A Late Quartet

There are not many commercial films that use classical music in their sound tracks, fewer still have plot lines about classical musicians. A new film called "A Late Quartet" has both. It's about a prominent string quartet thrown into turmoil when one of its members is forced to retire due to illness. The film explores the delicate chemistry between the members of the group. In the end, any ensemble is a group of individuals each possessing his or her own needs and frustrations. What keeps a string quartet going is partly the music, partly the routine, partly success. But it is also mysterious and complicated. The music featured in the film is Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 131. The quartet works on the piece throughout the movie and presents a complete performance in concert at the end. The movie is unique in exploring the relationships between members of a string quartet and with a cast of excellent actors it is totally engrossing.

 Paul E. Robinson