The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach is an unconventional biographical film that tells the story of the life and music of the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach (played by Gustav Leonhardt) from the perspective of his second wife, Anna Magdalena Bach (played by Christina Sรถderbaum).
The film is shot in a docudrama style, with Anna presenting her memories and observations of life with Bach in letters and diary entries that she reads aloud throughout the film. The narrative covers a period of almost thirty years, from when Bach was the Kapellmeister in Kรถthen until his death in Leipzig in 1750.
Through Anna's eyes, we see Bach as a stern but loving husband and father, a demanding teacher, an innovative and passionate musician, and a devout Christian. We witness his artistic struggles and triumphs, his musical collaborations and rivalries, and his relationships with his colleagues and patrons.
The film offers a unique insight into Bach's creative process, with various scenes showing him composing, rehearsing, and performing some of his greatest masterpieces, including the Brandenburg Concertos, the St. Matthew Passion, and the Goldberg Variations.
The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach also highlights the challenges and hardships of life in the 18th century, including disease, poverty, and social inequality. We see Anna struggling to support her family and maintain their household while her husband is away on long journeys, and we witness the deaths of several of their children due to illness and neglect.
Overall, the film is a moving and informative tribute to one of the greatest composers in the history of music, and a beautiful and intimate portrayal of a marriage and a way of life that have long since passed into history.