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DVD : Harvest of Sorrow - Tony Palmer's Film About Sergei Rachmaninoff
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Rating: 
- Good performances, dubious modern-day material
I agree with the person giving the DVD a one star rating and talking about mockery of the "motherland". While the performances are good and I WOULD buy this DVD again, the footage of modern-day Russia is very misplaced and does not add, rather detracts from one trying to get a sense of Rachmaninoff's Russia and I feel should have been left out. Footage of Rachmaninoff himself however has been extremely interesting to see.
I did not find the narration to be very informative. In conclusion, while the historical footage and the performances are excellent, modern-day Russia footage and narrative are disappointing and left me with a feeling that something was missing. I would've liked to learn more historical facts from Rachmaninoff's life, rather than just reading of his letters/diary, which are not always revealing. That's not to say they are uninteresting, just don't create a full enough picture.
Rating:
- Music Speaks to the Heart
The Harvest of Sorrow is such a compelling DVD, that I have had guests over to watch it on several occasions. All of them have enjoyed it, and have remarked on its quality.
The dialogue mostly follows Rachmaninoff's own letters. Family pictures and news footage give authenticity. Sir John Gielgud actually becomes the older Rachmaninoff as he narrates. The best part of the DVD, though, is the way the music is handled.
There is no slipshod insertion of themes to grab the listener's attention (without actually getting into the music) as one might expect. The works are performed, if not in their entirity, in longer sections, and correspond to the filming. Gergiev and the other musicians speak to the hearts of listeners.
One cannot help but appreciate the historical background covered in the composer's lifespan -- late 19th century to 1943. This DVD is perfect for the person who appreciates accuracy and artistic ability in filming. It is also a tribute to a great composer, and a great man.
Music Enthusiast
Rating:
- Meaningless documentary
Musical performances in this documentary can be rated from decent to excellent. However, their mapping to the different periods of Rachmaninoff's life is often meaningless. The worst parts are the visuals of modern Russia, that look like mockery of Rachmaninoff's love to his motherland.
Rating: - Informative and well made
This is a very nicely produced story of Rachmaninoff's life and work, with charming home-movie footage and period pictures. It really brought home Rachmaninoff's musical genius and also his sadness because he could not return to his beloved homeland. The musical pieces are played and sung by excellent artists who understand and convey the beauty of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Romantic style.
Rating:
- Good music but not impressive DVD
I bought this based on other reviewers' 5 star ratings.
I was somewhat disappointed.
- Good performances, dubious modern-day materialI agree with the person giving the DVD a one star rating and talking about mockery of the "motherland". While the performances are good and I WOULD buy this DVD again, the footage of modern-day Russia is very misplaced and does not add, rather detracts from one trying to get a sense of Rachmaninoff's Russia and I feel should have been left out. Footage of Rachmaninoff himself however has been extremely interesting to see.
I did not find the narration to be very informative. In conclusion, while the historical footage and the performances are excellent, modern-day Russia footage and narrative are disappointing and left me with a feeling that something was missing. I would've liked to learn more historical facts from Rachmaninoff's life, rather than just reading of his letters/diary, which are not always revealing. That's not to say they are uninteresting, just don't create a full enough picture.
Rating:
- Music Speaks to the HeartThe Harvest of Sorrow is such a compelling DVD, that I have had guests over to watch it on several occasions. All of them have enjoyed it, and have remarked on its quality.
The dialogue mostly follows Rachmaninoff's own letters. Family pictures and news footage give authenticity. Sir John Gielgud actually becomes the older Rachmaninoff as he narrates. The best part of the DVD, though, is the way the music is handled.
There is no slipshod insertion of themes to grab the listener's attention (without actually getting into the music) as one might expect. The works are performed, if not in their entirity, in longer sections, and correspond to the filming. Gergiev and the other musicians speak to the hearts of listeners.
One cannot help but appreciate the historical background covered in the composer's lifespan -- late 19th century to 1943. This DVD is perfect for the person who appreciates accuracy and artistic ability in filming. It is also a tribute to a great composer, and a great man.
Music Enthusiast
Rating:
- Meaningless documentaryMusical performances in this documentary can be rated from decent to excellent. However, their mapping to the different periods of Rachmaninoff's life is often meaningless. The worst parts are the visuals of modern Russia, that look like mockery of Rachmaninoff's love to his motherland.
Rating:
- Informative and well madeThis is a very nicely produced story of Rachmaninoff's life and work, with charming home-movie footage and period pictures. It really brought home Rachmaninoff's musical genius and also his sadness because he could not return to his beloved homeland. The musical pieces are played and sung by excellent artists who understand and convey the beauty of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Romantic style.
Rating:
- Good music but not impressive DVDI bought this based on other reviewers' 5 star ratings.
I was somewhat disappointed.