“A brilliant documentary” – HDFest

Classical Steel is an award winning, educational documentary featuring steelbands taking on the role of symphony orchestra and faithfully reproducing the works of the classical masters.

Chronicling its roots from the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, the film showcases pan players and steel orchestras from different parts of the world, and calls to attention the growth of the steelband movement.

The film includes examples of 12 -25 piece pan “orchestras” (with no other instruments involved) playing Bach and Rossini among others. Most interesting is that the classical pieces played are without the use of sheet music. Most of the players cannot read music, and there is an apparent controversy as to whether training a pan musician without teaching them to read music first is a good thing. 

“From its origin instrument, the steel drum, which was inspired in the early 1960’s, to the present day of playing classical music on the contemporary global stage gives the viewer a rewarding cinematic lecture.” — Gerald Wright, HDfest.com

“Effectively explores the strange and wonderful bailiwick that has evolved from the pan steel music community — the development of a top-flight classical music orchestra using pan steel instruments.” —Brad Balfour, filmfestivaltraveler.com

“Playing classical music on the steelpan showed Trinidad society that a percussion instrument invented in the poorer areas of Port of Spain could reach the heights of a symphony orchestra. The film looks at the importance of classical music in the development of the steelband and its acceptance worldwide as a legitimate instrument.” – TTFilmFestival

The film secured festival play inclusive of the following:

  • Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (Special Mention Award)
  • Miami Tropical Baroque Music Festival
  • BronzeLens Film Festival – Atlanta
  • Belize International Film Festival
  • Traveling Caribbean Showcase
  • NewFilmmakers New York

The bonuses on the DVD include :
4 extended interviews (totaling 25 minutes)
1 Additional interview (just 33 seconds) and a “Performance” by a soprano singing a aria from Carmen (4 minutes).

2013 / 43 minutes / a film by John E. H. Barry

HOW TO ORDER:

Public Performance and Digital Site Licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners. To inquire or to place an order, write to info@soundviewmediapartners.com or simply choose from the options below:


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For group screening prices, please inquire.

In-home/personal use copies are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XeZBMv

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