Elgar - Elgar's Tenth Muse DVD

Advantages: A Ken Russell classic not to be missed
Disadvantages: None, unless you are expecting a Ken Russell "shocker"

...our rather intrusive modern approach. Needless to say, this DVD edition of the film has been beautifully restored and the sound remastered, so that the mono soundtrack does not distract in any way from the quality of the sound. It says a lot for the quality of the BBC Monitor team that the basic quality of the film and sound has held up so well over the years. DVD Extras This is where this particular edition of "Elgar" really comes into its own and makes it a "must buy" for any serious classical music fans. We have to be incredibly indebted to the British Film Institute for putting together such a top-class package. They are doing great work in bringing this and other film classics back into the public domain and deserve the support of the public. As well as a revealing and occasionally very droll audio commentary... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Shows joyful side of tragic Du Pré; invaluable performances; entertaining spots.
Disadvantages: Too short, unfocused, worshipful; expensive for 1 hour film.

...studying them for barely two days. This anecdote quickly brought to mind another favorite virtuoso--pianist Martha Argerich. Geniuses, it seems, live life similarly. Then there's Du Pré's music. How she coaxed such marvelous sounds that range from delightful to deeply moving from that combination of wood, strings and horsehair will remain a mystery. If you haven't heard Du Pré's playing of Sir Edward Elgar's 'cello Concerto in E Minor, I would strongly advise you to get a copy at once. I dare you not to feel something stir deep inside you as you listen to it, as it’s only one of the most passion-filled works ever written. (Interesting that the concerto came from the same fellow better known for the stately and elegant ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. I’m happily learning more about ‘the other side’ of Elgar, albeit slowly.) For that matter, I... Read review

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Advantages: Muse at their best, lengthy set
Disadvantages: Strange camera work

...Filmed in October 2001, Hullabaloo features Muse's famous performance at Le Zenith in France. The DVD was recorded from footage taken over two nights and merged together to create a concert which without knowing beforehand, feels like one gig on it's own. It's worth noting that there are NO songs from Absolution on this DVD. Absolution was released two years after the filming and the songs are from OOS and Showbiz. Also, look out for the fantastic "Dead Star" and "In Your World" which were released as a double A side. They never found their way on to a studio album, and the live performances on this DVD make you wonder why. They're both incredible songs and some of Muse's finest work to date. When i first watched this concert though, i was a little disappointed. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the performance itself. Matt... Read review

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