Silent Film Concert "The Passion of Joan of Arc"
2012-09-15 20:00 - 21:30 UTC | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 15.09.20128:00 PMCinema “Black Box” at the Film Museum Düsseldorf
Info
Overview
Released: France, 1927Duration: approx. 84 minutesDirector: Carl Theodor Dreyer
ContentThe final days of Jeanne d’Arc: her interrogation, condemnation, and death at the stake.It is not so much an epic narrative (certainly not an action film), but rather “radical montage cinema” from the late silent film era.
VersionWith new music by Wilfried Kaets for voice and concert organ
PerformersAron Proujanski: Tenor soloWilfried Kaets: Historical Welte cinema organ and simultaneous piano
Overall directionWilfried Kaet
More Informations about:” The Passion of Joan of Arc“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2012-11-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Kulturzentrum Alte Feuerwache Köln, Melchiorstr. 3, Köln, NRW, 50670, Deutschland
Info
Tuesday, 24.11.20123:00 PMCultural Center “Alte Feuerwache” Cologne
Overview:
USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman
Cast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle LeeAnd others.
Duration: approx. 80 min.
Plot:
“The General” is a 1926 action-comedy film by and starring Buster Keaton. The film is set during the American Civil War and is based on the historically documented Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862. The locomotive engineer Johnnie Gray embarks alone on a pursuit to rescue his locomotive, The General, which has been captured by Union spies. With persistence, daring maneuvers, and ingenuity, he manages to recover both his locomotive and the love of his sweetheart Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the most important comedies in film history.
Version:
New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for piano
Performer:
Wilfried Kaets – Piano

More Information about: “The General

Silent Film Concert "The Last Laugh"
2013-03-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Kirche Christi Verklärung, Taborplatz 4, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 50767, Deutschland
Info
Friday, 15.03.20138:00 PMChurch of the Transfiguration of Christ, Cologne-Heimersdorf
General:
Released: Germany 1924Duration: approx. 90 minutesDirector: Friedrich Wilhelm MurnauScreenplay: Carl Mayer
Murnau’s film, which almost entirely does without intertitles, is considered a milestone in film history and the pinnacle of German silent cinema.
Historical 16mm film version in historically accurate speed and original format on a large screen.
Plot:
“The Last Laugh” tells the story of a personal tragedy: An aging hotel porter loses his identity and prestige with the loss of his uniform and is then mercilessly humiliated by society.
Version:
New music arrangement for organ, midi vibraphone, and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:
Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – Percussion and midi vibraphoneJoachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technique
More Information about: “The Last Laugh“

Silent Film Concert "Woman in the Moon"
2013-04-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Info
Saturday, 27.04.20138:00 PMCinema “Black Box” at the Film Museum Düsseldorf
Overview:
Germany 1928 / 29Director: Fritz LangStarring: Gerda Maurus, Willy Fritsch, Klaus Pohl, Gustav von Wangenheim, and othersDuration: 169 min.
Restored 35mm version
Plot:
Professor Georg Manfeldt suspects that the Moon holds water, oxygen, and vast gold deposits. Together with his young friend Helius, who built the rocket, he embarks on a lunar expedition. Also on board is the agent of a business syndicate that wants to control the Moon’s gold, Chief Engineer Windegger, and his fiancée Friede, who is desired not only by her fiancé. After landing, a bitter struggle for the gold ensues, while a jealousy drama adds to the tension…
Version:
New music arrangement for organ, simultaneous piano, and live electronics by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:
Introduction: Florian Deterding (Cinema Director, Program)Wilfried Kaets (Organist and Regional Office, Cologne) will accompany on the Welte Cinema Organ

More Information about: “Woman in the Moon“

Silent Film Concert "The Last Laugh"
2013-05-03 21:00 - 22:30 | Antoniterkirche, Schildergasse 57, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 50667, Deutschland
Friday, 03.05.20139:00 PMAntoniterkirche, Cologne-Schildergasse
Info
Overview
Germany 1924Director: Friedrich Wilhelm MurnauScreenplay: Carl MayerDuration: 90 min.
Murnau’s film, which almost entirely avoids intertitles, is considered a milestone in film history and the pinnacle of German silent cinema.
Plot
“The Last Laugh” tells the story of a personal tragedy: An aging hotel porter loses his identity and prestige when he is stripped of his uniform and is subsequently mercilessly humiliated by society.
Version
New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for organ, large percussion, and midi vibraphone
Performers
Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – Percussion and midi vibraphoneJoachim Steinigeweg – Film projection / Silent film technique
More Informations about: “The Last Laugh“

