Title: Stradivari’s Genius-Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
Author: Toby Faber
Page 167-219
Summary
The advancement in technology influenced the expansion of classical music to the New World. The main component that expanded classical music to other countries is the phonograph. It was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. It facilitated people to hear a diversity of songs from foreign countries. Miss Marie Hall’s violin’s recordings were the first to be made in that time period. Via radio, more people became aware of the sweet tones the Strads were able to make. Ever since then, Strads became priceless relics throughout the entire world. Various collectors invested millions to get their hands on a Strad. There was one occasion a wealthy Cuban owned the Lipinski. The musicians owning a Strad were considered fortunate. One of the well known is “the ultimate wunderkind”: Yehudi Menuhin (Faber 173). Menuhin one of the most influential violinists in the 20th century due to his great debuts in America and Europe, his career started at the age of 11. Another virtuoso who still owns the Davidov is Yo-Yo Ma. For Ma, getting the Davidov became a huge dilemma since it was sold for “a relatively undemanding price” (Faber 201). As for the Viotti, Faber stated there was confusion of two 1974 Strads. The one Ms. Hall owned was not the Viotti, it was later on name the Marie Hall. The genuine violin was located in London in 1905. As the latest owner of the Viotti died in 2002, his will was to displayed it alongside the Messiah, which yet it haven’t been accomplish. With many copies of the Messiah, at one point people became doubtful of its originally. Already displayed in the Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, many officials tested if was the real deal, which was at the end. Lastly, the 1680 Paganini remains in the famous Tokyo String Quartet. It’s still intact and heard by many in concerts and other great events.
Quote
“For fifty years it hung there in semi-splendor, its varnish pristine, its corners unworn, its purfling exact, the most perfectly preserved example of Stradivari’s workmanship from the very peak of his golden period” (Faber 210).
Reaction
The entire book is full of imagery. From the introduction to the aftermath, Faber writes in full details and his choice of words is understandable, mentioned in previous posts. It is amusing how his writing style can create a great picture such as mentioned on the quote above. The quote describes the Messiah in the Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. This is another quote that lauds Stradivari’s craftsmanship. His instruments were so perfect that had been passed along with through many virtuosi. It is a fact, Faber persuaded me throughout the entire book that Stradivari is a real genius.
I rate this book 5 out 5. Admire Faber's writing style!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Stradivari's Genius (Page 132-166)
Summary
Over time, many virtuosi had own the five Strads Faber had mentioned. Charles Davidov encountered the great Strad cello, the Davidov, in the mid 1800’s. Davidov was “hailed as Europe’s greatest virtuoso before he was twenty-five” (Faber 140). There are many stories how he acquire the Strad. The most well known story is reminisced by Yo Yo Mah, which is about Count Wielhoski. In the winter of 1885-86, Davidov met Count Wielhoski. Both men celebrated the count’s birthday. Suddenly, the count decided to give his beloved cello. Since then, Davidov had gained honorific acknowledgments. The main one is to be entitled the “Soloist to His Majesty.” He was the main musician of the Russian Emperial Orchestra. However, there was a huge commotion over him in 1875. The story was that the Russian Court expected to entertain the Sweden monarchs. The problem was Davidov was in Finland, not Russia. Therefore, the Russian guards were looking for him until they found him and return back to Russia. It is comical since many people were looking for him, even Davidov had no idea what was going on. After his death in 1889, the Davidov, was purchased by an British for $230,000.
The next virtuosa to play the Viotti was Ms. Marie Hall. She was come from a very poor family. Many people were enchanted by her sensational violinist’s skills, performing in the English streets. With the level of penury her family was, she was limited to travel around the world. However, at the age of 15, Philip Napier Miles offered to pay her family $100 each week for borrowing her. The “chains” had been broken, bringing her full potential to become the violinist the world expected.
Quote
“Her career would indeed continue, and the Viotti would continue to be heard, but few would have guessed the changes the next few years would bring from all violinists” (Faber 163).
