Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds

Beautiful homage to Zubin Mehta

— The Free Press Journal

The film was made in Zubin Mehta’s 80th year and follows him to five places that have shaped his life. Mehta looks back on a rich musical journey spanning Asia, Europe and America.

In Florence, we encounter him at the Maggio Musicale, where he served for many years as artistic director, during a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto. In his native India, we accompany him on tour with the Australian World Orchestra, meet his best friend since childhood, and young musicians of the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation, which he founded in honour of his father.

In Munich, Mehta returns to the Bavarian State Opera, where he was General Music Director for many years, with Schönberg’s Gurre-Lieder. A special focus lies on Tel Aviv, where Mehta led the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for half a century. He recalls feeling at home there from the very beginning and, together with musicians, remembers moving moments from their shared history.

Finally, in Berlin, Zubin Mehta conducts the Staatskapelle Berlin in Mahler’s First Symphony and Schumann’s Piano Concerto - with Daniel Barenboim as soloist, his lifelong friend. In a conversation, the two remember their youth - and their rebellious attempts to conduct Wagner in Israel.

The film tells the story of Zubin Mehta’s life through places, encounters and musical moments - close, personal and authentic. The title of the long version takes up a central thought of the Parsi religion, whose spirituality has shaped Zubin Mehta’s life: “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds”.