Glass, My Unfulfilled Life

Director Rogier Kappers is a real multi-talent – a passionate hobbyist and self-taught in the best sense, who is not afraid to make a film about himself, to build a house or to try to fulfill his childhood dream and become a musician in the second fifty of his life. However, Rogier is not a man of mainstream solutions, so he decides to build an instrument from wine glasses to walk the way to fame. Of course, as a craftsman, he builds it from scratch himself, and as a true Dutchman, he also seamlessly integrates it into a bicycle to travel around more easily. A journey of hours of practicing begins, testing Rogier’s patience and the endurance of his fingertips, in order to make these water-tuned glasses sound harmoniously. Hard work indeed leads to the goal and the tuned glasses sing beautifully, when Rogier prepares a varied repertoire of 20th century pop music hits, which we rather know as performed by ABBA, Oasis, Simon & Garfunkel or Jefferson Airplane. At the same time, also timeless classics such as Bach, Grieg, Schubert, Mahler or Rachmaninov are equally important in his programs. But the most special composer for Rogier is Arvo Pärt. His love for Pärt’s music dates back to 1988, when he first listened to “Tabula Rasa” on a cassette-player in the Moroccan desert. Now, while making this film and rehearsing various pieces by Pärt, he also meets his idol at a concert in Amsterdam and even receives an autograph from him, which visibly moves Rogier. He also uses excerpts from Dorian Supin’s film “24 Preludes to One Fugue” in addition to several compositions by Arvo Pärt in the film.

This unexpectedly gripping documentary is at once a warm, humorous and refreshingly self-deprecating reminder that it’s never too late or the wrong time to pursue your dreams, even if everyone around you might not realize it. On the other hand, it once again confirms the global reach of Arvo Pärt’s music and the unexpected context in which his music can be encountered.

By Kaarel Kuurmaa

Glass, My Unfulfilled Life
2023, Netherlands, 94′
Dir Rogier Kappers

Languages: Dutch, English
Subtitles: Estonian

The Arvo Pärt Centre’s film evenings “Pärt & Film”, taking place from August 22nd to August 24th, exhibit the surprisingly rich and versatile film language of screen works in which Arvo Pärt’s music is used.