Much Ado About Nothing: Screenplay, Introduction, and Notes on the Making of the Movie

Customer Reviews:

We shall not cease from exploring.......2006-06-12

We shall not cease from exploring, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. -T.S. Eliot-

We can now have voice over narration with movies that make DVD's well worth buying and we can enjoy the mover more after seeing what the artist or writer or director was trying to accomplish. I my self need someone to tell me when my show is untied.

You may notice a few drawbacks to the DVD extra rout that this book addresses. First even if the media lasted for ever the DVD will become unreadable with newer technology. Unless you have a portable device about the size of a book a DVD can be clumsy to carry around. People that are book oriented can get more pleasure from this medium.

The book its self is conveniently divided into logical sections as:
Introduction
Synopsis
The screenplay
The cast
The film
The shoot

All the movements and dialog are clearly written. There are plenty of color pictures as visual aids. After enjoying the different view both Shakespeare and the movie, this book makes a great conversation item.

For the fan of Branagh or the movie.......2002-10-03

The book to accompany the movie. There's nothing new here, really, although one can take the screenplay and check it against the play to find out the changes that were made to the text.

Branagh says in the foreword that having the American actors was his idea. Perhaps. I had heard a rumor that he had included them for a wider U.S. distribution. In any case, it's worth noting that the Americans, with the possible exception of Denzel Washington, just can't hold a candle to even the meanest bit parts played by the British. I still think Keaton was way too "Beetlejuice" for Dogberry, although the explanation for his interpretation herein gave me new insight into it. If you're a Branagh admirer as I am, you shouldn't pass this book up.

MUST HAVE for Kenneth Branagh fans!.......2000-09-20

I just can't say enough good things about this book. The pictures are fabulous--I'd pay the price of the book for them alone! And for those curious about stage production and screenplays, this book is a MUST HAVE! Much Ado is definitely my favorite play by Shakespeare. Kenneth Branagh's movie version is the most fun version of Much Ado I've ever seen, and this book captures Branagh's magic. You will not be disappointed!

Another superb Branagh.......1998-10-30

This film is Branagh's best ever. Easy to follow with excellent acting. Great casting of both English and American actors.

Book Description

When Bertensson and Leyda's 1956 biography appeared, it lifted the veil of secrecy from several areas of of the intensely private Sergei Rachmaninoff's (1873-1943) life, especially concerning the genesis of his compositions and how their critical reception affected him. David Cannata's new introduction summarizes what has happened in Rachmaninoff scholarship since the book was first published.

Customer Reviews:

This book is excellent.......2002-05-23

I found this book extremely helpful and a joy to read. I have used it as a resource for a Rachmaninoff class that i am creating and also for my own pleasure. It spans through Rachmaninoff's life, going in-depth to look at glimpses of Rachmaninoff's life with family, and then meticulously explores his music career.It looks into what inspired him, his meetings with other famous composers, his performances, and includes many letters about his personal life that he wrote to his family and friends. Overall, an excellent look into the life of a composer about whom we do not know much.

A must-have for any Rachmaninoff lover........2001-11-28

This book is very thouroughly written, drawing on resources of Rachmaninoff's relatives, letters that Rachmaninoff himself wrote, and of personal interactions. It gives a glimpse into Rachmaninoff's private life, which very little is known about, and shows Rachmaninoff for the true musical genius that he is.

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff Revisited
One of the best Rachmaninoff books ever written.

Rachmaninoff: Life, Works, Recordings
Max Harrison
Manufacturer: Continuum International Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0826493122

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff Revisited.......2007-01-04

Harrison's book is brilliant. Since my first exposure to Rachmaninoff's music, I have been a collector of recordings of his music, the scores, and the composer's own recordings. Having read just about everything written about the composer, including the biographies written by Bertensson and Leyda, Bazhanov, Haylock, Lyle, Martyn et al, I came away from Harrison's book with a fresh image of the composer. It was one of those books that one reads looking forward to each page and almost dreading that the book, as did the composer's life, would end too soon.

Harrison clearly knows the music and all of the recordings. While he obviously places great value in the music, he is not unconditional in his appreciation. He provides a highly informed contemporary critical perspective and places the music within the context of the composer's life. It is the sort of writing that can be appreciated by an informed musician and musicologist, while also being understood and valued by the informed listener.

As I read the book I found myself returning to the Rachmaninoff operas, works which I had not really valued as much until reading Harrison's discussions.

I came away from my reading with a renewed appreciation for the music and recordings of this man who gave us all so much with his creative expression.

