Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto

Watch Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto

  • NR
  • 2014
  • 1 hr 37 min

Bel Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto is a documentary film that showcases the creative process of a legendary musician, Bela Fleck. Directed by Sascha Paladino, the movie was released in 2014. Bela Fleck is a banjo virtuoso who has been active in the music industry for over four decades. In 2008, he was commissioned by the Nashville Symphony to write a full-length concerto for the banjo. This was a significant challenge for a musician who has primarily performed in the bluegrass and folk genres. The documentary chronicles Fleck's journey as he attempts to combine the sound of the banjo with the traditional orchestral sound.

The movie primarily takes place in Nashville, where Fleck collaborates with musicians, composers, and conductors to create his concerto. The film starts with Fleck explaining his motivations for taking on this project; he admits that the banjo is often misunderstood and underestimated as a musical instrument. As a result, he is eager to prove that the banjo is capable of creating complex and beautiful music.

Throughout the movie, we see Fleck working with different musicians to write and orchestrate his concerto. The most prominent collaborator is Chick Corea, a renowned pianist and composer. The two musicians have a long-standing friendship and have previously collaborated on several projects.

As Fleck works on his concerto, we see him experimenting with different musical styles, including jazz, classical, and world music. He also travels to Africa to explore the traditional musical traditions of the continent. This journey is particularly inspiring for Fleck, as he reflects on the shared musical roots of the banjo and African music.

Another key figure in the documentary is Greg Liszt, a banjo player who is assisting Fleck with the concerto. Liszt brings a unique perspective to the project as an accomplished musician and composer in his own right. We see him collaborating with Fleck and the orchestra to create a seamless integration of the banjo and other instruments.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is the insight it provides into the creative process of a musician. We see Fleck grappling with the challenges of writing music for an instrument that does not traditionally belong to the orchestral canon. The documentary also shows the collaborative nature of music-making and the importance of listening to and respecting the ideas of other musicians.

Overall, Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that showcases the creativity and skill of one of the world's most talented musicians. The film is a testament to the power of music to transcend genres and boundaries and to bring people together from different musical backgrounds. The documentary is a must-see for music lovers and anyone interested in the creative process.

Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto is a 2014 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Description
Where to Watch Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto
Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto is available to watch free on Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Bela Fleck: How to Write a Banjo Concerto for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2014
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 37 min
  • Language
    English