Tag Archives: classical music

Fantasia (1940)

One of the very first films ever produced by Walt Disney, “Fantasia” explores the idea of making classical music more entertaining. To this end, the animators listened to several pieces of music and drew what they saw in their minds as they listened. Some of the segments were a little dull. The conductor of the orchestra speaks between each piece, explaining what we’re about to see, and that did drag on a bit. Some of the musical numbers also failed to entertain. But we also saw some very clever interpretations. I’m sure you’ve seen “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” with Mickey enchanting … Continue reading →

An American in Paris (1951)

The 1928 classical composition by George Gershwin was the inspiration for this film starring Gene Kelly as Jerry Mulligan, an American artist sent to Paris to fight during the war but who chose to stay on to study painting. He lives in an apartment house across the hall from Adam, a talented concert pianist (Oscar Levant) who is also struggling to make it big. Also a friend of theirs is Henri, star of the stage. Henri is doing somewhat better than the other two, but is happy to share his success with his friends. In fact, when he decides to … Continue reading →

Halleluiah — J. Scott Featherstone

Handel composed many brilliant pieces in his distinguished career, but none is so famous as his masterpiece, “The Messiah.” Many people recognize the “Alleluia Chorus” from that collection, and every Christmas, sing-alongs are held where people can gather and sing the beautiful music that reminds them of Christ and His coming to the world In “Halleluiah,” author Scott Featherstone tells the story of Handel, an arrogant man who thought only of himself, his music, and his stomach. He considered himself to be the greatest composer who ever lived, and while that may have been true, his pride kept him from … Continue reading →