Thibaudet and Endelman to Discuss Musical Involvement in the Motion Picture Bride Of The Wind on www.iclassics.com
(New York, NY, June 15, 2000) - On June 27, 2001 at 9 p.m. (EST), Universal Classics Group's newly launched website, www.iclassics.com will offer an exclusive on-line chat with world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and critically acclaimed composer Stephen Endelman. The two will discuss their involvement in the music of the motion picture Bride Of The Wind.
Bride Of The Wind is the extraordinary story of Alma Mahler - the beautiful and outspoken wife of composer Gustav Mahler. Alma, herself a talented composer, defied the traditions and social limitations in turn-of-the-century Vienna and in doing so became one of the era's most exciting and intriguing figures.
The soundtrack serves as the ultimate introduction to the beautiful music of not only Gustav Mahler, but Alma as well. The album, which was released June 5th on Deutsche Grammophon, features three new performances by superstar soprano Renée Fleming and piano virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet, both of whom appear at the end of the film. The soundtrack also includes the original Mahler-inspired score composed by Stephen Endelman, as well as classic performances by Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez and the Vienna Philharmonic from the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon catalog.
Directed by Academy Award nominated filmmaker Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Breaker Morant and Double Jeopardy), Bride of the Wind follows Alma as her fascinating and complex life crosses a rich artistic period and two world wars. Alma, portrayed by Sarah Wynter, is swept up in passionate affairs with some of the most talented artists of her time, including composer Gustav Mahler (Jonathan Pryce) and painter Oskar Kokoschka (Vincent Perez). These men, through their power and cultural significance, threaten to overwhelm Alma's sense of self and artistic drive.
An accomplished and sophisticated musician with depth and sensitivity, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is renowned for his elegant playing, poetic interpretations and exceptional command of rhythmic intricacies. Sought after by the world's foremost conductors, orchestras and music festivals, his extensive vocabulary of luminous colors and passionate sound, referred to as the "Thibaudet style," have earned him accolades from both colleagues and press alike.
Composer Stephen Endelman has shown remarkable ability to draw inspiration from a variety of musical traditions. His works have ranged from the rich orchestral score for The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill, But Came Down A Mountain, to his minimalist, modern score for the comedy Flirting With Disaster. Bride Of The Wind marks Endelman's second collaboration with film and opera director Bruce Beresford.