The harvest of sorrow the memories of Sergei Rachmaninoff

Documentarian Tony Palmer's feature-length Harvest of Sorrow constitutes one of the first nonfiction works to recount the life story of 19th century Russian composer Sergey Rachmaninov with express permission from that great artist's family. As in Paul Cox's Vincent (1987) and other works, first-person narration culled from the artist's letters, journals, and memoirs -- here read by Sir John Gielgud -- forms the backbone of the narrative and lends heightened authenticity to it. Palmer shot on-location footage in Russia, Switzerland, and America at sites frequented by Rachmaninov. The soundtrack features extensive passages from the composer's works, performed by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Mariinsky Theatre under the baton of Valery Gergiev. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Used in films like Brief Encounter and Shine; on TV in The South Bank Show and Panorama; on radio in Semprini Serenade; and including some of the most famous melodies of the 20th century, Rachmaninoff's romantic, passionate music is as popular today as it has ever been. This 100-minute documentary film, shot in Russia, Switzerland and America, is made with the full participation of the composer's grandson, Alexander Rachmaninoff.