One of the best Rachmaninoff books ever written........2006-09-10

Over the last century, much has been written on the great Russian composer/pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff. However, if there is one book that encompasses mass detail of the life and work of Rachmaninoff, it would have to be "Rachmaninoff: Life, Works, Recordings" written by Max Harrison.
Harrison's massive research in writing this book definitely pays off as it includes detailed annotations of Rachmaninoff's music works as well as his personal life and career as a recording artist. When it comes to the latter topic, this book may be the only one that goes greatly in depth to the making of Rachmaninoff's recordings. If you own the Rachmaninoff "Complete Recordings" box set, this book goes hand in hand with the CD set and shines greater light on what's being heard.
In addition to the lengthy and informative essay, the book also includes several musical examples as well as a complete list of the composer's works and a discography of his complete recordings (which lists both the issued and rejected takes alongside the years and places of recording as well as what type of recording it is - piano roll, acoustical or electrical).
As mentioned above, this is an essential book on Rachmaninoff. This book pretty much has it all when it comes to all the key areas of his life and career as a composer, a recording artist and an individual.
This is definitely a book that no Rachmaninoff fan should be without.

Rachmaninoff / Piano Concerto #3 (for 2 Pianos, 4 Han" (Kalmus Edition)

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Quite possibly the hardest piano music ever written - but well worth it
based on schrimer's edition
One of the Greatest piano concertos arranged for 2 pianos.

Rachmaninoff / Piano Concerto #3 (for 2 Pianos, 4 Han" (Kalmus Edition)
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

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Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in Full Score

ASIN: 0769241042

Book Description

Demands from pianists after seeing the movie Shine have brought this excepted piano solo version of the Rachmaninoff Third Piano Concerto to life. This arrangement is for advanced duet (two pianos/four hands).

Customer Reviews:

Quite possibly the hardest piano music ever written - but well worth it.......2005-08-06

I bought this piece of sheet music after my teacher recommended it as a 'good piano competition piece.' I had already worked on most of Rachmaninoff's 2nd piano concerto (also very difficult) and the third movement of Mozart's 17th concerto. I would definitely not recommend getting this piece if you don't have a MAJOR desire to learn it as it is very difficult. However, the piece is extremely beautiful, and technically showy (which is why it is a 'good competition piece') - probably my favorite piece of sheet music at the moment. I have been playing piano for 12 years and would consider myself fairly advanced - but I still anticipate it taking at least 6-8 months to learn this piece, and that's practicing it up to and about 1 hour per day. Rachmaninoff wrote a masterpiece and it is considered today to be one of the most beautiful and difficult piano concertos, up there with Tchaikovsky's 1st. This edition has a limited amount of fingerings, but it is easily readable and not over-edited like some editions. I wholeheartedly recommend it but will warn you again not to attempt to learn it unless you have a strong desire to do so.

based on schrimer's edition.......2004-06-15

This is a great jazz etude... Rachmaninoff wrote some really cool harmonies, especially for 1910 or whatever... with polychords, minor major 7ths, dominant b13, block chords... excellent! It's a difficult read, and I still can't play it full speed, but read through this piece and you will feel confident that you can play anything.

One of the Greatest piano concertos arranged for 2 pianos........2000-10-20

for those of u that saw "shrine" i guess u already discovered the "magical" feeling after hearing this piece. w/ this arrangement the piece could be played by two ppl instead of w/ the orch... makes things simplier but sounds just as nice.

Average customer rating:

Ravishing Rakhmáñinov for solo-piano: difficult but very rewarding music beautifully reprinted!!
Complete Preludes and Etudes-Tableaux
Great music, accurate edition, great price.
Couldn't be better!
good for the price

Complete Preludes and Etudes-Tableaux
Serge Rachmaninoff
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486256960

Book Description

41 of the Russian master's greatest works for solo piano, including the immensely popular C-sharp minor, G-minor, and B-minor Preludes, in authoritative editions.

Customer Reviews:

Ravishing Rakhmáñinov for solo-piano: difficult but very rewarding music beautifully reprinted!!.......2007-02-17

All pianists as well as Rakhmáñinov-lovers ought to have this score in their possession: a steal with excellent reprinting and good size of print (perhaps it could have been a little larger, but it's good enough nevertheless!) - and certainly less expensive than the original printing of Boosey & Hawkes! Get it!!!

Complete Preludes and Etudes-Tableaux.......2006-03-04

I purchased this for my son. He is enjoying thoroughly. Shipping was excellent. It was great to be able to track the item and know when it arrived. Thank you.

Great music, accurate edition, great price........2005-12-01

This book has given me countless evenings of entertainment. Rachmaninoff's preludes and etudes offer a very wide variety of styles and colors over a wide range of difficulty. Intermediate piano students will benefit greatly from learning some of the less challenging preludes and etudes, as these pieces prove indispensable ways to develop a good singing tone and a good ear for bringing out different voices and paying attention to counterpoint.

More importantly, the pieces themselves stand as a testament to Rachmaninoff's compositional creativity and mastery, and are simply a pleasure to play and to listen to.

I found the editing and printing to be quite satisfactory, and Dover's price makes this an essential purchase for anyone seriously studing the art of piano.

Couldn't be better!.......2001-08-03

If you want a book that has all of Rachmaninoff's preludes and etudes-tableaux in one attractive edition, this is the book for you. This is a must-have for any Rachmaninoff lover!

good for the price.......2000-10-24

For the price, this is a good book. But I found the print a little bit light. So if your eyes aren't that great anymore, be aware.

