Orchestra Rehearsal (1978)

An orchestra assmbles for a rehearsal in an ancient chapel under the inquisive eyes of a TV documentary crew, but an uprising breaks out.

Director:

Federico Fellini

Writers:

Federico Fellini (story), Federico Fellini

Stars:

Balduin Baas, Clara Colosimo, Elizabeth Labi

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Balduin Baas	...	Conductor
Clara Colosimo	...	Harp player
Elizabeth Labi	...	Piano player
Ronaldo Bonacchi	...	Bassoon player
Ferdinando Villella	...	Cello player
Franco Javarone	...	Bass tuba player (as Giovanni Javarone)
David Maunsell	...	First violin
Francesco Aluigi	...	Second violin
Andy Miller	...	Oboe player
Sibyl Mostert	...	Flute player
Franco Mazzieri	...	Trumpet player
Daniele Pagani	...	Trombone player
Luigi Uzzo	...	Violin player
Cesare Martignon	...	Clarinet player
Umberto Zuanelli	...	Copyist

Storyline

In a Medieval Roman chapel, now an oratorio, an elderly factotum sets up for rehearsal. The musicians arrive, joking and teasing. A union shop steward explains that a TV crew is there, talking to them is optional, and there will be no extra compensation. Musicians talk about their instruments. The German conductor arrives and puts them through their paces. He yells, he insults. The shop steward calls a 20 minute break. The conductor retreats to his dressing room and talks about how the world of music has changed, moving away from respect for the conductor. He returns to the rehearsal to find the orchestra in full revolt. What can bring them back to the music?

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Plot Keywords:

parable | anarchy | italy | conductor | orchestra | 

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Taglines:

The Decline of the West in C# Major

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Italy West Germany

Language:

Italian German

Release Date:

22 February 1979 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Federico Fellini's Orchestra Rehearsal

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Daimo Cinematografica,RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana,Albatros Filmproduktion

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When they are interviewing the first violinists, you can see that the harpist in the background is not playing but you can hear harp music playing.

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Connections

Referenced in Cinecittà: La casa di F. Fellini (2004)

User Reviews

Weird, confusing and DEFINITELY Fellini!

My score of 5 does not mean that "The Orchestra Rehearsal" is a mediocre film--it's more a score reflecting how enjoyable the film would be for most folks. Most people would be confused and somewhat bemused by the film....and by the time it's over, they'll be wondering whether or not they liked it. It is clearly NOT a film for the average viewer--and the same can be said of many other Fellini films--where surrealism takes precedence over story.

When the film begins, it appears to be a rather ordinary documentary. Various orchestra members talk to the camera and explain in rather ridiculous manners who important their particular musical instrument is. Practically all of them think theirs is the best and ascribe lots of nutty attributes to it. It's mildly, very mildly, amusing. However, as the film progresses, it appears as if the filmmakers took drugs--and the more the film progresses, the more the drugs take effect!! Suddenly, the orchestra degenerates--as if the members are mostly petulant children. What does it all mean? Well, perhaps nothing--or perhaps it's all about the dangers of a truly socialist system. Who knows? Overall, this is a mega-weird film--even by Fellini standards. Unless you are a huge Fellini-phile, I doubt if the film is one you'll adore. Not badly made, but strange. If you like "And the Ship Sails On" or "City of Women", you'll love this film. If you don't like these films, then "The Orchestra Rehearsal" is probably not for you.