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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
By the Vocalist For the Vocalist, January 17, 2004
This review is from: Music Teacher [VHS] (VHS Tape)
We are all familiar with the cliche "art for art's sake." "Le Maitre de Musique" is "voice for voice's sake." Unlike "Farinelli," which spins a greater-than-biographical yarn about a known castrato, "Music Teacher" shows you the nuts and bolts of training for competition and the relationships created by such an emotionally intense environment. I loved it because I went through such training and there were moments so painfully true to what I experienced that I found myself turning my face away from the screen. Those qualities, though, preselect a very particular audience. If you are not into opera, don't force yourself to watch it. The story was good--subtly told and perfectly, even brilliantly in some scenes, performed. But its focus is tight. Expect no grand stories, deep catharsis, or historical costume drama. You will be disappointed if you do. However, if you pick out this movie because you are a music lover, you will hear amazing vocals. What I most appreciated was that the scores are fully utilized to enhance the storyline. In many places subtitles were added for the arias and lieder. This movie succeeds in capturing the quintessence of all the relationships presented through the music performed. It is definitely worth watching, which is why I give it 4 stars, but I would not generally recommend it for a non-musical audience.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Singer retires, prepares two last students for contest, January 15, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Music Teacher [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is a fine, romantic film for those who love singing and classical song. Set in the early 1900's, "Le Maitre de Musique" (in French, with English subtitles) features the reknowned Belgian operatic bass-baritone José van Damme as the music teacher. The plot involves van Damme ending his own singing career and taking on two last voice students - a young tenor and an 18-year old lyric soprano - for a voice contest sponsored by his arch rival, Count Scotti (Patrick Bauchau). He deals with the growing affection of and worship by his young female student, and his desire to help her succeed, without sacrificing his own marriage to his wife, who has been his accompanist. Sumptuously filmed on a French estate and the surrounding countryside, it effectively captures the life of an artist at the peak of his powers, recognizing his mortality and dealing with it. The scenes involving van Damme in concert, and his pupils' performances during the voice contest are some of the best music on film. Underlying the film are excerpts from Mahler's and Schubert's vocal works that are very well matched to the pathos of the story. Rent it tonight!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you like opera, you'll love this movie, August 21, 2002
This review is from: Music Teacher [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I saw this the first time in the theaters, and liked it so much that I was happy to pay a big price for a VHS copy when they came available. It is among my most priceless assets, as I bring it out to view it again every six months or so. The photography, the acting, everything is wonderful--but the use of the Dvorak Sym. 4 theme and the familiar pieces from the more popular opera repertoir are just plain brilliant. I wish the producers would make this available on DVD. I would buy a copy in an instant at virtually any price. Regardless of the profitability of such a venture, they would be doing music and opera lovers a great service.
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