Silent Film Concert "Salt for Svanetia"
2013-06-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Filmforum im Museum Ludwig, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln, NRW, 50667, Deutschland
Saturday, 29.06.20137:00 PMFilmforum at Museum Ludwig, Cologne
Info
General:
Jim Shvante – The Salt of SvanetiUSSR (Georgia) 1930Director: Michail Kalatozov
Duration: approx. 60 min.Original version with German subtitles
Screenplay: Sergei TretyakovCinematography: Michail Kalatozov
A project within the series Films from Georgia – Retrospective Michail Kalatozov
Plot
Ushguli is a settlement in Upper Svaneti, located in the heart of the Greater Caucasus, surrounded by defensive towers. The life of the inhabitants of this region follows its own rhythm and is defined by hard labor: sheep farming and wool processing, breaking and transporting stone slabs, and withstanding the sometimes unpredictable weather. Here, ancient traditions have been preserved, such as peculiar birth and burial rites. Obtaining the essential salt for both people and livestock is always a dangerous endeavor, but the Soviet state has enabled the construction of a road that will make the region more accessible.
Music Version:
New music arrangement for solo piano by Wilfried Kaets
More Information about:” Salt for Svanetia”

Silent Film Concert "Nosferatu"
2013-06-29 20:00 - 21:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Thursday, 27.06.20138:00 PMCinema “Black Box” at the Film Museum Düsseldorf
Info:
General:
Germany 1921Director: F.W. MurnauDuration: approx. 84 min.Recommended for ages 12 and up
Historical Film Version
The film features a valuable historical 16mm cinema version from the collection of the German Federal Archives.
Silent Film ClassicBased on the Gothic horror novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
Action:
Count Orlok contacts the real estate agent Knock to purchase a house in Wisborg. Knock then sends his secretary, Hutter, to Transylvania to handle the deal with the Count. Hutter’s wife, Ellen, fears for his safety before his departure.
After a long journey, Hutter reaches the Count’s eerie castle. Upon waking the next morning, he notices strange bite marks on his neck but doesn’t yet realize the horror he’s about to face. During the signing of the contract, the Count comes across a portrait of Ellen and is captivated by her beautiful neck.
The next day, Hutter explores the castle and discovers Orlok sleeping in a coffin. When he witnesses the Count’s strange departure that evening, he hurries away from the castle, anxious for his wife’s safety.
A race against time begins…
Music Version:
New music arrangement for cinema organ, simultaneous piano, and recordings by Wilfried Kaets
More Informations about: “Nosferatu“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2013-07-07 20:00 - 22:30 | DinaMare Dinslaken, Am Stadtbad 7-9, Dinslaken, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 46537, Deutschland
Sunday, 07.07.20138:00 PMOpen Air Festival DinaMare, Dinslaken
Info
General:
Metropolis – 1927, GermanyDirector: Fritz LangScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz LangCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannEditing: Fritz LangDuration: approx. 140 min.
Plot
Metropolis – the city of the future. Fritz Lang’s monumental science-fiction film combines visual power with a love story about the reconciliation of labor and capital: High above the city, Joh Fredersen rules, while down below, the workers toil. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the worker leader Maria.
Music Version:
Newly restored version by the Murnau Foundation from 2010
New music arrangement for piano, midi vibraphone, percussion, and live electronics by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:
Wilfried Kaets – Piano, recordingsRalf Kurley – Midi vibraphone, live electronics, percussionIntroduction: Performance by members of the Burghofbühne Theater
More Informations about:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "Destiny"
2013-11-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Alzey, Nikolaikirche, Obermarkt 18, Alzey, Rheinland-Pfalz, 55232, Deutschland
Sun. 03.11.20138:00 PMAlzey, Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church)
Info
General:Germany 1921Director: Fritz LangScreenplay: Fritz Lang, Thea von HarbouDuration: 93 min.
About:This film, resembling a novella in style, is filled with romantic mood and resignation. Death, weary of its duty, longs to be “defeated” by a young girl. Equally impressive is the main storyline: scenes set in a romantically winding German town with its sometimes quirky characters, and scenes in the majestically dark Hall of the Life Lights.
Music Version:New music score by Wilfried Kaets for organ and percussion
Performers:Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – PercussionJoachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technology
Information:A valuable historic silent film copy with hand-calligraphed intertitles will be presented at reduced original speed on a large screen.
More Information about: Destiny

