Synopses

Many "New Music" compositions are dismissed as unplayable; renowned orchestras throughout the world often simply refuse to perform them. But the German "Ensemble Modern" accepted the challenge - translating the abstract musical notation of Frank Zappa's "The Yellow Shark" into a sensational concert experience - enhanced by the extraordinary choreography of the Canadian dance troupe "La La La Human Steps." The brief appearance of the cancer-stricken composer during the concert would prove his final public appearance. The opulently produced film documents the concert in the Frankfurt Alte Oper, and represents a monument to its American composer who died within the year.