Sir Simon Rattle can electrify players and public alike with flashes of insight and thought-provoking programmes.

ECONOMIST: Why Berlin��s musicians don��t need a maestro

The film will feature Sir Simon Rattle conducting the Berlin Philharmonic performing Mahler's Symphony No 1 and Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances.

BBC: Sir Simon Rattle

British conductor Sir Simon Rattle has made his taking over of the philharmonic orchestra conditional on a massive injection of cash.

BBC: Berlin city coalition collapses

The piece was the climax of Sir Simon Rattle's first concert as artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in September.

ECONOMIST: Classical music on CD

Britain's Sir Simon Rattle, reckoned ideal by many insiders, rules himself out not least because he will be taking over as chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic in 2002.

ECONOMIST: What to wear for Salzburg