Film Review: 'Der Klang der Stradivari' – True Feelings, Real Music

Grégory Magnet's film 'Der Klang der Stradivari' (The Sound of the Stradivari) explores whether great art requires more than talent, such as teamwork. The story follows Astrid (Valérie Donzelli), who seeks to fulfill her deceased father's dream of having a string quartet perform a composition by modern composer Charlie Beaumont (Frédéric Pierrot). The father had commissioned the piece and specified that it be played on four expensive instruments by legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari. Astrid acquires the last instrument and assembles the quartet as her father intended, but the members clash: Lise (Marie Vialle) on cello had a past relationship with Peter (Daniel Garlitsky) on second violin that ended badly; Apolline (Emma Ravier) on viola is a classical music influencer without conservatory training, which draws mockery from the vain George (Mathieu Spinosi) on first violin. The quartet has never been performed, and there is no reference recording. With time running out and constant discord, Astrid seeks out Charlie Beaumont to guide them. The reclusive composer initially hesitates but eventually agrees, and together they work to turn dissonance into harmony. Notably, the actors are real musicians or classically trained performers who actually play their instruments, lending authenticity to the film. The review highlights this as a key strength, making the struggle with the musical 'leviathan' compelling.