Amanda Seyfried and composer Daniel Blumberg delighted audiences after a screening of their film, “The Testament of Ann Lee,” at New York City’s Crosby Street Hotel with an intimate performance of two songs from the movie. The unexpected musical interlude showcased Seyfried’s vocal talents and Blumberg’s songwriting prowess, leaving attendees captivated.
The duo began their performance with “Beautiful Treasures,” a haunting acoustic rendition of a traditional Shaker hymn that plays during a poignant scene in the film. Seyfried shared her experience working on the song, recalling a challenging studio session where director Mona Fastvold encouraged her to connect emotionally with the material. “I think one of the hardest things was the week in the studio where I did ‘Beautiful Treasures,’” Seyfried revealed. “Mona wasn’t feeling it yet, and we would come back the next day to the studio. I was like, ‘Okay, so, should we try it more talky or whispering?’ She’s like, ‘No, I just want you to lay on the floor and just imagine giving birth.’”
Following this emotional piece, the pair introduced “Clothed by the Sun,” an original song penned by Blumberg, who originally recorded it himself. The song transitioned from being a solo piece to a duet at Fastvold’s suggestion, allowing for a more contemporary feel that aligns with the film’s narrative.
Blumberg detailed the creative process for “Clothed by the Sun,” noting its spontaneous nature. “When I write songs, usually the best ones happen very quickly and naturally,” he remarked. “With ‘Clothed by the Sun,’ I plugged in my electric guitar and it all came out in one piece.”
The film, directed by Mona Fastvold, tells the compelling story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, weaving themes of grief, power, and social equality into its narrative. In addition to the original pieces, Blumberg also adapted various hymns to complement the film’s historical context. “The Testament of Ann Lee” further explores the unique, ecstatic expressions of the Shaker community, a juxtaposition that Seyfried noted allowed her to explore new artistic freedoms during her performance.
The film features a distinguished cast, including Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, and Tim Blake Nelson, and is scheduled for release in theaters on December 25. As the excitement builds for its premiere, Seyfried’s enchanting performance at the screening offers a glimpse of the emotional depth and artistic ambition of “The Testament of Ann Lee.”