George
Crumb: Voice Of The Whale
(1976/MVD Visual DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: D Film: B
Interestingly
photographed and beautiful to listen to, the 1976 Robert Mugge (to
whom is known for his talents in making music documentaries) film
George
Crumb: Voice Of The Whale
(1976) is equal parts interview and music that helps craft the story
of legendary composer George Crumb.
From
his humble beginnings in West Virginia, to his discovery of his
unique musical voice and odd collection of instruments, the
documentary succeeds in telling a touching portrayal of the artist
while celebrating the music that he creates as well. Included is a
performance by the Penn Contemporary Players of Crumb's 1971 piece
''Vox
Balaenae for Three Masked Players''
and conversations with composer Richard Wernick, whose affection for
Crumb's music is apparent.
Presented
in standard definition with a 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio and a
lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track, the film looks and sounds fine
on DVD but could benefit to high definition like all of Mugge's
filmed works. Many segments of the film are colored green and blue
creatively to correlate the marriage between color and music that is
used effectively by the filmmakers.
No
extras., just chapters dividing the film up between Art and Artist.
Though
short in running time (just under an hour), this masterfully made
documentary on the avant-garde composer is great for fans of his work
or music documentary fans. For more of Crumb's work, try this
link...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/1741/George+Crumb+-+Makrokosmos+I+&+II+(DVD-Vid
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
