Nathan Kroll (Director)

Who's Afraid of Opera?

Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.

Release Date1972-04-09

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Episode Count8

A Dancer's World

A glimpse into the world and methodology of dancer Martha Graham.

Release Date1957-12-31

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count11

Appalachian Spring

A filmed version of Aaron Copland's most famous ballet, with its original star, who also choreographed.

Release Date1959-01-14

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count10

The Guns of August

Traces the origins and actions of World War I, from the funeral of Britain's King Edward VII to the Versailles Treaty.

Release Date1964-12-24

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count2

Night Journey

Night Journey, the dance, had its premiere only two and a half years after Appalachian Spring, and it is a close cousin. It too has a stream-of-consciousness narration: Jocasta, as she is about to kill herself, remembering what has happened to her. It too contains soul-delving solos, broken up by ensemble dances. Here, however, the ensemble is a darker element. As the story was taken from Greek tragedy, so the corps is the equivalent of Greek tragedy’s chorus. They tell us how to feel: afraid mostly. In this piece Graham pushed her habitual economy to its limits.

Release Date1960-01-01

DepartmentProduction

JobProducer

Vote Count8

Jascha Heifetz Master Classes

In this renowned series of rare television appearances, the legendary Jascha Heifetz—often referred to as the greatest violinist of the 20th century—leads a historic master class at the University of Southern California, in 1962. Through their mixture of brilliance and informality, these classes offer a glimpse into the technique, process, and personality of a classical virtuoso.

Release Date1962-01-13

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Episode Count8

Benjamin Britten and His Festival

A behind-the-scenes look at the Aldeburgh Festival and the opening by The Queen of the new concert hall at Snape.

Release Date1967-11-22

DepartmentProduction

JobAssociate Producer

Jascha Heifetz Master Classes

Maestro Jascha Heifetz becomes Professor Heifetz in these rare filmed master classes from the early 1960s. Taken from his legendary sessions at USC, Los Angeles, this brilliant musician can be seen demonstrating, cajoling, inspiring, and occasionally terrifying his pupils as he imparts his unquestioned genius and lifetime of musical experience. Learn the secrets of intonation, phrasing, and vibrato from the man whose name has become synonymous with the violin.

Release Date1962-05-31

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Episode Count1