Language. "A very good beginning French Series. Highly recommended". - Video Librarian. "An upbeat and delightful work of educational programming." - Children's Bookwatch