Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Two films (review)

This excellent film to DVD transfer contains two of Christopher Nupen’s films, Tchaikovsky’s Women and Fate. The exceptional technical merits of the original films shine on this DVD. Nupen is well known and highly regarded for his documentary films about music, musicians, and conductors. Among his many accomplishments is sound engineering for the BBC. Both films were recently broadcast on the BBC as part of a series of his films. He is a true believer that nothing reveals more about a musical artist more than his or her art. Using Tchaikovsky’s music and compositions, along with narration, the film documents the biographic details of Tchaikovsky’s life. This has become the stamp of Nupen’s documentary style. It is a rewarding and creative methodology.

Though the juxtaposition of Tchaikovsky’s art with narrative detail may not be completely satisfactory for the uninitiated, the details are nonetheless all there and accurate. Ken Russell explored a similar, yet somewhat more psychedelic, approach in his feature film The Music Lovers (1970). The performances in both films of this work are all world class. The intimacy of the filming draws viewers eagerly into the documentary. The pace of both films is exquisite and adds dramatic tension. Nupen’s almost solitary narration is clear and unassuming. In the final analysis, both films compel the viewers to also listen to Tchai kovsky’s compositions as equally revealing of his life experiences. Like all of Nupen’s work, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Two films belongs in all music collections, but especially school and academic supporting curriculum.