Silent Film Concert "King of Kings"
2013-11-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Sat. 30.11.20138:00 PMRochus Church
Info
General:USA 1927Director: Cecil B. DeMilleScreenplay: Jeanie MacphersonCinematography: John Peverell MarleyDuration: 135 min., black and white
About:The courtesan Mary Magdalene is angry when her lover Judas Iscariot does not come to her festival because he has become a follower of Jesus. She goes to Jesus herself, becomes a believer, and experiences the biblical story up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.
Music Version:New music for orchestra, soloists, and choir by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Rochus ChoirYouth Choir St. RochusProject Choir (supported by the NRW State Music Council)Orchestra of the Rochus ChurchIn cooperation with the Orchestra Class of the Rochus Music School e.V.
Soloists:Suzanne Thorp – SopranoPeter Junk – ClarinetCamilla Hoitenga – FluteNorbert Krämer – PercussionRalf Kurley – PercussionMatthias Haarmann – OrganElena Borisovets – HarpsichordSteffen Paesler – Piano
Technical Crew:Joachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technologyRaphael Kaets – Direction of secondary projection of the German intertitlesPeter Müller, Philip Knaak, Heinz Terhag – AV Technology
More Information about: “King of Kings“

Silent Film Concert "King of Kings"
2013-11-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Sat. 30.11.20138:00 PMRochus Church
Info
General:USA 1927Director: Cecil B. DeMilleScreenplay: Jeanie MacphersonCinematography: John Peverell MarleyDuration: 135 min., black and white
About:The courtesan Mary Magdalene is angry when her lover Judas Iscariot does not come to her festival because he has become a follower of Jesus. She approaches Jesus herself, becomes a believer, and experiences the biblical story through to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.
Music Version:New music for orchestra, soloists, and choir by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Rochus ChoirYouth Choir St. RochusProject Choir (supported by the NRW State Music Council)Orchestra of the Rochus ChurchIn cooperation with the Orchestra Class of the Rochus Music School e.V.
Soloists:Suzanne Thorp – SopranoPeter Junk – ClarinetCamilla Hoitenga – FluteNorbert Krämer – PercussionRalf Kurley – PercussionMatthias Haarmann – OrganElena Borisovets – HarpsichordSteffen Paesler – Piano
Technical Crew:Joachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technologyRaphael Kaets – Direction of secondary projection of the German intertitlesPeter Müller, Philip Knaak, Heinz Terhag – AV Technology
More Information about: “King of Kings“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2013-12-18 20:00 - 21:30 | Royal Opera House Muscat, Royal Opera House, Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat 103, Maskat, Schati al-Qurm, 103 Oman, Oman
Info
Wed. 18.12.20137:30 PM GSTRoyal Opera House, Muscat, Oman

General:USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanCast:Buster Keaton – Johnny GrayMarion Mack – Annabelle Leeand othersDuration: approx. 80 min.
About:The General is a 1926 action-comedy film by and starring Buster Keaton. Set during the American Civil War, it is based on the historically documented Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862. Locomotive engineer Johnnie Gray sets off alone to chase down his beloved train, “The General,” after it is hijacked by Union spies. Through determination, daring stunts, and clever improvisation, he succeeds in reclaiming both his engine and the affection of his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the greatest comedies in film history.
Version:New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for concert organ
Performers:Wilfried Kaets – Organ
Information:The silent film concert takes place as part of the 2nd Oman Organ Symposium “Muscat Pipe Organ Symposium 2013”. Other participants include Naji Hakim (France), Barbara Dennerlein (Switzerland), Giampaolo Di Rosa (Italy), and Rashid bin Salim Al Rashdi (Oman).
Event:Wed. 18.12.20137:30 PM GSTRoyal Opera House, Muscat, Oman
More Information about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "The Weavers
2014-01-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 22.01.20148:00 PMCinema “Black Box” at the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf
Info
General:Germany 1927Director: Friedrich ZelnikDuration: approx. 93 minScreenplay: Fanny CarlsenCinematography: Frederik Fuglsang
About:Germany in the 19th century. The weavers working for the manufacturer Dreißiger must toil under inhumane conditions. Their weaving is handed over day after day by the emaciated and sometimes sickly workers in a dark room. There, their product is first weighed, then inspected, and finally accepted. Often, money is deducted from their meager wages with dubious excuses. The weavers are at the mercy of their employer. His right-hand man, the clerk Pfeifer, once a weaver himself, constantly tries to lower wages through repeated complaints.
Music version:New musical score for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets
About the film:The Weavers is a faithful adaptation of the play of the same name by Gerhart Hauptmann, belonging to the realistic silent film era, featuring a prominent theater cast. Parallels to Russian revolutionary films in scene arrangement, cinematography, and editing techniques are unmistakable.
More Information about: “The Weavers“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2014-03-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Conservatoire Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette, Boîte Postale 145, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg, 4018, Luxemburg
Info
Sa. 22.03.201420.00 UhrConservatoire Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg)

General:USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanCast:Buster Keaton – Johnny GrayMarion Mack – Annabelle Leeand othersDuration: approx. 80 min.
General:
The General is a 1926 action-comedy film by and starring Buster Keaton. Set during the American Civil War, it is based on the historically documented Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862. Locomotive engineer Johnnie Gray sets off alone to chase down his beloved train, “The General,” after it is hijacked by Union spies. Through determination, daring stunts, and clever improvisation, he succeeds in reclaiming both his engine and the affection of his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the greatest comedies in film history.
Version:
New musical score for organ, MIDI vibraphone, percussion, and live electronics by Wilfried Kaets
Participants:
Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – MIDI vibraphone, percussion, live electronics
Information:
Screening on a large screen in original silent film format and at historically accurate reduced speed
Venue Address:Ville d’Esch-sur-AlzetteBoîte Postale 145L-4002 Esch-sur-Alzette
More Information about: “Der General“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2014-04-26 20:00 - 22:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 24 March 20188:00 PMRochuskirche, Cologne-Bickendorf

Info
General:
Germany 1927Director: Fritz LangScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz LangCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannEditing: Fritz LangDuration: approx. 140 min.
About:
Metropolis – the city of the future. Fritz Lang’s monumental science-fiction film combines striking visuals with a love story about the reconciliation between labor and capital. High above the city, Joh Fredersen rules, while underground the workers toil. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the workers’ leader, Maria.
Version:
Newly restored version by the Murnau Foundation, 2010
New musical score for cinema organ, simultaneous piano, MIDI vibraphone, percussion, live electronics, and audio playback by Wilfried Kaets
Participants:
Wilfried Kaets – Cinema organ, simultaneous piano, audio playbackRalf Kurley – MIDI vibraphone, various percussion, live electronics
More Information about:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "All Quiet on the Western Front"
2014-09-01 20:00 - 2014-09-02 00:30 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Info:
Fri. 01 August 20148:00 PMRochuskirche (St. Rochus Church)
General:
Original Title: All Quiet on the Western FrontUSA 1930Director: Lewis MilestoneScreenplay: Maxwell Anderson, based on the novel by Erich Maria RemarqueCinematography: Arthur EdesonDuration: approx. 140 min.
In a Nutshell:
“At the front, you’re either dead or alive, that’s all.” All Quiet on the Western Front tells the story of young high school student Paul, who goes off to war for Germany during the First World War. His teacher persuades him and his entire senior class to volunteer for military service. After a short time, their initial enthusiasm for fighting for the fatherland fades, and the young group longs for nothing more than to return home. During a home leave, Paul visits his family and realizes he no longer has anything in common with them or his old teacher. Back at the front, he encounters even younger soldiers being sent into battle as cannon fodder…
Version:
We are extremely proud to present one of only two remaining 35mm prints of this famous anti-war film in the world, directly from the holdings of the Library of Congress, Washington, USA, in cooperation with the Düsseldorf Film Museum — a film that, according to our research, hasn’t been shown in Cologne for over 80 years!
Music:
New musical version for organ, live electronics, and audio playback by Wilfried Kaets
Wilfried Kaets makes use of the unique acoustic capabilities of the renovated Klais organ — now enhanced with electronic sound colors and a computer interface — to compose a contemporary film score. His music respectfully leaves space for the powerful and still stylistically influential images of the film while breathing a new, distinctive spirit into them.
Participants:

Werner Müller – Aviation Archive Cologne

Joachim Steinigeweg – Film projection

Wilfried Kaets – Organ, live electronics

Additional Info:
Note: The silent film concert is part of a Cultural Night marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I on August 1.The Cultural Night begins at 8:00 PM with a lecture and image projection:The Imperial Airship Station Cöln-Bickendorf and the Aerial Warfare over Cologne in WWI and WWIIThe film screening begins at 10:15 PM.
More Information about : “All Quiet on the Western Front“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2014-09-13 21:00 - 22:30 | Japanisches Kulturinstitut Köln, Universitätsstraße. 98, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 50647, Deutschland
Info

