When poems by internationally renowned writer Bill Manhire were first set to music by Wellington composer-pianist Norman Meehan, then sung by Hannah Griffin, a wonderful new creative collaboration was born. This collaboration is captured in Persuading the Baby to Float and given full throat in the concert performance Making Baby Float
This DVD comprises two parts:
Persuading the Baby to Float (83 minutes) “The great virtue of the film is
its close and calm focus on Hannah Griffin’s wonderful performances: rapt and
unselfconsciously absorbed in rehearsal, blooming expressively in performance.
It has the shape of a classic music doco. Interviews and conversations footage
reflecting on the process of collaboration are cut in with the rehearsals and
performances.
…This poetry and music lover is persuaded.” – Fergus Barrowman, NZ International Film Festival Making Baby Float (69 minutes) “Three uniquely gifted people have come together to produce a recording that touches by its simplicity and grace…Hannah sings with such elegance and ease that you can’t help but listen to the often tender words of Manhire. Her phrasing is superb and the balance between lyrics and performances throughout is perfect…A beautifully shot concert. Highly recommended.” – Michael Flynn, NZ Musician