The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29, in Full Score: Symphonic Poem After the Painting by Arnold Bocklin

Average customer rating:

Excellent product, beautifully reprinted!

The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29, in Full Score: Symphonic Poem After the Painting by Arnold Bocklin
Serge Rachmaninoff
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 048642667X

Book Description

A haunting work inspired by the painting of the same name, this composition is one of its most mystical and chilling interpretations. Evoking the dread and stillness of a ghostly crossing to a shrouded island, the immensely popular symphonic poem is steeped in late-Romantic imagery. Among Rachmaninoff's most frequently recorded works, "The Island of the Dead" has been in the repertoire since its premiere in 1909.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent product, beautifully reprinted!.......2004-11-28

This is a reprint of the original Gutheil score issued when the work was published. Sometimes I wish that empty staves could have been eliminated, but given how time and again instruments not expected at the moment are nevertheless called upon, that's a minor fault at worst. Very legible, authoritative and a pleasure to have - be it in one's lap when following, or on the podium for conducting! Buy it!!

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Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes
Henry Van Dyke
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NP6FII

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Rachmaninoff Sonatas (Belwin Edition)

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0769239714

Book Description

A collection of advanced piano solos by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Color by Note Book 1 Notespeller (Color by Note)

Average customer rating:

good product, wrong author

Color by Note Book 1 Notespeller (Color by Note)

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0769243452

Book Description

Notespelling takes on a whole new look in this delightful book! Students identify the notes, each with a specified color, and then color in the designated area, creating a pretty picture. Notes are added in a logical sequence, with continuous reinforcement of reading in both clefs.

Customer Reviews:

good product, wrong author.......2006-11-02

it is a good book for kids to practice their music notes. But, it is NOT by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Average customer rating:

Superb edition in all events!
Rachmaninov the songwriter
Nice edition for an accompanist
Not so "complete", but...

Complete Songs for Voice and Piano
Serge Rachmaninoff
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486401952

Book Description

Rich collection of 71 compositions, including some of the most hauntingly beautiful passages in vocal literature. Exciting treasury of glorious songs — Opp. 4, 14, 21, 26, 34, and 38 — have been reproduced from authoritative sources in a convenient, one-volume edition; most lyrics in Russian (Cyrillic) with English translations.

Customer Reviews:

Superb edition in all events!.......2007-08-02

Yes, it's a pity that the 14 or so songs without opus-numbers aren't included. Presumably that's because they were published later than the others (after his death) and thus not allowed to be reprinted here (as not being part of the 2-volume Boosey & Hawkes edition printed earlier) - if the copyright period be 75 years after his death (it used to be 50 but has apparently been changed...), that would explain it...

Otherwise, it's a thoroughly lovely book: not only is Rakhmáñinov so outstanding as a lieder composer (and the accompaniments are no less gorgeous to play as the vocal-parts to sing!!); to boot, the book not only opens well, it's also a perfect size (too many vocal-scores and songbooks are of a reduced size compared to instrumental-only publications!)! Furthermore, the fonts and layout of the pages (unlike a few of Dover's other offerings, where the original engraving was a bit too ornate or less than pristine) both contribute to a stellar, easy-to-read product. It's an absolute MUST-BUY!!!

Rachmaninov the songwriter.......2005-04-28

This is a wonderful collection for all admirers of Rachmaninov. While the 14 or so songs without opus numbers are not included in this edition, the majority of Rachmaninov songs are and they form a strong part of his creative output (spanning nearly 20 years).
An affordable and easily obtainable book, it is good not only for general study and performance, but also for comparison and study of pianist Earl Wild's brilliant transcriptions of thirteen of the songs (and Arcadi Volodos' two song transcriptions).

Nice edition for an accompanist.......2004-11-23

I generally can't stand Dover editions. The bindings make me crazy! BUT - unlike others, this one actually lays flat on the piano. Only pianists will appreciate how wonderful that is! It's an exact reprint of the Boosey & Hawkes 2 volume set, though significantly cheaper. I have the Boosey & Hawkes, but added this one just to have everything together and because it lays so nicely.

Not so "complete", but..........2000-08-06

A somewhat carefully made edition, with texts in russian and translated to english and french. Rachmaninoff's songs are of unsurpassed beauty and richness; This "lieds" recquires special skills for the performers; the piano parts are not mere accompanyments, but complex and and difficult in essence. The problem is, although the title of this book says "complete", it is not: some songs, which don't have specific opus numbers, are not in this compilation. The maximum rate is given only because it's... Rachmaninoff.

Complete Preludes, Op. 3, 23, 32: Piano Solo

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Complete Preludes, Op. 3, 23, 32: Piano Solo

Manufacturer: G. Schirmer, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0793533066

Book Description

For advanced players, this is Rachmaninoff Complete Preludes, Op. 3, 23 and 32.

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