The Film Corner: Cuchi - A kiss is just a kiss ...

Today, 26 November 2012, is the 70th anniversary of “Casablanca”, the extraordinary romantic drama whose indisputable stars, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and exceptional music became a milestone in cinema history.

Who hasn’t listened to “As Time Goes By”? I remember this legendary film, full of moving, dramatic scenes in Morocco, where Casablanca is set during the World War II. 

I earnestly recommend you to watch this classical masterpiece because it is full of beauty and you instantly recognize its memorable quotes such as “Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By" and “We'll always have Paris”.

Here is a small sample of Casablanca - arguably its most famous scenes.

Thanks a lot Cuchi for reminding us of the "happy" anniversary. You know, I've just listened to a short  yet really interesting 14-minute special about Casablanca on BBC radio Leicester and, since I've recorded the show on Audacity, I can now embed it on this entry. Hope the BBC doesn't sue me, it's only for academic purposes!

The film corner: Sara Sáez - Before Sunset

After 6 months, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) meet again in Paris. They had first met on a train, and, after a passionate night, they lost contact. Still in Paris, they have a long conversation while walking through different places around the city. Both of them have mixed feelings about their relationship, even though they both have partners. The woman is frustrated about love and her past relationships. Celine strongly believes that she doesn’t need a man who feeds her, but a man who loves her.

Personally, I'm a big fan of romantic films. I consider this movie as one of the best I've ever watched. After watching it, I wonder why we keep looking for the real, true love, because, as the film shows, love is painful.

I strongly recommend this movie, specially if you are really into romantic films.

Diana: Saint Cecilia's day

What can I say about music? I have lived such mesmerizing moments with it that I would be delighted to share this feeling with everyone.

Sometimes people are put off by classical music, which makes me feel both discouraged and disappointed; I´m utterly convinced that most of the times this rejection is brought about by the lack of musical culture in our society. Take the case of Holland or Germany, where practically everybody plays an instrument or sings in a choir ... 

The truth of the matter is that music, undoubtedly, helps us to be happier, either by playing an instrument or listening to it.  Inevitably, music grabs you and you become part of it, wrapped in a world of sensations and pleasure. 

I attach a video of Vivaldi´s popular composition “The four seasons”, starring Anne-Sophie Mutter, one of my favorite violinists. I´m a big fan of this piece and, roughly every two years, I prepare it with four pupils and I organize a concert where each pupil plays a season. 

Long live Music!! Long live Saint Cecilia!!