Reaction
With so many details, Faber has a great control of writing the book. He facilitates the reader with simple terms in order to not lose the reader in the large stream of information. The main reason may be the great sense of transition he has as the writer. I had notice Faber collaborates each chapter to ensure they support each other. If one chapter is not read, then the reader will be lost of the occurrence of events in the story. It is essential to read any book in chronological order to understand the main gist of the entire book, especially in a book of history. I also had notice the last sentence of every chapter ends up with the “to be continue” ending. Notice on the quote above, Faber states Ms. Marie Hall will impact other violinist with her playing. He foreshadows high achievements made by Hall. The “changes” that will revolutionize the classical music’s hearing or medium.
Over time, many virtuosi had own the five Strads Faber had mentioned. Charles Davidov encountered the great Strad cello, the Davidov, in the mid 1800’s. Davidov was “hailed as Europe’s greatest virtuoso before he was twenty-five” (Faber 140). There are many stories how he acquire the Strad. The most well known story is reminisced by Yo Yo Mah, which is about Count Wielhoski. In the winter of 1885-86, Davidov met Count Wielhoski. Both men celebrated the count’s birthday. Suddenly, the count decided to give his beloved cello. Since then, Davidov had gained honorific acknowledgments. The main one is to be entitled the “Soloist to His Majesty.” He was the main musician of the Russian Emperial Orchestra. However, there was a huge commotion over him in 1875. The story was that the Russian Court expected to entertain the Sweden monarchs. The problem was Davidov was in Finland, not Russia. Therefore, the Russian guards were looking for him until they found him and return back to Russia. It is comical since many people were looking for him, even Davidov had no idea what was going on. After his death in 1889, the Davidov, was purchased by an British for $230,000.
The next virtuosa to play the Viotti was Ms. Marie Hall. She was come from a very poor family. Many people were enchanted by her sensational violinist’s skills, performing in the English streets. With the level of penury her family was, she was limited to travel around the world. However, at the age of 15, Philip Napier Miles offered to pay her family $100 each week for borrowing her. The “chains” had been broken, bringing her full potential to become the violinist the world expected.
Quote
“Her career would indeed continue, and the Viotti would continue to be heard, but few would have guessed the changes the next few years would bring from all violinists” (Faber 163).
Reaction
With so many details, Faber has a great control of writing the book. He facilitates the reader with simple terms in order to not lose the reader in the large stream of information. The main reason may be the great sense of transition he has as the writer. I had notice Faber collaborates each chapter to ensure they support each other. If one chapter is not read, then the reader will be lost of the occurrence of events in the story. It is essential to read any book in chronological order to understand the main gist of the entire book, especially in a book of history. I also had notice the last sentence of every chapter ends up with the “to be continue” ending. Notice on the quote above, Faber states Ms. Marie Hall will impact other violinist with her playing. He foreshadows high achievements made by Hall. The “changes” that will revolutionize the classical music’s hearing or medium.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Stradivari's Genius (Page 81-131)
Title: Stradivari’s Genius-Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
Author: Toby Faber
Page 81- 131
Summary
As many virtuosos over time play the same brand instrument, Stradivari’s masterpieces became even more lauded. Viotti’s influence on violin playing demanded the use of a modern bow. With the help of Tourte-a bow maker, both formatted the idea of a manageable and powerful bow that will improve the sound from any string instruments. Even though Viotti’s life seemed successful, he was not. The life of Viotti has been a tragedy. Viotti tried to become a business man but luck was not by his side. His life had always been affected by any political event such as the French Revolution, Realpolitik movement, and the assassination of the duc de Berry at his opera house in 1820. At the end of his life, Viotti remained with a huge debt. After his death, all his belongings were sold to pay up his debt, including the Viotti. The next violin, the Khevenhuller, was formally a gift from Prince Kehevehuller toward his second violinist wife, Guiseppina Strassoldo. There are not enough details about his wife and her talents as the owner of the Strad. According to Robert Schumann’s memorable phrase, Nicolo Paganini was “the turning-point in the history of virtuosity.” In the nineteenth century, Paganini’s most remembered by his “feverish talent, technical brilliance, and dramatic excess” (Faber 104). The narrator emphasized Paganini did not use the Strad but only thought as a part of his quartet collection in his late fifty’s. Death came at the age of 57 due to tuberculosis of the larynx, a sickness. As the Strads rose from forgotten instruments to famous, many luthiers replicated them. The most famous man to do that was Jean-Babtiste Vuillaume. He was a very skillful craftsman, but still his replicas could not be compared to the real things. His ownership over the Messiah was fatalistic since his friend Tarisio, a very wealthy dealer, owned it. After Tarisio’s death, Vuillaume purchased from his family members 150 instruments, which included 24 Strads. During his entire life, Vuillame sold most of his items except the Messiah. It has been said this particular Strad was so mystical that people do not sell it until they are tear apart by death.
