“Death in Venice”(1971) is based on the short story by Thomas Mann. It follows the inner turmoil of the ageing novelist Gustav von Aschenbach, who becomes infatuated by a boy he sees on the beach in Venice. Unable to confess his love, he dies as the city is ravaged by plague.
Full of atmosphere and intense soundscapes, the simple yet subtle motives pull the opera together with great sureness of touch. Leading melody that creates nostalgic atmosphere is “Adagio from 5th Symphony” composed by Gustav Mahler. I truly love this piece as it always manages to put me in the state of piece and calmness. Used in this movie gives depth to the plot, at the same time not disrupting the story itself.
“Love” is the main motif in the movie and it’s as well precisely marked by the sound. For this role Gustav Mahler chose “Fur Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven. When Gustav, main character, meets his future wife or young boy, Tadzio, we can hear this melody played . Beethoven’s composition states in this case “leitmotif” that is meant to indicate moments whenever love appears, whenever main character sees his object of adoration.
“Now there is no reason why you cannot go to your grave with your music. You have achieved perfect balance. The man and the artist are one. They have touched bottom together.”