Search - What the Universe Tells Me - Unraveling the Mysteries of Mahler's Third Symphony / Stockard Channing, Thomas Hampson on DVD

The dvd exceeded my expectations, I love Mahler

Thomas Lapins | Orlando, Florida USA | 06/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mahler's third symphony has long been a favorite of mine. The sixth movement alone makes the symphony a masterpiece. However, I who loves to read a good biography has never read one on Mahler. So when I heard on the dvd that Mahler had been influenced by Nietzsche, Schopenhauer and Wagner (his music, not his politics) I was now turned on to the man and not just the music. Only Mahler and Wagner, and sometimes Rachmaninoff and Brahms, bring me to the depths of our essential truths through music. The dvd brought the man and his music alive. This must have been produced mostly for music students. Its quite serious, which I like, and technical, which I like. The photography throughout is quite lovely and adds to the mood.Mahler would surely have been complimented by this documentary. It gives him his due. My insight to the third symphony as well as to the man who wrote those other magnificent symphonies will add to my enjoyment when listening to all his music.The performance of the third is a nice bonus. I highly recommend this dvd to everyone interested not only in music, but in the deeper meaning of humanity, and those souls who bring the undercurrents of man and beyond to the surface. Enjoy!"

Absolutely superb - a must for Mahler lovers

Stephen Chakwin | Norwalk, CT USA | 07/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is great enterprise. On the one hand, it includes a top-notch performance of Symphony 3 by the Manhattan School of Music Orchestra led by Glen Cortese. On the other it includes a series of mostly insightful video essays on the work by noted Mahler scholars, a philosopher, a theologian, and a psychologist. You will understand the symphony as never before if you listen to these discs."

Best Symphonic Documentary Ever!

Robert Lichter | Islip Terrace, NY United States | 04/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Imagine a work so large, that it mirrors the entire world!"
Mahler's Third Symphony explores nothing less than the meaning of life and all existence. This film explores the musical symbolism and reveals some of the more obscure references in this gigantic work. Musicians and philosophers are given equal time to share their wealth of knowledge and interpretations of Mahler's Third, while gorgeous visuals illustrate the point.
The documentary is just wonderful and makes the viewer want to revisit the symphony in its unedited mastery. Well, that's why there's a second disc! Another DVD fully captures the Manhattan School of Music performing the entire symphony.
Between the two discs, the average Mahler fan will have loads of fun and the rabid Mahler fan will feel sated and satisfied. The person new to Mahler will be drawn into his world, and never wish to leave.This is a perfect package; perfect music, perfect performaces, brilliant insights, beautiful visuals and a ton of extra materials! Highly recommended!"

A film I always hoped to see!

steve kalebic | New Jersey | 06/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""What the Universe Tells Me" succeeds where other Mahler movies have failed ("Bride of the Wind" and Ken Russell's "Mahler" come to mind) for two major reasons: 1-It respects Mahler's music. It does not try to popularize it by "dumbing down", but rather it elevates the viewer to create an opening and receptiveness to Mahler's genius. The film does not presume the audience is familiar with Mahler, but it does presume the audience is smart and values ideas. 2-The film itself is a masterpiece. It is visually stunning with a poetic script (narrated by Stockard Channing) and dramatic shape that reaches almost as deeply into our souls as Mahler's music. And then there's the music! A thrilling performance conducted by Glen Cortese weaves in and out with commentary from the world's leading Mahler experts such as Henry-Louis de La Grange, Peter Franklin and Morton Solvik. "What the Universe Tells Me" is an unprecedented combination of compelling drama with fascinating information. Music and philosophy come alive. What an accomplishment! Bravo to director Jason Starr!"