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From: David.Labell@p0.f147.n109.z1.fidonet.org (David Labell)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Hearie signers
Message-ID: <18617@bunker.isc-br.com>
Date: 11 Apr 91 04:43:33 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Speaking of Marlee Matlin, there is a very moving scene in her film,
"Children of a Lesser God," that I'd like to say something about here.

William Hurt, her boyfriend, is playing the slow second movement of
Bach's Double Concerto on the stereo. Matlin asks Hurt to explain
what he finds so interesting in the music.

The roles are reversed here, as Hurt attempts, with his hands, to
describe what is happening. Briefly, two solo violins play continuous
intertwined melodies against an orchestral background that is lush
and sensuous. Hurt uses his hands, describing a violin with each of
them.

Being a lifetime admirer of this very musical moment, this was a stunning
performance, almost like dance rather than sign language.

Iguess you could say that it would be easier to explain the music
of Bach to the deaf than the music of Chopin, say, because Bach's
music has form and structure and even SHAPE, while Chopin's has mainly
color and texture, ideas that can't be described adequately in words.

Anyway, it was a very moving scene. It was meant for the hearing members
of the audience, and it was intended to teach us an important lesson,
which I think I managed to grasp.

--
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