Quote
“For the next hundred years Great Britain, as the most prosperous economy in the world, was to act as a magnet for Strads from around Europe” (Faber 85).
Reaction
Faber has a good sense of connecting historical events and famous European violinists. As many remember how talented a virtuoso was, sudden events ruined his economic life such as Viotti. Also, as Paganini was at his peak in life, the successful economy in Great Britain enticed him to travel there and perform. In the quote above, it gives the allusion of the development of the Industrial Revolution. Refer to the phrase “the most prosperous economy in the world,” meaning the Industrial Revolution, which began in the countryside of England. There is also a literary term know as a simile. The simile compares Great Britain to a magnet. The “magnet” hosting future virtuosos’ stages.
Author: Toby Faber
Page 81- 131
Summary
As many virtuosos over time play the same brand instrument, Stradivari’s masterpieces became even more lauded. Viotti’s influence on violin playing demanded the use of a modern bow. With the help of Tourte-a bow maker, both formatted the idea of a manageable and powerful bow that will improve the sound from any string instruments. Even though Viotti’s life seemed successful, he was not. The life of Viotti has been a tragedy. Viotti tried to become a business man but luck was not by his side. His life had always been affected by any political event such as the French Revolution, Realpolitik movement, and the assassination of the duc de Berry at his opera house in 1820. At the end of his life, Viotti remained with a huge debt. After his death, all his belongings were sold to pay up his debt, including the Viotti. The next violin, the Khevenhuller, was formally a gift from Prince Kehevehuller toward his second violinist wife, Guiseppina Strassoldo. There are not enough details about his wife and her talents as the owner of the Strad. According to Robert Schumann’s memorable phrase, Nicolo Paganini was “the turning-point in the history of virtuosity.” In the nineteenth century, Paganini’s most remembered by his “feverish talent, technical brilliance, and dramatic excess” (Faber 104). The narrator emphasized Paganini did not use the Strad but only thought as a part of his quartet collection in his late fifty’s. Death came at the age of 57 due to tuberculosis of the larynx, a sickness. As the Strads rose from forgotten instruments to famous, many luthiers replicated them. The most famous man to do that was Jean-Babtiste Vuillaume. He was a very skillful craftsman, but still his replicas could not be compared to the real things. His ownership over the Messiah was fatalistic since his friend Tarisio, a very wealthy dealer, owned it. After Tarisio’s death, Vuillaume purchased from his family members 150 instruments, which included 24 Strads. During his entire life, Vuillame sold most of his items except the Messiah. It has been said this particular Strad was so mystical that people do not sell it until they are tear apart by death.
Quote
“For the next hundred years Great Britain, as the most prosperous economy in the world, was to act as a magnet for Strads from around Europe” (Faber 85).
Reaction
Faber has a good sense of connecting historical events and famous European violinists. As many remember how talented a virtuoso was, sudden events ruined his economic life such as Viotti. Also, as Paganini was at his peak in life, the successful economy in Great Britain enticed him to travel there and perform. In the quote above, it gives the allusion of the development of the Industrial Revolution. Refer to the phrase “the most prosperous economy in the world,” meaning the Industrial Revolution, which began in the countryside of England. There is also a literary term know as a simile. The simile compares Great Britain to a magnet. The “magnet” hosting future virtuosos’ stages.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Stradivari's Genius (Page 60-80)
Title: Stradivari’s Genius-Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
Author: Toby Faber
Page 60-80
Summary
The narrator starts describing the very first violinist that owns the Lipinski. He was called Giuseppe Tartini. His most famous opus is “The Devil’s Sonata.” According to Tartini, his most famous composition grew from a mysterious dream. He recalled he saw the devil and sold his soul in order to produce a beautiful melody from his violin. The melody intrigued Tartini so much that he wrote it down. Still, his imitation of the song remained inferior compare to the one in his dream. Tartini is the one of most influential violinists in the 18th century that made the violin more popular. His contribution led to teaching Geatano Pugnani- a pupil of his. Later on, Pugnani was the teacher of Giovanni Battista Viotti in the late 1700’s. Viotti is the reason the Stradivari violin became a big success in the entire world. His recitals in Paris, France made the forgotten Strads famous. Remember, Antonio Stradivari died, therefore most people forgot about his superb craftsmanship in Europe. The French audience was so satisfied of Viotti’s performances that most people wanted to imitate him. In order to do that, the Strads were required. There are many theories how Giovanni Viotti gained the Viotti. The most romantic theory would be he was the lover of the Russian empress Catherine. The love token was the violin to make him stay in Russia, but his adventurous spirit could no longer stay with her. Other theories are he found it in his European tours or in his native Italy. The puzzling mystery of how Viotti found his Strad.
