Watch Montreal Symphony

Montreal Symphony is a documentary film that explores the relationship between art and community. The film takes place in Montreal, Canada and follows the members of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra as they prepare for their 2017-2018 season. The film uses both archival footage and present day footage to provide a glimpse behind the scenes of one of Canada's most prestigious musical institutions.

The documentary film, which was released in 2019 and directed by François Girard, who was also responsible for such classics as "The Red Violin" and "Silk". Montreal Symphony is a visually stunning immersive experience that brings the audience up-close-and-personal with the musicians and their instruments. Through a series of interviews with various members of the orchestra, we learn about the history of the institution, the various challenges the musicians face both individually and as a team, and the importance of music in our daily lives.

The film is divided into four movements, each corresponding to a different season of the year. The documentary follows the orchestra as it prepares for various concerts and shows how the challenges that crop up during the preparation of these performances are overcome. The four movements, titled 'Winter', 'Spring', 'Summer', and 'Fall', correspond to the themes of the pieces that will be performed during the season.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the way in which it captures the visceral experience of live music. The camera work is masterful, capturing not only the musicians but their instruments, allowing us to not only hear but see the music being made. As the musicians go through the process of rehearsal, we are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the intense work that goes into making each note of music flawless. The footage of the musicians practicing also provides a unique perspective on their personalities, as they are shown individually as well as in groups.

Another aspect of Montreal Symphony that sets it apart from other documentaries is the way that it explores the relationship between classical music and everyday life. The film eloquently demonstrates that music is not just a form of entertainment, but also an essential part of human life. By showing the rehearsals and performances of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in relation to the lives of ordinary people, the film suggests that music has the power to connect us all.

Montreal Symphony is not just a film about music; it's a film about community. The documentary is successful in conveying the importance of the role of the orchestra in the community, and the impact the community can have on the orchestra. By highlighting the stories of individual musicians, it becomes clear that the orchestra is much more than a collection of talented individuals. It is a cohesive unit, and the strength of the group comes from the collective passion and love of music.

In conclusion, Montreal Symphony is a masterful documentary that is deserving of widespread recognition. The documentary is not only visually stunning, but it also carries with it a deeper message about the role of music in our lives. Through the lens of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, we see the bigger picture of musical performance and the connections that it can form. It's a film about the power of music, and the ways in which it can bring us together. It leaves the viewer with a sense of the universality of music and its transformative power in our lives.

Montreal Symphony is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.