Keeping Score: MTT On Music

Starring:Michael Tilson Thomas
Studio: San Francisco Sym
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

"One of the years best non-profit films. It is performing, stunning, and brilliant."
the 24-dollar output of an affable (American) conductor
Breaking a barrier an educational tool
C;lassical music made accessible

Keeping Score: MTT On Music
Starring: Michael Tilson Thomas
Manufacturer: San Francisco Sym
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Keeping Score: Revolutions in Music - Beethoven's Eroica
Keeping Score: Revolutions in Music - Stravinsky's Rite of Spring
Keeping Score: Copland and the American Sound
Benjamin Britten: A Time There Was / Tony Palmer
Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

ASIN: B0007R4TI0
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Customer Reviews:

"One of the years best non-profit films. It is performing, stunning, and brilliant.".......2006-07-23

Ahhh... AAhhhhh... AAAAHHHHHhhhh... Why am I so sad? Why am I so alone? That's the message that stretches through the music.

(Ahem) For those of you who noticed the scene I typed down, I have an appreciation in classical music. Classical music has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it will never go extinct. Because of Tilson Thomas, I really agree with him that classical music is "how life feels." I wished that I have met him in person, so I could ask him how the purpose of life is in classical music. Tilson Thomas is kind of dramatic. Somehow, he's a brilliant music director.

"You there! Listen and obey! Fate decrease you must follow! The road down!" (Michael plays the rest of the following notes) "To a place you've never imagined, yet secrectly always feared!"

the 24-dollar output of an affable (American) conductor.......2006-03-23

In Keeping Score we get to see Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony from a few angles MTT is approaching this work as conductor. Unlike other conductor DVDs, this one directs one's attention more to the meaning of the work as revealed by the composer (via notes or life details) than to the effort of the conductor to reach some desired note or musical effect. It is as if MTT were reaching for the meaning, not for the note, at least not beyond what the orchestra members normally have to offer. In reality, conductors do have to reach for both and things cannot be so separated; MTT makes no exception. I should add that MTT has been with SFO for a long time and they most probably know each other musically and otherwise quite well by now.

How well MTT goes about revealing the details of Tchaikovsky's 4th is anybody's judgment. I think he could have done more/better, and feel this DVD is honest yet cursory in its approach. I could describe it as the 24-dollar output of an affable (American) conductor. For the music connoisseur is a nice to watch, for the beginner is a nice to have.

Breaking a barrier an educational tool.......2006-03-22

I first saw parts of this DVD on PBS and was so intrigued with it, I went immediately to the web site and ordered it. This has to be a 'must purchase' for anybody who is wanting to learn what it is like to prepare for a large concert of a major work.
Michael Tilson Thomas brings the viewer much insight as to what he is trying to achieve from his interpretation of this very familiar piece. Little things such as suggesting a different bow movement makes a huge difference in the presentation.
An excellent educational tool, for those who want to learn more of the background of this piece plus a look at the various instruments that are 'featured' in this piece.
I highly recommend this and hope this is only the first in a series. 'Twould be nice to see other orchestras doing this with other presentations as well!
Well Done MTT & SFO
L J White
New Westminster BC
Canada

C;lassical music made accessible.......2005-04-02

I really enjoyed this documentary. Ever wonder what musicians think or what Tchaikovsky was going through when he wrote music? This video helped me understand the powerful emotions of music and why classical music is important. Michael Tilson Thomas is brilliant as a guide through this music genre and the story he tells is compelling and very entertaining. There is also a terrific website at www.keepingscore.org

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