The Loves of Emma Bardac

I love this movie! It's one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Inspired performances of Bizet, Faure, and Debussy accompany stunning visuals of impressionistic paintings and lush French gardens to create a sensory overload that's impossible to resist.

The Labeque sisters play themselves and the daughters of the composers (in pantomime) while a superb narrator tells fascinating stories behind the music and the people for whom it was written. At just under an hour, the film strikes the perfect balance between documentary and recital offering a delightful glimpse into turn-of-the-century France. Rare photographs of these musicians and their families (many never before seen) highlight the old world charm of the period. The tragedy of the premature demise of some of the principals doesn't detract from the beauty of the presentation, rather, it enhances the message of love and affection the composers had for their families and nature. A must-have DVD for classical music fans and required viewing for music students.