Ed-139

I've commented previously on "Bolero" and have tried to locate a DVD. Pyramid Media does have it, however the cost, hundreds of dollars, seemed a bit much. Well, I found "The Bolero" at a web site entitled, "first run features" for only $14. The print is good. It was good watching it again with two of my grandsons. A great teaching/learning experience. Even though the movie is dated (1973), it is still a wonderful tool to explain the workings of the orchestra and the preparation that goes into a polished performance. While teaching in New Jersey, I showed "The Bolero" many times to many classes of students grade 7 & 8.. The students were awed by the piece and the cinematography. I recommend this short movie, which won an academy award in 1973 for best short subject.

This is a classic. I used to show it to my 7th grade students each year. We all enjoyed the film. It made the song it was based upon come alive in a humorous way. Not a word is spoken. All is done through mime and expressions/visuals etc. The creativity of Wendy Toye is very evident throughout the film. It makes one think about the cost in money and time True Love spends to win over his beloved. She does get a little annoyed with all the confusion caused by the birds and animals, but ah...those five gold rings over and over again!! All the servants eventually leave the home, crowded out by the menagerie. And, in the end, True Love and Wendy leave to live happily ever after!

Bolero is a wonderfully haunting work which Maurice Ravel, the composer, actually disliked. Zuben Mehta and the Los Angeles Philharmonic render a glorious performance of the work after giving us a look into the inner workings of the orchestra and how the work is prepared.