Quote
“He had brought the craft of violin-making to a peak which no predecessor could have imagined, and in doing so had gained the recognition of archbishops, dukes, and king across Europe” (Faber 66).
Reaction
The structure of book goes chronologically. The smooth transition from the death of Stradivari to the success of his forgotten violins has been amazing. Faber makes every chapter more intriguing by telling the reader of a famous violinist to an even greater virtuoso. It is really spectacular the format Faber does to connect people’s roles to develop the high reputation the Strads still have today. The quote above gives a brief summary of how Stradivari eradicated the uncertain ideas the people thoughts toward violins. Notice, Faber states his contributions made the royal class acknowledge the scandalous violin, even though the Roman Catholic Church opposed it. The storyline had been fine so far.
Author: Toby Faber
Page 60-80
Summary
The narrator starts describing the very first violinist that owns the Lipinski. He was called Giuseppe Tartini. His most famous opus is “The Devil’s Sonata.” According to Tartini, his most famous composition grew from a mysterious dream. He recalled he saw the devil and sold his soul in order to produce a beautiful melody from his violin. The melody intrigued Tartini so much that he wrote it down. Still, his imitation of the song remained inferior compare to the one in his dream. Tartini is the one of most influential violinists in the 18th century that made the violin more popular. His contribution led to teaching Geatano Pugnani- a pupil of his. Later on, Pugnani was the teacher of Giovanni Battista Viotti in the late 1700’s. Viotti is the reason the Stradivari violin became a big success in the entire world. His recitals in Paris, France made the forgotten Strads famous. Remember, Antonio Stradivari died, therefore most people forgot about his superb craftsmanship in Europe. The French audience was so satisfied of Viotti’s performances that most people wanted to imitate him. In order to do that, the Strads were required. There are many theories how Giovanni Viotti gained the Viotti. The most romantic theory would be he was the lover of the Russian empress Catherine. The love token was the violin to make him stay in Russia, but his adventurous spirit could no longer stay with her. Other theories are he found it in his European tours or in his native Italy. The puzzling mystery of how Viotti found his Strad.
Quote
“He had brought the craft of violin-making to a peak which no predecessor could have imagined, and in doing so had gained the recognition of archbishops, dukes, and king across Europe” (Faber 66).
