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Maestro

Lavand, Rene

Essential Magic Collection

(Based on 2 reviews)
Rene Lavand is a true master of magic. An elegant and dextrous magician who turns every performance into a theatrical experience. Now you can see Rene Lavand performing his professional show at the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, Portugal. Shot on multiple cameras and in high quality video this is an opportunity to see Rene Lavand at his best.

These Magic-Packed DVDs Include Explanations For Rene Lavand's Professional Act:
The Credential, Ace, 2, 3, 4, The Sonnet, Ambitious Card, Three of Spades, Why do the Colors Alternate, The Copla, It Can't Be Done Any Slower, Calling the Cards, The Three Bread Crumbs, Card in Wallet.

Plus Signature Compositions:
The Greek, The Cumanes, Gitano Antonio, Duel in the West, The Tijuano, Old Man River, The Pygmalion, Spanish Deck Routine.

And Techniques:
False shuffles, cuts, deals, palms, change and deck switch.

MAESTRO, the stunning new DVD Box Set from the Essential Magic Collection.
The incredible magic of Rene Lavand, 4 DVDs, 8 hours of performance, explanations and interviews.

Subtitled in 5 Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Dec 12, 2022

Overview

What do you get when you cross a poet, a philosopher, a storyteller and a magician? You can only get one thing, Rene Lavand. I learned two things watching Maestro by Essential Magic Collection. The first thing I learned is that I can never be a Rene Lavand. The second thing I learned is how beautiful magic can be. The magic of Lavand is so elegant and sophisticated
it is worthy of just watching a mesmerizing performer. Reciting poetry and philosophy Lavand weaves stories so captivating you forget you are watching a magic performance. The magic of Rene Lavand will touch your soul.

Effect

Maestro is a collection of effects, by the incomparable Rene Lavand. I say effects because these aren’t just a collection of tricks but a journey into Neverland where every performance seems like ride on a magic carpet. There are four DVDs starting with a performance of a full show and a medley of interviews by Luis Matos, explanations of the performances by Rene Lavand and of course explanations of the necessary handling.

Method

Although the majority of the magic uses a deck of cards, the one odd piece is his famous Three Breads Crumbs routine, using a cup and three balls of bread. Each album features interviews with the magicians. The first interview on disc one with Lavand was so touching, so sad but so enlightening, it eclipsed the magic that was performed. I sat riveted, completely engaged as he extolled stories of his accident, his parents, his loves and friends he had and lost. The sleights he uses are difficult and I think one will be challenged to learn them but the value in this DVD set is seeing how he turns a trick into an engaging experience for the audience.

Product Quality

Maestro as well as anything produced by EMC delivers tremendous value. Maestro is one of sixteen albums offered by EMS as well as single DVD sets. You cannot go wrong investing in any one of these. As all EMC Albums, they are beautifully done. The filming, lighting, sound and sets are all superb.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy states all that is included on the DVD set. However, you will get much more. The value in this set is being able to watch a true performer deliver an experience. So many magicians just do tricks, Lavand is truly very unique. Watching Lavand may just make you rethink how you want to perform.

Final Thoughts

I’ve watched a lot of magic but Maestro is something special. Where else can you watch a performer do the same “trick” eight times one right after another and still make it interesting and charming. Maestro is an experience, enough said.
(Top ▲)

Bryce Kuhlman

Official Reviewer

Sep 12, 2012

Let's be honest, you're probably not going to do any of the material on these DVDs. If you're the kind of magician who just wants to learn how the tricks are done, forget it. Go to another lecture at the magic club. This material is not for you. But if you are interested in magic as an art form, grab a glass of wine and prepare to go deep into the heart of magic.

The series begins with a full performance at The Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon. Rene performs all of his best material, including "Why do the colors alternate?," "Three bread crumbs" and "It can't be done any slower." You'll also find the first of four interview segments and a short film titled Contraputino, produced by Mago Migue. The interview, alone, will bring tears to your eyes and reminds me of the many wonderful evenings I've spent with dear friends and a glass of wine.

The second disc contains the explanations for every piece in the show. I know I said you probably won't do any of the material, but I believe you should watch every minute of the explanations. The thinking behind the effects is where the real lessons are to be found.

Disc 3 contains performances and explanations under the heading "Signature Compositions." There were quite a few gems in here that I had never seen performed, let alone explained. As usual, the stories are enchanting and the methods flawless. If you are looking for material, make sure you don't miss these offerings. Maybe it's the tyranny of the new, but I enjoyed some of these routines more than the some in the full show.

The final disc contains detailed explanations of the main sleights Rene has developed. These include false shuffles and cuts, false deals, card changes, palming and a deck switch. Again, even though you may never do any of these techniques, it will be worth your time to study them.
(Top ▲)