A Brief History of Live Cinema and Rehearsal Considerations for Metropolis Triptych by Nathan Jones

Abstract

Since the late 1970s, there has been a renewed interest in the music that accompany films from the Silent Film Era (1895–1930), sparking both the revival of original scores and the composition of new scores for silent films. These modern scores involve a diverse collection of artists, musical styles, and venues that—in combination with the silent film themselves—belong to a new genre termed live cinema. Since the mid-1980s, enthusiasm for live cinema has grown and can be an important vehicle of expression for composers. To better understand this genre, it is necessary to explore both the history and performance practice of the Silent Film Era, as well as the live cinema movement of today. These new film scores employ a variety of styles and instrumentation, yet few compositions are written for wind band. I have collaborated with composer Nathan Jones and film editor Chad Jacobsen to create and perform a work based on the film Metropolis (1927, dir. Fritz Lang). Our piece, entitled Metropolis Triptych, will include a 33-minute version of the original film, edited into three movements. It is our hope that this project will influence other composers and performers to produce similar works for wind band and film.