Today's Short Is All About Classical Music. And...Cats.

This short, "Fantasia dei Gatti," came to my attention via NPR's "Deceptive Cadence" blog, and it's every bit as charming as one might hope. Directed by Paul Glickman and animated by Tam King, the short was produced by Augustin Hadelich, the concert violinist whose music serves as its centerpiece. Its careful choreography reminds me of the Silly Symphonies, in some ways, though the style is much less traditional.

In a back alley, he begins his serenade. Neighborhood cats of all stripes prick up their ears to the strains of Paganini's Caprice No. 17. Few today can play it with as much fire and finesse as Hadelich — the cats seem to sense this. As the music's impish theme unfolds, the rambunctious kitties get carried away and soon a full-blown cat ballet ensues.
Attribution(s): Video and stills are the property of Augustin Hadelich and other respective production studios and distributors.