Briefly Noted

Arguably two of the most important documentary films of the twentieth century, The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936) and The River (1937), have been beautifully restored on this DVD. The scores by Virgil Thomson, whose original soundtracks were damaged beyond repair, have been nicely realized by the Post-Classical Ensemble conducted by Angel Gil-Ordóñez. Expert narration is provided by Floyd King.

These first film scores by Thomson (he was to compose some six others including Louisiana Story, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1948), are considered by many to be among his finest work. His utilization in the scores of musical Americana, including hymn tunes, cowboy songs, and "white spirituals" (traditional folk tunes from the British Isles) anticipates the work of Aaron Copland. In fact, it can be argued that Copland's landmark score for a similar documentary, The City (1939), would never have existed but for Thomson's work in these films.

The DVD includes several extras including interviews with documentary filmmaker, George Stoney about both films; composer, friend, and colleague of Thomson's Charles Fussell, interviewed by artistic director Joseph Horowitz; and a rare audio interview of Thomson himself. Although the music itself seems to have been recorded a bit too low, the performance by the Post-Classical Ensemble is first-rate and the entire DVD presentation is a boon for both the documentary film repertoire and devotees of the music of Virgil Thomson.

The sarod, perhaps one of the most important instruments in Hindustani music, is performed here by two talented brothers in a long line of maestros of the instrument. Accompanying them in the East/West collaboration is cellist Matthew Barley. The three, accompanied by several others, perform two ragas at a live performance at the Royal Festival Hall in 2002.

The collaboration between these musicians has evolved over several years as all concerned have been interested in the juxtaposition of these instruments and the cultures they represent. It is obvious that both the sarod and the cello blend well together. Most impressive is the ability of Barley to match the intricate scales and lines of the ragas on the cello. This is most evident in the Gat movements of the Raga Kirwani (one of the most popular ragas in North India today), where the unison playing is executed so well as to not be able to tell the difference between the instruments.

Excellent program notes are provided by Neil Sorrell explaining the form of the raga and how each movement is executed. An added feature on the DVD is a sample of the brother's electronica album where their vocal skills are highlighted. One can tell from this slickly produced music video that they are most likely popular music icons as well as outstanding classical musicians.