The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DougR
Date: 2012-11-22 21:45
Just saw a pre-release screener of this new movie about an old-folks' home for retired musicians (supposedly in theatres 12/28). I don't exactly feel comfortable passing critical judgment on it here (beyond saying I thoroughly enjoyed it). What was notable, though, (and my reason for mentioning it) is that pretty much the entire cast of supposedly old-folks-home musicians and singers actually WERE musicians and singers, including Mr. Bradbury, and were listed as performers at the end under the music credits). Also, from what I could tell, most if not all of the music was done live as the film was shot (of course working with seasoned professionals, one could afford to take the risk, I suppose). Another nice touch as the credits rolled was a series of photographic vignettes of the supporting cast of elderly musicians and singers "then" and "now"...players from the various British symphonic ensembles, Vera Lynn's former music director, and so on, going back as far as the mid-fifties if I remember correctly.
Mr. Bradbury had the odd line here and there, and was visible (and audible) with his clarinet in several scenes, and sounded awfully good (except when the script required him to flub a note or two). The musicianship was excellent throughout, no intonation issues that I noticed, and none of the cringe-moments one sometimes has to endure when "civilians" write screenplays involving music or musicians.
In addition to the actual musicians and singers, I suppose I should mention there were some "stars" in it as well, pour attracter les hoi-polloi I suppose: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, and directed by Dustin Hoffman (who really seems to GET music and musicians).
It's a kind of valentine to musical artists, I suppose, even though it's coming out post-Christmas. I'd recommend it. (whoops, I guess i just did.)
Post Edited (2012-11-25 15:24)
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Author: Paula S
Date: 2012-11-26 18:13
Many thanks for that Doug!
Sounds wonderful and just the sort of thing my husband and I would love!
Will go to see it on our 25th Wedding Anniversary on the 5th December. :-)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2013-10-30 18:55
The movie title is "Quartet" and produced by Dustin Hoffman. It's available on dvd
Edit: sorry I didn't see the Title of this post.......
I ordered the movie mainly for Colin. I have his "Cujus Animam" arr. by Liverani
and think maybe it's the only commercial recording available for clarinet.
Bob Draznik
Post Edited (2013-10-31 13:31)
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