Art, Music, and Dance
VAN MEEGEREN'S FAKED VERMEERS - 28 Minutes, $29.95
The disclosure in May 1945 and subsequent revelations that the Dutch artist
Han Van Meegeren painted and sold artworks reported to be genuine Jan
Vermeers, to the sum of $2,000,000, shocked and embarrassed the otherwise
staid and stolid art world. “Van Meegeren's Faked Vermeers”
details the discovery as well as the uncovering of a most intriguing career
in art forgery. Han Van Meegeren was born in 1889 in Holland. He was originally
a student of architecture at the University of Deft, but turned to art
and later became a well known portrait painter in The Hague.
Unfortunately, the critics labeled his works as superficial with easy
symbolism, lacking real depth. This criticism led Van Meegeren to leave
Holland in 1932 to settle in the south of France. Here he embarked on
his second career as a forger par excellence of the great masters. At
first he engaged in secret studies of the great artists including Franz
Hals, Vermeer and others. But later he concentrated on Vermeer because
of his affinity for the subdued colors and masterly composition of Vermeer.
In 1936 the respected critic Bravius theorized that Vermeer had traveled
to Italy and there came under the influence of Caravaggio; and that additional
Vermeer paintings would be found showing this Italian influence. In 1939
Van Meegeren obliged this theory with his first of several forgeries,
skillfully employing old canvases from the 17th century and inventing
new techniques to simulate 300 year old works with age cracks, dust, and
even faded paint.
BON VOYAGE - 24 Minutes, $19.95
Israel’ most popular melodies accompany a tour showing the beauty
and majesty of the land of Israel. Shows Israel from the Golan Heights
down to the Negev, including Jerusalem. This is a rollicking, fast paced
“must see” which also includes contagiously enjoyable Israeli
dancing, and ends with the Verdi Requiem with the Israel Philharmonic,
conducted by Zuben Mehta, accompanied by the legendary tenor Richard Tucker.
CASTEL: A PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST - 41 Minutes, $19.95
Moshe Castel’ art and philosophy of art are explored in this definitive
video on his work. His early paintings evoke a traditional mood in subject
and color, while his later work takes on an exciting modern turn while
his subject matter becomes more ancient in content.
THE MAESTRO’ LEGACY - 52 Minutes, $19.95
A documentary of the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition held in Tel Aviv
in the spring of 1989. This video shows the different mindsets of contestants
and judges who struggle to maintain an objectivity that will allow them
to perceive the artistry and style of the individual performer, as well
as to recognize the merits of technical proficiency. The contestants must
view the competition as a means of encountering growth opportunities along
with the physical and emotional ordeal of the competition. One veteran
competitor observes that contests have replaced the old patronage system
in obtaining support for musicians. In a special cameo, Rubinstein himself
offers his insights on what it takes to be a great pianist.
MELODIES OF INDEPENDENCE - 26 Minutes, $19.95
This video features one of the most famous vocal groups in Israel, The
Gevatron, joyously singing of the land and the people in timeless and
eerily beautiful lyrics and melodies that portray the Jewish People’
overflowing love and devotion to Israel.
ORCHESTRA - 28 Minutes $19.95
This is the story of frustrated Russian musicians and immigrants who,
in their attempts to find employment in Beersheba, organize a symphony
orchestra. The beautiful result of their quest is shown here in the first
concert of the Negev Symphony Orchestra.
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