Paul Dessau

The films 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 Thats why Im in favour of the uncomfortable