Reaction
The structure of book goes chronologically. The smooth transition from the death of Stradivari to the success of his forgotten violins has been amazing. Faber makes every chapter more intriguing by telling the reader of a famous violinist to an even greater virtuoso. It is really spectacular the format Faber does to connect people’s roles to develop the high reputation the Strads still have today. The quote above gives a brief summary of how Stradivari eradicated the uncertain ideas the people thoughts toward violins. Notice, Faber states his contributions made the royal class acknowledge the scandalous violin, even though the Roman Catholic Church opposed it. The storyline had been fine so far.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Stradivari's Genius (Page 1-59)
Title: Stradivari’s Genius-Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
Author: Toby Faber
Page 1-59
Summary
The narrator begins to describe how immense the Stradivari’s instruments are in the world. People are even willing to pay up to two million dollars just for a Strad (Stradivari in a short version). The sad part about these instruments is the limited amount they are left. From one thousand Strad, only 600 had been preserve present time. The exposition is about the history behind five violins and one cello. Oddly, every Strad has a name. The names of the Strads Faber will inform to the reader are the Messiah, the Viotti, the Kehevenhyller, the Paganini, the Lipinski, and the Davidov. These Strads had been carved by the great luthier, aka the craftsman of instruments, Antonio Stradivari. Over time, these violins had been own by great virtuosos. The history of the beginning of craft making violins had been included. It all began in Cremona, Italy in the 14th century. At that time the violin had a questionable reputation and was not popular. Thanks to the French Queen Catherine de Medici, violins became well known. Due to the fact she was the first monarch to help a group of violinists in her balls. After that, violin- making became a competition. The very first man to improve the antique shape of the violin is known as Andrea Amati. He was able to amplify the violin’s sounds more clearly and beautifully. His name became known as the early luthier from the 15th century. In 1564, Amati carved the oldest violin in the world. His name became famous that made his upcoming generations luthiers as well. The Amati luthiers faced inferiority in the 17th century as another Cremonese craftsman began to make his masterpieces-Antonio Stradivari. His works outshined other luthiers due to his unique characteristics all his instruments has. The clarity and sweetness his instruments were the basic reasons the Strads are the best. Little is known of Stradivari, except he married twice and his children could not keep up of his amazing skills. Basically, the Strads could not be made easily and his family was not interested of keeping his legacy after his death. The big improvements Stradivari contributed to the violin craftsmanship, his remaining were buried in the Church of San Domenico besides his first wife that both lived together for almost 40 years.
Quote
“Beautifully inlaid, these violins carry elaborate purfling and elegant tracery about their sides and on their scrolls” (Faber 27).
Reaction
Admiration is the tone of the narrator has toward Stradivari’s instruments. The narrator’s statements are in high details that make the reader ponder how skillful the great luthier was. The narrator convinced me Stradivari was a very amazing craftsman. The quote above supports my statement of respect Faber feels about Stradivari’s contribution to classical music. The book is well written and interesting. Faber’s style is full of imagery and the pertinent information does not make the reader fall asleep. A great book about violin’s history!
Author: Toby Faber
Page 1-59
Summary
The narrator begins to describe how immense the Stradivari’s instruments are in the world. People are even willing to pay up to two million dollars just for a Strad (Stradivari in a short version). The sad part about these instruments is the limited amount they are left. From one thousand Strad, only 600 had been preserve present time. The exposition is about the history behind five violins and one cello. Oddly, every Strad has a name. The names of the Strads Faber will inform to the reader are the Messiah, the Viotti, the Kehevenhyller, the Paganini, the Lipinski, and the Davidov. These Strads had been carved by the great luthier, aka the craftsman of instruments, Antonio Stradivari. Over time, these violins had been own by great virtuosos. The history of the beginning of craft making violins had been included. It all began in Cremona, Italy in the 14th century. At that time the violin had a questionable reputation and was not popular. Thanks to the French Queen Catherine de Medici, violins became well known. Due to the fact she was the first monarch to help a group of violinists in her balls. After that, violin- making became a competition. The very first man to improve the antique shape of the violin is known as Andrea Amati. He was able to amplify the violin’s sounds more clearly and beautifully. His name became known as the early luthier from the 15th century. In 1564, Amati carved the oldest violin in the world. His name became famous that made his upcoming generations luthiers as well. The Amati luthiers faced inferiority in the 17th century as another Cremonese craftsman began to make his masterpieces-Antonio Stradivari. His works outshined other luthiers due to his unique characteristics all his instruments has. The clarity and sweetness his instruments were the basic reasons the Strads are the best. Little is known of Stradivari, except he married twice and his children could not keep up of his amazing skills. Basically, the Strads could not be made easily and his family was not interested of keeping his legacy after his death. The big improvements Stradivari contributed to the violin craftsmanship, his remaining were buried in the Church of San Domenico besides his first wife that both lived together for almost 40 years.
Quote
“Beautifully inlaid, these violins carry elaborate purfling and elegant tracery about their sides and on their scrolls” (Faber 27).
