The silver sound of humming bees ~ Michel Legrand and the sublime music for The Go~Between

Michel Legrand, who sadly died at the weekend was composer of the hauntingly beautiful baroque music for the Norfolk based film The Go~Between. Master playwright Harold Pinter adapted LP Hartley's novel for the film, while Michel Legrand's piano and string music laced the story together. Later, Legrand made part of his score into a single 'I still see you', with lyrics sung by Scott Walker.

The Go~Between was filmed almost entirely on location over summer 1970, principally at the sumptuous Melton Constable Hall and Park ~ where rises the source of River Bure. Scenes were also shot at Norwich, where the Tombland horse market was faithfully recreated and wild, reed fringed Hickling Broad hosted a swimming party.

Some claim the Go~Between as the quintessential movie of Norfolk. The relatively unchanged pastoral landscape of North Norfolk and the Restoration era house plays centre stage to a tumultuous story of innocence, hierarchy and secret love. Actors Margaret Leighton, Michael Gough, Julie Christie, Roger Lloyd Pack, Alan Bates and Edward Fox wore authentic period clothing, bringing a genuine edge to the romantic drama. The film's Royal premiere in Norwich was attended by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Today, The Go~Between continues to weave it's magic and draws new admirers to the delights of Norfolk.

The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.

The Go~Between, LP Hartley, 1953



Chris