Christabel Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra

Screenplay by:
CM Dinsmore

Music by:
Albert Syeles

A whirlwind of a mystery that revolves around the tragedies and mental anguish of one English noble family. Centered on Christabel, who experiences friendship and love in the midst of loss and loneliness, the story unfolds and twists until it culminates in one woman finding her source of strength.

This story is based on the unfinished poem "Christabel" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1816. The mystery around this unfinished poem has only added to the mystery embedded in the poem itself, allowing for readers to interpret and project their own endings. Coleridge never abandoned the ambition of completion, yet felt himself “distracted by too many possible endings” (Kathleen Coburn ed., Notebooks of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, I.435).

Be part of a well-conceived adaptation and ending.

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Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1797 Poem excerpt:

And thus the lofty lady spake--
`All they who live in the upper sky,
Do love you, holy Christabel !
And you love them, and for their sake
And for the good which me befell,
Even I in my degree will try,
Fair maiden, to requite you well.
But now unrobe yourself ; for I
Must pray, ere yet in bed I lie.'

Quoth Christabel, So let it be !
And as the lady bade, did she.
Her gentle limbs did she undress
And lay down in her loveliness.

But through her brain of weal and woe
So many thoughts moved to and fro,
That vain it were her lids to close ;
So half-way from the bed she rose,
And on her elbow did recline
To look at the lady Geraldine.

Beneath the lamp the lady bowed,
And slowly rolled her eyes around ;
Then drawing in her breath aloud,
Like one that shuddered, she unbound
The cincture from beneath her breast :
Her silken robe, and inner vest,
Dropt to her feet, and full in view,
Behold ! her bosom, and half her side-- --
A sight to dream of, not to tell !
O shield her ! shield sweet Christabel !

Yet Geraldine nor speaks nor stirs ;
Ah ! what a stricken look was hers !
Deep from within she seems half-way
To lift some weight with sick assay,
And eyes the maid and seeks delay ;
Then suddenly as one defied
Collects herself in scorn and pride,
And lay down by the Maiden's side !
And in her arms the maid she took..