Rare 1965 London Symphony Orchestra Documentary Surfaces Online
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A recently unearthed documentary offering a glimpse into the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) in 1965 has been released on YouTube, thanks to the efforts of a son honoring his late father’s memory. The film, largely narrated by Stuart Knussen, then Principal Bass of the LSO, provides a unique historical record of the renowned orchestra during a pivotal period.
The release comes on what would have been Stuart Knussen’s 100th birthday, December 7th, 2023. His son, Kenneth Knussen, shared the film after years of attempting to access it from his brother, the late composer Oliver Knussen (1952 – 2018).
A Family Legacy and a Reluctant Release
The documentary holds particular significance for the Knussen family. Oliver Knussen, a celebrated composer, appeared in the film as a 13-year-old musical prodigy. “Because he is also featured as the 13 year old prodigy he was, Oliver was very protective of this film and reluctant to share it,” Kenneth Knussen explained in a post accompanying the YouTube upload.
After years of persistence, Kenneth Knussen successfully borrowed the VHS copy and digitized it onto DVD. The release is a poignant tribute to both his father, who passed away at the age of 66, and his brother, who died at the same age.
Preserving a Moment in Time
The film offers a rare opportunity to witness the LSO as it existed nearly six decades ago. “Virtually all participants in this film have passed away so I am not expecting any complaints from individuals,” Kenneth Knussen noted, suggesting a desire to share this historical artifact with a wider audience. However, he acknowledged the possibility of interest from the LSO itself, stating, “The LSO might have an opinion. We will see.”
Viewers should be aware that the original VHS source material has resulted in some audio imperfections. “The audio is jumpy in places as it was on the original VHS tape,” Kenneth Knussen cautioned. Despite this, the film’s historical value and personal significance are undeniable.
The release concludes with a stark personal message from Kenneth Knussen: “SMOKING KILLS!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_LINK_HERE
The film represents a valuable contribution to the archives of orchestral history, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of musical performance and a touching tribute to a family’s enduring legacy.
