Ingrid Caven: Music and Voice 2012
Distributed by Grasshopper Film, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Directed by Bertrand Bonello
Streaming, 95 mins
College - General Adult
Music; Theatre
Date Entered: 05/12/2023
Reviewed by Skye M. Limón, Electronic Resources Assistant Librarian, Texas A&M University-KingsvilleIngrid Caven: Music and Voice documents a 2012 concert at The Cité de la Musique in Paris, France. Ingrid Caven, most known as a German film actress, gives a cabaret style performance that showcases her artistry. She performs twenty-four pieces of music that range from classical to contemporary pieces. Stylistically, the film is very minimalistic with no elaborate staging, props, or special effects. Occasionally an accompanist will share the stage with her playing instruments in different experimental ways.
Filming consisted of two cameras focused on Caven in a black dress. The stage is so dark sometimes you can only really see her face in some numbers. The effect of this feels like the viewer is in actual attendance and as close to the stage as possible. The songs sung are in three different languages: German, French and English. The most recognizable is “Ave Maria.” If you don't speak the language the only way to find out what she is singing is to watch till the end credits.
The film would have benefited from subtitles and would have enhanced the viewing experience. Bonello, at the New York Film Festival has stated that he was worried people would spend so much time reading that they would not look at her performance. Bonello also mentioned that some of the songs sung this night were for the first time and some with very dark themes. Then again, if you do not speak the languages how would you know?
Caven, while not the most euphonious of singers, is definitely a performer with very abstract performances. Often, she is walking the stage, but she also crawls around and lays down on the floor to sing. At times it feels like avant garde performance art with very brave vocal choices.
Because of the lack of subtitles, I do not recommend this film. However, if you know the languages and are interested in Ingrid Caven's film career it could be useful for more advanced music and theater collections.
Accompanists: Jay Gottlieb: Piano Alain Beghin: Percussions Sergio Armarolo: Percussions
Setlist: Liebe Kommt Berlin im Licht Song Vendredi à l'hôtel Montage 1 Rêve Destinataire inconnu Chambre 1050 Nana’s Song Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves Somnifére Ingrid Caven Chantée Memories Miss Z Sex’n Fax Nacht-extrait de Pierrot Lunaire The Wonderful Widow of Eighteen Springs Abendlied Ave Maria Valse de rimes Blue Liz Hall d'Hôtel PolaroÏd CocaÏne Trans Europa Tango La La La
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