Reaction
Admiration is the tone of the narrator has toward Stradivari’s instruments. The narrator’s statements are in high details that make the reader ponder how skillful the great luthier was. The narrator convinced me Stradivari was a very amazing craftsman. The quote above supports my statement of respect Faber feels about Stradivari’s contribution to classical music. The book is well written and interesting. Faber’s style is full of imagery and the pertinent information does not make the reader fall asleep. A great book about violin’s history!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Girl With A Pearl Earring (Film)
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (Film)
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Director: Pieter Webber
Characters Minimized/ Cut
Many characters are cut in the film such as Agnes, Frank, and Mrs. Van Ruijven. The siblings are important since it tell the audience a bit about Griet’s life. Mrs. Van Ruijven is significant because her circumstances with her husband’s affairs. Hinting at that Mr. Van Ruijven had bad intentions toward Griet. Other characters that were minimized were Vermeers’ children. The children should represent support and trouble for Griet. Maerte is shown but did not talk and Cornelia still remained as Catherina’s “telling” girl. Short scenes with the butcher’s son, Pieter, and the relationship are not as intense in the film compare to the book. There is a bit disappointing about the cuts in the characters.
Characters Emphasized
The film emphasized more in Griet’s job in the Vermeer’s house. In the house, the relationship between Griet and the Vermeers was “cold.” The impression for the audience about Griet would be just a maid, almost a flat character. However, in the book, Griet is described more as a rounded character. Her family and friends had parts in the book. The interaction between Vermeer and Griet was portrayed the same as the book. Mainly, Griet’s relationship with the Vermeers was emphasized.
Narration
In the book, the narration is in first person point of view (1st POV). The film could not be like that but, it would be strange to hear the narrator throughout the film. Therefore, the narrator is limited. The audience could not tell what Griet thought of her master but we (audience) could tell by the look of her in various scenes toward Vermeer. The audience has to assume to understand the characters’ thoughts. Remember, in the book, the reader gets vivid descriptions to understand the situation. The film makes the images in order for the people to understand the story.
Motifs
The main motif in the film is the huge eight shaped star shown at the start and end of the film. The star is located on the floor. That star symbolized the choices Griet’s made during the film. First, Griet stepped on the star to head toward the Vermeer’s house. Then, she ran away from the Vermeer’s house to somewhere else. In the film do not shows where she went but the days of being a maid were over. She decided to run away from her masters. The star represented Griet’s choices. Another motif is the appearance of Cornelia. Every time the little girl appears, the audience could tell she foreshadow trouble for the protagonist. She was Catherina’s snitch.
Music/ Sound Effects
The music for the film’s background is high quality. It was excellent. The background music fits perfectly in every scene. For example, as Griet cleans Vermeer’s studio, the music is soft and soothing. It is relaxing because the characters enjoy cleaning the studio. Another scene is when Griet returns the pearl’s earring to Maria Thins. The background music is a bit dramatic and “dark.” Similar to the idea of a“foreshadowing misfortune” music. The music helped convey the situation’s atmosphere in the film.
Film Terms in the Film
One of the most interesting shots in the film is when Catherina knows about the painting and Maria Thins is behind her. It is classified as a point of view shot, reaction shot, and medium shot. The point of view is from Vermeer. The director’s shows the audience how Vermeer sees his wife after she saw the painting. She seems to be betrayed about the secret paint. The shot is a reaction shot because it shows both Maria Thins’ and Catherina’s expression after seeing the painting. Catherina looks depressed and miserable. Maria Thin looks worried and regretful. Lastly, the shot only shows the waist upward of both actresses. Notice that Maria Thins looks smaller than Catherina in the shot. It symbolize how helpless the mother was to stop her daughter’s anguish.
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Director: Pieter Webber
Characters Minimized/ Cut
Many characters are cut in the film such as Agnes, Frank, and Mrs. Van Ruijven. The siblings are important since it tell the audience a bit about Griet’s life. Mrs. Van Ruijven is significant because her circumstances with her husband’s affairs. Hinting at that Mr. Van Ruijven had bad intentions toward Griet. Other characters that were minimized were Vermeers’ children. The children should represent support and trouble for Griet. Maerte is shown but did not talk and Cornelia still remained as Catherina’s “telling” girl. Short scenes with the butcher’s son, Pieter, and the relationship are not as intense in the film compare to the book. There is a bit disappointing about the cuts in the characters.
