Watch The Curse of the Gothic Symphony

The Curse of the Gothic Symphony is a documentary film from 2011 that explores the creation and performance of one of the most complex and challenging musical compositions in history - the Gothic Symphony by British composer Havergal Brian. The film begins by introducing the viewer to the Gothic Symphony, which was composed in the early 20th century and is considered to be one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. The symphony is known for its massive scale and unique structure, which includes multiple choirs, organ, and orchestra. It is a monumental work that challenges both performers and audiences alike.

The film then follows Australian conductor John Curro as he attempts to bring the Gothic Symphony to life. Curro is a passionate and dedicated musician who has long been fascinated by the piece. He has assembled an orchestra and choir in Brisbane, Australia, and is working tirelessly to prepare them for the performance.

The process of preparing for the performance is not an easy one. The Gothic Symphony is an incredibly complex piece of music, and it requires a huge amount of practice and rehearsal to get it right. The film documents the challenges that Curro and his team face as they work to master the piece. There are moments of frustration, tension, and exhaustion, but also moments of triumph and exhilaration as they start to make progress.

Interspersed with the rehearsals and preparations, the film also provides historical context for the Gothic Symphony. It delves into the life of Havergal Brian, the composer, and explains the background of the piece. It also provides insight into the cultural and artistic movements of the time that influenced the creation of the symphony.

As the performance draws closer, tensions rise. Will they be able to pull off the challenging piece? Will it live up to the hype? The film builds to a climax as the orchestra, choir, and organist take to the stage for the performance. Their hard work and dedication are on display as they tackle the incredibly difficult piece of music.

The performance itself is a sight to behold. The Gothic Symphony is a massive undertaking, and it takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The film captures the energy and excitement of the performance, as well as the relief and pride of the performers as they finish the piece to rapturous applause.

Overall, The Curse of the Gothic Symphony is a fascinating and engaging documentary that explores the power of music and the human spirit. It provides a unique insight into the challenges of performing such a complex piece of music and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

The Curse of the Gothic Symphony is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.