Benning Violins: Finding Bespoke "The Violinmaker" - A film by Michael Bernard
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ค. 2015
- Director, cinematographer and filmmaker Michael Bernard has released an original short film chronicling the story of the Bennings, the family of distinguished violinmakers based in Los Angeles. For four generations, the Benning family name has been synonymous with the making of fine, master-crafted violins, violas and cellos.
www.BenningViolins.com/
michaelbernard.us/
According to master violinmaker Eric Benning, “in a period of increasing acclaim and recognition for our shop, acknowledgment in the form of a short, artistic film that is itself a masterful piece of art came from out of nowhere."
"Mr. Bernard told us that he wanted to tell a story of a craft handed down from generation to generation," stated Benning. "Even though we saw samples of his work, and cooperated with him to produce the film, we weren't prepared for the profound level of creativity, technical skill and his overall vision of what he wanted to convey and his success at doing so."
The eight minute video short, titled "The Violinmaker" is the second in a series of shorts by Bernard called "Finding Bespoke". The film relies on interviews with Benning, as well as with parents Nancy and Hans, themselves acclaimed luthiers. Brian Benning, artist-in-residence as well as a luthier, and 4th generation makers Nathan and Garrett, sons of Eric Benning, make appearances. Los Angeles-based violinists Roberto Cani, Annelle Gregory and Hannah Suh perform in the film.
An engaging soundtrack compliments new interview footage with intricate and stunning shots of instruments being crafted, as well as of the workshop populated with antique machinery that is still in use, while showcasing various tools of the instrument-making trade.
"The Bennings were brought to my attention by a violinist friend," stated filmmaker Bernard. "She told me they were a multi-generational family practicing the craft of violinmaking. After seeing their shop and talking with Eric, I knew they were perfect. They are passionate people who love their craft."
"Their shop lent itself perfectly to the way I understand and practice cinematography. I'm guided by photography and by lighting with the goal of creating an emotion visually and then capturing that emotion through composition. Though it's only an eight minute video, I used every tool in my arsenal to bring this provocative story to life."
Working as a seasoned commercial director at Believe Media, an influential and award winning International media and production company, Bernard has created successful spots for such major brands as Victoria's Secret, Lexus, Aveeno and Max Factor. He has worked closely with some of the biggest directors, entertainers and artists in the film and music industry. The film was produced by William Butler-Sloss, and edited by Patrick McCarthy at Moondog Edit based in New York City.
"The film makes us feel humble and grateful," said Benning. "Generations of loyal customers have been a significant part of our story and have allowed us to be a part of their story. We feel a great deal of appreciation for them and to Michael Bernard for his kind and sensitive portrayal of the Benning Violins story.”
"The entire Benning family were both a pleasure and an inspiration to film. I only hope that my film does justice to the wonderful care and craft of their violin making," said Bernard.
Benning Violins, based in Studio City, CA, has a long tradition of expert service and meeting the needs of Southern California musicians - from the beginner to professional - since 1953. Fine violins, violas and cellos crafted by Eric are played by a number of premier players, concert performers and recording artists. - เพลง
Bespoke means custom made. Thank you. This video seems to pull out all the tones of these instruments. Good.
Orange Blossom Special. That's funny. What you said about making and maybe not playing, is an inspiration to me. Thanks you folkd.
Be there tomorrow!
I would like to add that Mr. Benning is kind and welcoming to all levels of players. He graciously helped me with a strident A string on my cello, by suggesting and changing the string. A small thing that made a big impression. Whatever your needs or wants on a bowed stringed instrument, you would do well to check out the shop and the service at Benning Violins. If you are a beginner, there are various family members working in the shop that can play and help diagnose issues with your instrument. Eric called his son out to play my cello, sparing me the embarrassment of screeching through the shop. (I don't screech any more.)
We live in Long Beach, Ca and always enjoy visiting Benning violin shop in Los Angeles.
I got my personal violin set up a by Benning a few months ago . The violin went from "Fine" to "a Fine Gem" in about one week. Thank You to Mr. Benning for sharing such kindness and craftsmanship.
1:20 if that's true, I'm very proud of her - all the way here from Australia :) I've seen and heard your copies.... they are *just* as good as the originals! Particularly the Da Saló viola belonging to a great orchestra! I remember seeing a photo of Zubin Mehta holding both!
this is incredibly beautiful the quality of video the quality of workmanship and the family working so well together
To our new customers and generations of existing ones, we share this video with you in appreciation for your significant part in our story, and for allowing us to be a part of yours.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
th-cam.com/video/G7IjcHObY6A/w-d-xo.html
Amazing movie, great family, perfect work and sound! Only best wishes to you in your job!
Great film, Eric!
Marvellous! Inspirational!
2:05 Good shredding there.
What an inspiration. I just loved to watch this video. What an amazing violin making family. It has been my dream to make a real violin since my childhood. I started learning violin when I was in high school and own a cremona violin. I don't only love its sound but I am in love with the shape and carving of violin. That is why I started making miniature violin. I love 🎻 🎻 🎻 🎻 🎻 🎻 🎻 🎶 🎶 🎶
Wonderful video. Wish it was an hour long doc. Very interesting.
Amazing history. Incredible. Congratulations.
Great video, great story, great people. Cumpliments from a Brazilian cello lover, enterpreneur and arts admirer. :)
Very nice violins mate. Ive just started playing i love the sound the violin makes . Ive got a J Thiebouville-Lamy paris-london violin from the 1920's and it plays beautiful and looks like new . There amazing instruments violins. Really liked your short film
Making a violin the old way is nice but the finishing should be finish the new way of today’s new finishing i can finish a violin to sound like 300 years old today. You guys are amazing.
GENIAL, aún hoy muy Inspirador por sus dos partes, una por el contenido de la historia y forma fílmica de contarla porque además aunque no seas un experto en el tema musico te sumerge y vives su historia de lutier. Y como segundo te concentra tanto lo uno que te Lleva a buscar lo segundo (Sin pensar en el comercial o que viste un comercial...), te Lleva a buscar el trabajo del lutier en esta área del Instrumento poco trabajada "el violin". Gracias. Aún ahora sigue dejando huella este trabajo, valió la pena esta magnífica realización. Saludos desde La Mitad del Mundo.
I would love a Violin from Eric.
Thank you for the video Mr. Benning. Blessings from South Africa.
What a beautiful profile
nice
Hola, me gustaría saber como consigo uno de estos violines aquí en México! :D Saludos!
What Camera did you shoot this on?
What was the introduction piece? The piece at the beginning of this video?
I know it's Paganini.
It's "Nel cor più non mi sento" by Paganini
+hidde bekkers thank you!!!! I've been wondering years before!
anyone know the song starting at 4:06? ♥
isnt that the guy who took care of Heifetzs violins?
Yeap!
7:25 or I will kill them :) you made my day.
What is the price of this violin
The ones that have actual prices listed on their site are 15,000 to 20,000 USD. Others say "available upon request", so would expect those to have a list price much higher.
You should really check out the Chinese violins around $800, they are quite competitive.
You are trining to steal my dad name
If anyone else stinks at violin and thinks they have no musical talent, take up piano.
(5:31: oopsy...)
"He's a fenomenal violinist"; next frame shows him playing some neckbeard shit. Video closed