Characters Emphasized
The film emphasized more in Griet’s job in the Vermeer’s house. In the house, the relationship between Griet and the Vermeers was “cold.” The impression for the audience about Griet would be just a maid, almost a flat character. However, in the book, Griet is described more as a rounded character. Her family and friends had parts in the book. The interaction between Vermeer and Griet was portrayed the same as the book. Mainly, Griet’s relationship with the Vermeers was emphasized.
Narration
In the book, the narration is in first person point of view (1st POV). The film could not be like that but, it would be strange to hear the narrator throughout the film. Therefore, the narrator is limited. The audience could not tell what Griet thought of her master but we (audience) could tell by the look of her in various scenes toward Vermeer. The audience has to assume to understand the characters’ thoughts. Remember, in the book, the reader gets vivid descriptions to understand the situation. The film makes the images in order for the people to understand the story.
Motifs
The main motif in the film is the huge eight shaped star shown at the start and end of the film. The star is located on the floor. That star symbolized the choices Griet’s made during the film. First, Griet stepped on the star to head toward the Vermeer’s house. Then, she ran away from the Vermeer’s house to somewhere else. In the film do not shows where she went but the days of being a maid were over. She decided to run away from her masters. The star represented Griet’s choices. Another motif is the appearance of Cornelia. Every time the little girl appears, the audience could tell she foreshadow trouble for the protagonist. She was Catherina’s snitch.
Music/ Sound Effects
The music for the film’s background is high quality. It was excellent. The background music fits perfectly in every scene. For example, as Griet cleans Vermeer’s studio, the music is soft and soothing. It is relaxing because the characters enjoy cleaning the studio. Another scene is when Griet returns the pearl’s earring to Maria Thins. The background music is a bit dramatic and “dark.” Similar to the idea of a“foreshadowing misfortune” music. The music helped convey the situation’s atmosphere in the film.
Film Terms in the Film
One of the most interesting shots in the film is when Catherina knows about the painting and Maria Thins is behind her. It is classified as a point of view shot, reaction shot, and medium shot. The point of view is from Vermeer. The director’s shows the audience how Vermeer sees his wife after she saw the painting. She seems to be betrayed about the secret paint. The shot is a reaction shot because it shows both Maria Thins’ and Catherina’s expression after seeing the painting. Catherina looks depressed and miserable. Maria Thin looks worried and regretful. Lastly, the shot only shows the waist upward of both actresses. Notice that Maria Thins looks smaller than Catherina in the shot. It symbolize how helpless the mother was to stop her daughter’s anguish.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Girl With A Pearl Earring (Page 182-233)
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Page 182- 233
Summary
Many months had passes, Griet and Vermeer were working together in order to finish two paintings at the same time. As the concert painting was completed, Griet’s portrait still needed some touch ups. Except, there was something missing in the painting, the elegant turban and Griet’s posture seem fine. Vermeer felt his painting was not finished. The idea of the pearl earring erupted one night when Catherina wore pearl earrings. With an emerald evening gown and her earrings, the earring stood out so much that Vermeer thought about it. The element needed in the painting was pearl earrings. The painting seemed dull and needed the opaque yet shiny pearls to illuminate Griet’s face. Griet struggled to decide whether to wear Catherina’s pearl earrings, she felt as a traitor toward her mistress. Yet, Vermeer asked her to wear them. She couldn’t contradict the person who had saved her and her family from starvation. At the end, Griet accepted Vermeer’s request and the painting was completely finish. The problem came when Catherina saw Griet’s portrait. She was so mad that a maid had worn her beautiful pearl earring and that her own husband kept it a secret from her. Catherina’s anger caused so much commotion that Griet ran away from the Vermeers. Ironically, Griet did not have a chance to see her portrait completed. Ten years had gone by, Griet decided to live with Pieter as the butcher’s wife. The Vermeers had not pay the money they own to the butcher. However, Pieter did not mind. He explained it was the cost for his love. Anyhow, Griet’s life had changed dramatically. She became a common butcher and a mother. There were rumors of the Vermeers’ lost of Johannes Vermeer. Catherine had 11 children to feed and huge debt to pay up. One day, Maerte, daughter of the Vermeers, came to invite Griet to their house. Once again in the same place, Griet saw Catherina. Catherina only requested her presence just to follow her husband’s will. According to the will, Griet should keep the pearl earrings. After that, Griet left with the earrings and sold them. The money was to repay the Vermeers’ debt to her husband. Griet wanted to prove that, “a maid came free” (Chevalier 233).
