Sunday, June 30, 2013

A QUARTET AND A SOLO

SWMBO and I watched the movie "Quartet" last night.  Another winner, directed by Dustin Hoffman.  IMDB describes it as follows:  "At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents."

Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon are at their best in this over-the-top farce.  Many of the others in the cast are former musicians at a high level.  Be sure you stay tuned for the credits.

As for the solo, check out this bravura performance by Raul Midon on the David Letterman Show.  Midon has been blind from birth but he displays a great voice and amazing musicianship in this clip.



Midon was in concert at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale last night.  Regrettably I missed the performance.  Next time!

8 comments:

  1. Glad you saw Quartet. Hoffman did a few things as a director that were brilliant. And as you said, the cast was superb.

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    1. I love Gambon in anything and Billy Connolly was great. Well, they were all great.

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  2. He has a unique way of playing hid guitar.

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  3. I just watched your last two recommendations "Farewell" and "Hedgehog" and they were excellent. Now to try "Quartet". You missed your calling not being a movie reviewer. Thanks for the enjoyment.

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    1. Thank you, Phil, but I only know what I like. Glad you're enjoying the flix.

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  4. Mrs. C. and I rented Quartet the other night and we weren't as enthusiastic as you were. Love the great character actors but was this really a home for poor singers down on their luck and in their old age? I'd kill to live in this place.

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  5. Lucy and I, accompanied by two friends, saw "Quartet" at a French cinema. Whatever difficulties I might have had (I am very deaf) the film (movie) itself was brilliantly performed by all the artistes. To be highly recommended!

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