Speaking in Strings

Speaking in Strings by director Paola di Florio explores the posh and cloistered world of classical music by presenting us with the "bad girl" of the classical music scene. In this film, Florio reveals the hypocrisy of classical music by revealing to us one of its most profound players, Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg and all that the violinist endured in order to play the music she loves with total honesty.

Sonnenberg lets it all hang out in the film as her most private and vulnerable moments are shown in an expose fashion that is painful and rarely pretty. Sonnenberg shares her most painful and horrific moments in the film, everything from her bout with severe depression, to an injury to her finger that could have ended her career to her plight with a stalker who wanted to create the perfect race with her.

While it's true that Sonnenberg's willful and strong personality has provoked criticism among music critics and classical music audiences, it is this same strong will that has helped Sonnenberg survive many hardships in her personal and professional life.

What the filmmaker Florio has done through a compilation of interviews, archival concert footage, and Sonnenberg's television appearances is to show the rest of the world what classical music soloist endure in order to create music that is under appreciated in the United States. However, by revealing the story of one controversial performer, perhaps classical music can reach a new audience or at least garner attention from the same film audience that saw the film Hilary and Jackie. Speaking in Strings proves to be more provocative than Hilary and Jackie because it lacks pretenses and lets it all hang out.

I knew a bit about Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg (mostly her music) and so watched this because I figured the music alone would be more than worth the time. Whoa! The woman defines "intensity"! Her playing is incredible, but what blew me away is that she plays as if every muscle in her body were clenched and contracted. Watching her play is draining! I personally think she's marvelous, but I now understand why she has drawn fire from some quarters within classical music. I never thought of violin as a contact sport until I saw her physicality. I thought of a bit of verse by Edna St. Vincent Millay (I think) that goes, "I burn my candle at both ends, it will not last the night. But, ah, my friends and o, my foes, it gives a pretty light!" Remarkable documentary that you don't forget right away. It really makes you stop and think about things. I almost wish I could show this and "Small Wonders" on a double-bill just to see the reaction! Most recommended.