Saturday, 13 September 20149:00 PMJapanese Cultural Institute Cologne
General:
USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanCast:

Buster Keaton as Johnny Gray

Marion Mack as Annabelle Lee

and othersDuration: approx. 80 minutes

In brief:The General is a 1926 action-comedy film by and starring Buster Keaton. Set during the American Civil War, it’s based on the true historical event of the Andrews Raid on April 12, 1862. Locomotive engineer Johnny Gray single-handedly pursues his stolen locomotive, The General, abducted by Northern spies. Through persistence, daring stunts, and ingenuity, he manages to reclaim both his engine and the affection of his beloved Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the greatest comedies in film history.
Version:New musical score for piano, MIDI vibraphone, and large percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:

Norbert Krämer – MIDI vibraphone, percussion

Wilfried Kaets – Grand piano

Joachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technology

More Informations about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "Destiny"
2014-09-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Klosterkirche Saarn, Klosterstraße 53, Mülheim an der Ruhr, 45481, Deutschland
Sunday, 14 September 20148:00 PMKlosterkirche Saarn (Mülheim/Ruhr)

Info
General:
Germany 1921Director: Fritz LangScreenplay: Fritz Lang, Thea von HarbouDuration: 93 minutes
In brief:A mood of romance and quiet resignation pervades this novella-like film, in which Death, weary of his eternal duty, longs to be “defeated” by a young woman. Equally compelling is the central storyline set in a quaint and labyrinthine German town, featuring a mix of romantic and at times quirky characters, as well as the hauntingly majestic Hall of Life’s Flames — a place where the fate of lives is held in suspense.
Version:New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for organ, marimba, and percussion.
Performers:Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – Marimba, percussion, live electronicsJoachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technology
Additional Info:This performance features a rare historical silent film print with hand-calligraphed intertitles, shown in reduced original speed on the big screen.
More Informations about: “Destiny”

Silent Film Concert "Algol"
2014-09-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Saturday, 27 September 20148:00 PM“Black Box” Cinema at the Düsseldorf Film Museum

Info

General:
Germany 1920Director: Hans WerkmeisterCast: Emil Jannings, Ernst Hofman, Käthe Haack, Erna Morena, John Gottowt, among othersCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannDuration: approx. 93 minutes
The first German science fiction film featuring extraterrestrials
In brief:Robert Herne is a coal miner. One day, while working in the mine, he encounters an alien from the planet Algol. The being gives him the secret of the “Algol waves” and a machine capable of converting these cosmic waves into energy. Herne suddenly possesses an inexhaustible power source. Recognizing the opportunity of a lifetime, he uses the machine to supply energy to the entire world — rapidly gaining power and influence across the globe.
Musical Arrangement:New score by Wilfried Kaets for cinema organ, simultaneous piano, and sound playback.
The music is structurally inspired by the dramaturgical style of the silent film era, but is a modern composition. It reflects a sonic dialogue between 20th and 21st-century musical elements, aligning with the theme of “encountering the unknown.”

More Informations about: “Algol“

Silent Film Concert "Variety"
2015-05-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Variety

Saturday, 30 May 20158:00 PMDüsseldorf, State Film Institute – Kino Black Box
General:
Germany 1925Director: Ewald André DupontApprox. 102 minutesRestored version with German intertitles
In brief:In the prison yard, the inmates march in monotonous circles. Suddenly, prisoner No. 28 — known as Boß — is called in to see the warden. Boß’s wife, who still waits for him with their child, has submitted a plea for clemency. Boß has served ten years for murder, without ever revealing his motive. Now, he hesitantly begins to speak. Once a famous trapeze artist, an accident ended his career. Down on his luck, he scraped by with his wife and child, running a carnival booth in St. Pauli. One day, sailors bring him a young, beautiful dancer. She starts performing at his booth — and Boß falls in love with her, eventually leaving his family for her.
Musical Arrangement:New score for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets
The new score by the experienced silent film composer and pianist Wilfried Kaets (Cologne) lends the silent images a vivid new life — musically independent yet closely attuned to the film’s structure.
About the film:VARIETÉ stunned audiences (it was one of UFA’s most successful export titles) with visuals and spectacular camera angles never seen before. – Murnau Society Bielefeld

