Night Waltz: The Music of Paul Bowles

Best known for his remarkable novel The Sheltering Sky, Paul Bowles was also an active composer who wrote music for theatre and film, as well as small works such as “Night Waltz” (a piece for two pianos), concertos, preludes, miniatures, etc. Interested in Bowles' music, director Owsley Brown set off for Tangier, Morocco to interview Bowles and arrived not a moment too soon. Bowles (who died in 1999), is seen in ill health, yet still quite alert and clever, in this touching homage that combines interview clips, generous samplings of Bowles' musical oeuvre, and footage of Paris, New York and Morocco. Assuming that viewers are unfamiliar with Bowles' compositions, Brown incorporates seven pieces presented in their entirety, with accompanying visuals. Offering keen insights into the author/composer's life as well as his music, the very affordably priced Night Waltz--appearing when interest is growing in Bowles' music-- is both timely and illuminating. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)