Quote
“As she turned her head to brush more powder on her face the earring swung back and forth, caught in the light from the front windows. It made us look at her face, and reflected light as her eyes did” (Chevalier 193).
Reaction
Chevalier’s narration style throughout the novel had been outstanding. The storyline of the book had been amusing. Chevalier’s original creativity to decipher the history behind Vermeer’s enigmatic painting to the world is superb. The history behind the idea of the pearl earring in the painting was unique. In the quote above, Chevalier conveys to the reader how Vermeer came up with the pearl earring idea. As Catherina nags to Griet about her clumsiness to spill wine over her expensive green dress, the pearl earring shined with its radiance. This radiance caught Vermeer to make Griet wear the earring that foreshadowed trouble ahead. Also, the quote has a simile. The simile compares Catherina’s eyes and the pearl’s light, how they complemented each other. The dénouement was fantastic. Griet came back to peaceful times and lived happily. It was shocking when Vermeer died. I did not see that coming. Overall, the book was great!
I rate this book 4.9 out of 5. A bit dissapointed with the dénouement. ;)
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Page 182- 233
Summary
Many months had passes, Griet and Vermeer were working together in order to finish two paintings at the same time. As the concert painting was completed, Griet’s portrait still needed some touch ups. Except, there was something missing in the painting, the elegant turban and Griet’s posture seem fine. Vermeer felt his painting was not finished. The idea of the pearl earring erupted one night when Catherina wore pearl earrings. With an emerald evening gown and her earrings, the earring stood out so much that Vermeer thought about it. The element needed in the painting was pearl earrings. The painting seemed dull and needed the opaque yet shiny pearls to illuminate Griet’s face. Griet struggled to decide whether to wear Catherina’s pearl earrings, she felt as a traitor toward her mistress. Yet, Vermeer asked her to wear them. She couldn’t contradict the person who had saved her and her family from starvation. At the end, Griet accepted Vermeer’s request and the painting was completely finish. The problem came when Catherina saw Griet’s portrait. She was so mad that a maid had worn her beautiful pearl earring and that her own husband kept it a secret from her. Catherina’s anger caused so much commotion that Griet ran away from the Vermeers. Ironically, Griet did not have a chance to see her portrait completed. Ten years had gone by, Griet decided to live with Pieter as the butcher’s wife. The Vermeers had not pay the money they own to the butcher. However, Pieter did not mind. He explained it was the cost for his love. Anyhow, Griet’s life had changed dramatically. She became a common butcher and a mother. There were rumors of the Vermeers’ lost of Johannes Vermeer. Catherine had 11 children to feed and huge debt to pay up. One day, Maerte, daughter of the Vermeers, came to invite Griet to their house. Once again in the same place, Griet saw Catherina. Catherina only requested her presence just to follow her husband’s will. According to the will, Griet should keep the pearl earrings. After that, Griet left with the earrings and sold them. The money was to repay the Vermeers’ debt to her husband. Griet wanted to prove that, “a maid came free” (Chevalier 233).
Quote
“As she turned her head to brush more powder on her face the earring swung back and forth, caught in the light from the front windows. It made us look at her face, and reflected light as her eyes did” (Chevalier 193).
Reaction
Chevalier’s narration style throughout the novel had been outstanding. The storyline of the book had been amusing. Chevalier’s original creativity to decipher the history behind Vermeer’s enigmatic painting to the world is superb. The history behind the idea of the pearl earring in the painting was unique. In the quote above, Chevalier conveys to the reader how Vermeer came up with the pearl earring idea. As Catherina nags to Griet about her clumsiness to spill wine over her expensive green dress, the pearl earring shined with its radiance. This radiance caught Vermeer to make Griet wear the earring that foreshadowed trouble ahead. Also, the quote has a simile. The simile compares Catherina’s eyes and the pearl’s light, how they complemented each other. The dénouement was fantastic. Griet came back to peaceful times and lived happily. It was shocking when Vermeer died. I did not see that coming. Overall, the book was great!
I rate this book 4.9 out of 5. A bit dissapointed with the dénouement. ;)
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