Catherine
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« on: 01:11:35, 19-01-2008 » |
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A Boy Called Alex
C4 Thursday 24 January 2008 9pm
Alex has cystic fibrosis, a genetically-inherited disease which is slowly destroying his digestive system and his lungs. Alex has a particularly virulent form. Over the years, the disease has attacked his bones and left him partially deaf, especially distressing for a musician.
There is no cure. Without the massive cocktail of drugs pumped into his bloodstream day and night, Alex would not be alive today.
Neither the drugs nor the disease will stop Alex from now taking on the greatest musical challenge of his life: to conduct a performance of Bach's epic choral work, the Magnificat, before an audience of several hundred people in the glorious setting of Eton's 15th century chapel.
As Alex explains, 'Music makes me forget about where I am or what state I am in or what's happening to my lungs. Music is my hope. It's everything.' Obviously this hasn't been shown on TV yet, however I saw an advert for it and looked up this page. It has a few clips from the documentary and an interview with the director http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/cutting_edge/alex/index.htmlI'm not sure whether I'll watch it. The subject matter is upsetting and it's not the type of programme I'm usually interested in. However, I was struck by this boy's determination to live, driven by a love of Music. |
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thompson1780
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« Reply #1 on: 12:52:53, 19-01-2008 » |
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Thanks Catherine. Looks upsetting, but interesting, and probably in the end quite enlightening / motivating. I hope I'm free on Thursday.
Tommo
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Made by Thompson & son, at the Violin & c. the West end of St. Paul's Churchyard, LONDON
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Morticia
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« Reply #2 on: 22:31:08, 24-01-2008 » |
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Did anyone watch the programme this evening? An extremely determined and brave young man. Although I suspect he would dispute the "brave" word, probably quite vigorously. I did not find the programme upsetting or depressing. Rather the opposite. The support, understanding, love and good natured ribbing shown by parents, fellow students, tutors and medical staff made for touching, but not sentimental viewing. At the core of it all was Alex himself and his astonishing determination to pursue his music.
A final word. When the Director asked him if he was scared about what the future held. his response was "No. In order to enjoy stuff you can`t be scared". I must try to remember that from time to time.
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thompson1780
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« Reply #3 on: 22:37:29, 24-01-2008 » |
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I saw it and thought it was terrific. An astounding young man.
My estimation of Eton - originally formed from tales told by a couple of ex-pupils who are friends from Cambridge - has now gone up immensely. I am sure there is still a fair bit of pomposity and stiffness in Eton, but I was impressed by the way everyone pulled together and the care the college gave to Alex.
Mort, did you too recognise what was "said but not in words" when he said scared. He couldn't finish the word itself, and I just wonder if he was really scared deep inside, knew it, but is taking the only real way of making the most of life by denying it. Whatever, some very wise words from a young mouth.
I wish him well for King's or the RAM, whichever he chooses.
Tommo
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Made by Thompson & son, at the Violin & c. the West end of St. Paul's Churchyard, LONDON
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Morticia
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« Reply #4 on: 22:53:52, 24-01-2008 » |
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Mort, did you too recognise what was "said but not in words" when he said scared. He couldn't finish the word itself, and I just wonder if he was really scared deep inside, knew it,
Tommo
Indeed Tommo. The fear was in his eyes and his body language. However, as you say "An astonishing young man". There are clips from the programme and further information on the Channel 4 website on the Cutting Edge page, if anyone is interested. |
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Mary Chambers
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« Reply #5 on: 09:32:40, 25-01-2008 » |
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I was impressed, obviously, by the boy himself, and also by the unsentimental nature of the programme. It was uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. So much talent, such terrible difficulties. Like Tommo, I was pleasantly surprised by the image of Eton, both as a community and musically. I had tended to associate it with people like David Cameron or Prince Harry. I suppose I should have realised that it has quite a good musical tradition, since anyone who sings knows of Ralph Allwood - I'm not sure I realised he was the music master there, although I knew he ran the Eton choral courses in summer. I think a good few King's College trebles (Alex Stobbs included) go on to Eton, which is I suspect why the choir could more or less get through the Bach Magnificat, not an easy work or one that many schools could tackle.
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Stanley Stewart
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« Reply #6 on: 12:57:28, 25-01-2008 » |
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Full marks to Channel 4 for screening 'A Boy Called Alex', in prime time, a beacon when matched against the nightly fodder on BBC 2 - take a look at last night's scheduling; and I see that a footie fanatic has now been appointed as our new Culture minister! As the Duke of York says in Richard II, "All must be even in our government". I shall watch Questions to Culture, Media and Sport with much interest on the Parliamentary Channel.
I watched "Alex" this morning, on a DVD recording, as I prefer to record it mute so that I can delete the commercial breaks and see it without brutal interruption. The courage and sheer tenacity of this 17 year old young man was so heart warming and totally devoid of sentiment or self-pity. I gasped with awe as he made his way to the conductor's podium down the central aisle of Eton's 15th century chapel. One to remember.
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...trj...
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« Reply #7 on: 18:29:38, 26-01-2008 » |
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I was out of the country when this was broadcast - I only read about it in the Times on my flight out - but Alex's story rings some bells very close to home for me (I didn't go to Eton though). I don't suppose anyone has a recording they are willing to share either via download or by post? I would be extremely grateful. There are clips from the programme and further information on the Channel 4 website on the Cutting Edge page, if anyone is interested. Thanks Mort, I shall investigate these. left him partially deaf A pedant writes: That's not strictly CF's fault but is rather a side effect of prolonged use of certain antibiotics. Incidentally, there is no cure as yet, but genetic research is taking us closer and closer: major trials for a ground-breaking gene therapy trial start this year and run into 2009. If you're interested in supporting this work, the CF Trust would love to hear from you! |
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...trj...
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« Reply #8 on: 18:03:57, 29-01-2008 » |
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Just seen that this being re-broadcast tomorrow eve on More4 for those of us that missed it.
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George Garnett
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« Reply #9 on: 18:15:11, 29-01-2008 » |
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Just seen that this being re-broadcast tomorrow eve on More4 for those of us that missed it.
And also late this evening (11 05, Tuesday) on Channel 4. |
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...trj...
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« Reply #10 on: 18:25:17, 29-01-2008 » |
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Even better - thanks George!
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Ron Dough
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« Reply #11 on: 18:29:30, 29-01-2008 » |
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That's usefully spotted, GG: FreeSat doesn't give me More 4, so tonight will be my chance....
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