The cellist returns

The cellist returns

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norman lebrecht

January 14, 2016

The moment in Truly, Madly Deeply when Alan Rickman, whose death was announced today, comes back from the beyond. Juliet Stevenson is his ‘widow’. No-one has ever watched this scene with dry eyes.
alan rickman

Comments

  • Adam Stern says:

    “Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.” — Alan Rickman

    • V.Lind says:

      Perhaps so. But some actors are irreplaceable, and he is one of them.

      Tough week for British artists. Started badly and got worse.

      RIP, Mr. Rickman. And thank you for being an agent of change.

  • stereo says:

    A truly great actor and artist. R.I.P

  • Alexander Brown says:

    Never saw the film – and you’re right NL: the tears are pouring down my cheeks as I type! BTW, unless it was a double playing the cello, AR is the only actor I’ve seen playing or conducting who actually looks like he’s playing!

    • Robert King says:

      According to “The Strad”, Alan Rickman took cello lessons in order to perform the part: He handled the bowing hand himself, while a professional cellist provided the left hand fingerwork – standing behind Rickman with his arm through the actor’s arm pit.

  • Judi McInnes says:

    I read somewhere that Mr. Rickman learned to use the bow and a professional cellist did the fingering. Such a beautiful, touching scene…

  • Chris Walsh says:

    Worth pointing out, though, that it’s Juliet Stevenson’s scene. It’s her reaction that gives the scene its power.

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