Big
Name Biographies and Musical Documentaries
by
Kristin Battestella
These
documentaries and specials celebrate our tormented singers,
melancholy composers, and lovable neighbors are surprisingly tender
viewing experiences.
The Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 –
This 2001 seven hour concert series in Rome featuring the Berlin
Philharmonic with Claudio Abbado conducting breaks down into nine
episodes varying from a half hour or hour and change as each titular
composition dictates. One is an effortlessly melodic and pleasant
start sowing the seeds of Ludwig's intensity before the peppered and
windswept No. Two in D Major. From the early romantic strings,
forlorn measures, and epic tempo of the Eroica
to
Four's often overlooked sweet, almost jovial and happy go lucky
complexity or the
bombastically famous Fifth we all know and love – there's an adagio
here for everyone. Be it conductor or double bass, it's also bemusing
to see all the smiles, sweat at the temple, and serious head bopping
from this animated orchestra. However, the talent and intensity of
all involved also provides an emotional, can't look away awe as each
note and every instrument come together with the audience's applause,
standing ovations, and bowing musicians. Six's pleasing opening and
enchanting notes are a Pastoral Symphony indeed; a happy allegro
stroll antithesis to V's rumbling with an awesome music meets nature
storm all its own before the feisty, boisterous power of No. Seven's
Allegretto. Likewise,
Eight's short, energetic, and voluminous spirit begats the
quintessential Ode to Joy of Nine, complete with big voices, chorals,
and mighty crescendos to match the rousing power of this epic finale
supreme. These symphony performances ensured forever onscreen are the
perfect encapsulation of
the man behind the music who could not hear his works. Each stage of
Beethoven's life can be paralleled through the measures' highs and
lows –showcasing the angry, frenetic, morose, and complex
undertones with the no less uplifting, even aloof and carefree yet
spirited high notes. Though I personally prefer the odd numbered
symphonies, all the segments herein remain perfect for either a
musical classroom analysis or as a delightful background score for a
sophisticated party or just as repeat ambient multimedia experience.
John Lennon: Plastic Ono Band – This 2008 Classic Albums
hour features interviews with Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono as well as
archive Lennon audio, home movies, and Beatles footage to recount the
raw singing, childhood inspired songwriting, and intimately personal
recording sessions of the ex-Beatle's first 1970 solo album. Retro
photos and some great song clips detail Lennon's larger than life
personality as earlier restrictions within The Beatles lead to a
newfound freedom and catharsis in the studio. From the previous 1969
'Give Peace a Chance' release, Amsterdam bed-ins, and performance art
to 'Cold Turkey' and 'Instant Karma,' the beginning of Lennon's
relationship with Ono and the conception of the new band are touched
upon within the music alongside experts and recollections from Klaus
Voormann. Despite divorce scandals, the breakup of the Beatles, and
largely absent session producer Phil Spector, Lennon made a conscious
effort to openly express himself further in song without mass
technical productions for the quickest turnaround possible. The dual
sessions with Ono's matching album were inspired by Janov's The
Primal Scream therapy, resulting in simple, focused songs such as
'Mother' that were able to communicate decades of Lennon's pent up
torment. 'Hold On,' 'Isolation,' and 'I Found Out' are revisited with
isolated vocals and bass cords while the influence of his
relationship with Ono as well as continued work with Ringo are
discussed inside 'Why' and 'Love.' Perhaps it is easy to forget John
was only thirty years old during these sessions – he's a man ready
to move on from the heights of Beatlemania thanks to the likes of
'Working Class Hero' and 'God.' Lennon fought against the studio
trying to restrict his lyrics in order to keep his music as pure as
possible consequences be damned. Whether you agree with some of his
activism and messages or not, there is a certain amount of respect to
his adamant vulnerability and the great music produced here. Of
course, some of the conversations herein may be tough to understand –
even the subtitles have a few 'inaudible' moments – and there is
more language and brief nudity in the vintage footage. With its short
time and narrow window, this will be quick and superficial to some
die hard Beatle aficionados. However, this isn't a biography but
rather a recounting of music as the mirror of the persona fitting for
nostalgic older fans and a great starting point for new listeners.
Won't You Be My Neighbor? –
Pleasing titular music, blazers to sweater comforts, puppets, and
trolleys accent this
acclaimed 2018 documentary on the beloved minister cum children's
television presenter Fred Rogers and his charming PBS series Mister
Rogers' Neighborhood. Alongside
crew recollections of the on the fly developments of live television,
early behind the scenes photos, black and white videos, animations,
and
archive footage recount Rogers' philosophies on using television and
mass media as a tool for education aiding children through life
changes, wartime fears, and political unease. Rather than dumbing
down his programs with silliness, Rogers remembered his own childhood
illnesses and need for imagination – using relatable honesty,
musical allegories, and friendly metaphors to speak to a child from
his or her own poignant, frank level. In this safe onscreen community
of lovable characters and make believe, Rogers expressed negatives,
anxiety, and vulnerability in lessons youth nationwide could apply in
the real world. Though initially received as 'square,' Mister
Rogers' Neighborhood quickly
became lauded television thanks to its lack of heavy handed sermons.
Rogers valued the space between the individual and what he or she is
watching as personal and filled it with positive faith and love thy
neighbor communication that went against television's consumer
nature. When Nixon attempted to cut public television funding,
Rogers' congressional testimony on how television can help children
understand self-realization, control, anger, and right versus wrong
saved PBS. Mister
Rogers' Neighborhood continued
to assist youth of all cultures through Vietnam, the RFK
assassination, and the Challenger disaster – unafraid to help young
viewers grieve and understand loss with dignity. Rogers takes us to
task for not placing the emotions of children above all else as his
silence onscreen, slow pace, and direct approach encourage focus,
patience, and the need to pay attention. Instead of in your face
cartoons, viewers near and far were told to speak up and express
themselves. The narrative here balances the serious moments with
humorous anecdotes and bloopers, however it isn't all positive.
Rogers had his doubts, and it was easier to share his own feelings
through puppets rather than always be so perfect. His prime time
attempt at a program for adults was uncomfortable for many – too
deep to be taken seriously. Although he wasn't fond of the spoofs
mocking him and disliked bullying reminders of his own hurtful
adolescence, Rogers continued to tackle big issues for children such
as death, divorce, even being lost. Life is tough enough without
creating self-doubts, and Rogers disliked adults unaccepting of
mistakes or disappointment pressuring kids to be something they
aren't. Despite the risk of losing sponsors, Rogers also supported
black and closeted staff where possible, and open our eyes to cancer,
wheelchairs, racism, and a stronger sense of being. Even when it's
coming over the television airwaves, what's most essential in life is
actually invisible to the eye, for we don't need to be sensational to
be special but can be accepted as we are and should in turn do the
same. This feature is a very emotional viewing catharsis, an
innocent, necessary nostalgia reminding us of all the feelings,
tenderness, co-existence, inclusion, and love Mr. Rogers taught us.
One wonders what he would think of our current climate, as we could
sure use his gentle wisdom today.
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