Fritz -
Pity me if you really want to, but I thought it looked mechanical and sounded almost completely played 'by rote'. It's neither bitter nor cynical - it's what I gathered from the film. I heard no feel, no attempt to interpret, no real understanding of what they were playing...nothing. It was like listening to HAL 9000 playing Bach. Perhaps the pitching and timing is stunning, but there is no heart in any of it.
Then again, the kids playing were of such an age that such a thing would barely be possible since that sort of musical consciousness isn't going to be available (or accessible) to any of them.
I heard it the same way I hear so many child prodigies playing music; perhaps brilliant from a strictly technical point of view, but utterly hopeless in terms of any artistry. I am really surprised that you cannot hear it. The fixed smiles on the faces of the kids almost lets you
see it.
Mike
On 23/04/2011 15:17, fdoddy@aol.com wrote:
Mike,
You actually thought the five children playing was soulless? It's mind numbing how cynical and bitter you are. If there is pity to had, it's on you, I'm afraid.
fritz