Grades 7-12, College, Adult
Directed by Barbara Willis Sweete
Produced by Rhombus Media
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 1989
Copyright Date: 1985
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-100-1
Subjects
Humanities
Music
Performing Arts
Awards and Festivals
Golden Sheaf Award, Yorkton Film Festival
Best Classical Music Telecast, Canadian Music Council Awards
Vancouver International Film Festival
Festival of Festivals, Toronto
Contrast of styles in performing Bach's most joyous work.
 |
"Catchy, fun and approachable... a great show." Calgary Herald |
The spirit of Bach's most joyous work is captured in an extraordinary contrast of styles. MAGNIFICAT features an outstanding traditional version of the Magnificat in D performed by Tafelmusik and the Tudor Singers, crosscut with an electrifying jazz version featuring Bobby McFerrin, Ann Mortifee, and the New Swingle Singers. The film follows the simultaneous rehearsals of these two groups, climaxing in a performance that celebrates the versatility and eternal splendor of Bach's music.
Web Page: http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/mag.html
Reviews
"An exuberant celebration of Bach's genius."
Halifax Chronicle
"By virtue of director Barbara Sweete's elegant hand at montage, the forces are ultimately reconciled, the styles united, and the universal language of music joyously re-affirmed."
Toronto Globe and Mail
"The strength of the production lies not only in its effective crosscutting between the two ensembles... but also in its adept consideration of the aesthetic issues implicit in an interpretive undertaking of this kind... Music lovers, whether their orientation is towards the classics or jazz, will find plenty here to admire and enjoy."
***** Video Rating Guide for Libraries
"A remarkable tribute to the versatility of Bach's music and the strength of the continued interest in performing it."
Landers Film and Video Reviews
"Catchy, fun and approachable... a great show."
Calgary Herald