The Silence Before Bach (2007)

Blending historical reconstruction with very loosely linked 'dramatic' scenes and documentary sequences, the film constitutes a playful, painterly sequence of variations on the argument ... See full summary »

Director:

Pere Portabella

Writers:

Xavier Albertí, Pere Portabella

Stars:

Christian Atanasiu, Féodor Atkine, George-Christoph Biller

4 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Christian Atanasiu	...	Mayordomo
Féodor Atkine	...	Vendedor de pianos
George-Christoph Biller	...	Self
Christian Brembeck	...	J. S. Bach
Alex Brendemühl	...	Camioner (as Àlex Brendemühl)
Georgina Cardona	...	Violonchelista
Lucien Dekoster	...	Afinador de pianos
Beatriz Ferrer-Salat	...	Amazona
José Pedro García Balada	...	(as J. Pedro García Balada)
Gertrud Kossler	...	Clienta
Bert Kripstädt	...	Camarero
Lina Lambert	...	Madre de Mendelssohn
Daniel Ligorio	...	F. Mendelssohn
Jordi Llordella	...	Amigo de Mendelssohn
Ferran Ruiz	...	Hijo de Bach

Storyline

Blending historical reconstruction with very loosely linked 'dramatic' scenes and documentary sequences, the film constitutes a playful, painterly sequence of variations on the argument that Johann Sebastian changed the way the world hears thanks to his extraordinary ear for harmony.

---

Plot Keywords:

shower | subway | singer | piano | organ | 

---

Genres:

Musical

---

Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in General Report II. The New Abduction of Europe (2015)

---

Soundtracks

Prelude in A minor, BWV 543
Written by Johann Sebastian Bach

User Reviews

Ah, Bach

This film is a series of vignettes, some scripted, some documentary style, of people who have been influenced by Bach's music or are playing it. It weaves in and out between fictional and not, and at first seems to have no form until you realize that some of these episodes are interrelated. At those times, the film has a cohesion that is very welcome. If you are not a classical music fan or you have no interest in this director's work, you/d probably not want to watch this film, as it is a story told in music and voice about Bach. Interestingly enough, it is not about the life of Bach, just the influence of his music. The acting is fine, but not the reason you'll watch this film. Above all, you're hearing genius, and that makes the film worthwhile.

Details

Official Sites:

Medula Films [France] Official site

Country:

Spain

Language:

French Italian Spanish German Catalan

Release Date:

21 December 2007 (Spain)

Also Known As:

The Silence Before Bach

Filming Locations:

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

EUR1,400,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$426,456

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films 59

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1