More Informations about: “Variety“

Silent Film Concert "I don't want to be a Man"
2015-06-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Gasometer Oberhausen, Arenastraße 11, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 46047, Deutschland
Tuesday, 23 June 20158:00 PMGasometer Oberhausen
Info

General:
Germany 1918Director: Ernst Lubitsch
In brief:
Ossi, a spirited young woman with little regard for ladylike behavior, feels stifled by her governess and her strict tutor, Dr. Kersten. In order to enjoy all the privileges typically reserved for men, she dons an elegant men’s outfit. The plan seems to work — but soon, Ossi falls in love with Dr. Kersten and decides that perhaps she no longer wants to be a man after all…
Musical Arrangement:New score for piano and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Wilfried Kaets – PianoNorbert Krämer – Percussion

More Informations about: “I don’t want to be a Man“

Silent Film Concert "People on Sunday"
2015-08-01 21:30 - 23:00 | Filmfestival Wien, Rathausplatz Wien, Wien, 1010 Wien, Österreich
Saturday, August 1, 20159:30 PMOpen-Air Film Festival, Vienna
Info:
General:
Germany 1930Duration: approx. 74 minutesDirectors: Curt Siodmak, Robert Siodmak, Edgar G. Ulmer, Fred ZinnemannScreenplay: Billy Wilder, Curt and Robert SiodmakProduction: Edgar G. UlmerCinematography: Eugen Schüfftan, Fred Zinnemann
Content:
A semi-documentary collage of dramatic scenes and social reportage; through its visual realism and depiction of social reality, it is one of the outstanding works of German silent film avant-garde. The precise and authentic observations from the working-class milieu, emblematic of the societal developments of the late 1920s, have the character of a historical document. The film’s staging style, which derives its episodes from the ambiance of the original locations and the spontaneous self-representation of its amateur actors, influenced the poetic realism in 1930s France and helped shape the Italian neorealism movement. The members of the collective of filmmakers later emigrated to the USA.
Menschen am Sonntag was shot by young filmmakers in 1929 and 1930 in Berlin and its surroundings. The film premiered in Berlin in February 1930. It is one of the most important representatives of the “Neue Sachlichkeit” (New Objectivity) in film.
Musical Version:
New music for piano by Wilfried Kaets
About the Film:
Menschen am Sonntag was filmed by young filmmakers in 1929 and 1930 in Berlin and its surroundings. It premiered in Berlin in February 1930 and is regarded as one of the key works of the New Objectivity movement in film.
More Informations on: “People on Sunday“

Silent Film Concert "La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc"
2015-08-13 22:00 - 23:30 | Abtei Brauweiler, Abteikirche, Eberbach, Baden-Würtenberg, 69412 Eberbach, Deutschland
Sunday, August 13, 201510:00 PMAbtei Brauweiler, Abbey Church
Info
General:
Released: France 1927Duration: approx. 84 minutesDirector: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Content:
The last days of Joan of Arc: her interrogation, condemnation, and death by burning at the stake. This film, however, is not so much an epic narrative (certainly not an action film), but rather “radical montage cinema” of the late silent film era.
Version:
With a new music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for voice and organ
Performers:
Aron Proujanski – VoiceWilfried Kaets – Organ
Overall Direction:
Wilfried Kaets
More Information about:” La passion de Jeanne d’Arc“

Silent Film Concert "The Four Devils"
2015-09-30 20:00 - 21:00 | Universität Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 50923, Deutschland
Wednesday, September 30, 20157:30 PMAula 1, University of Cologne
Info
General:
Denmark 1912Directors: Robert Dinesen, Carl RosenbaumRestored VersionDuration: approx. 40 minutesCinematography: Alfred Lind
Brief Overview:
A love story set in the circus world.
The Four Devils is one of the major international successes of early Danish silent cinema, based on a novella by Herman Bang. The story follows an elderly clown who takes in four children to protect them from a brutal circus owner. He trains them to become successful trapeze artists, who come to be known as the “Four Devils.”
Musical Version:
New cine-historical music arrangement for piano by Wilfried Kaets
More Informations about: “The Four Devils“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2016-03-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Royal Opera House Muscat, Royal Opera House, Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat 103, Maskat, Schati al-Qurm, 103 Oman, Oman
Thursday, March 3, 20167:30 PMRoyal Opera House Muscat / Oman

Info
General:
USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanCast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle Leeand others.
Duration: approx. 80 minutes
Content:
The General is a 1926 action-comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. Set during the American Civil War, the film is based on the historically documented Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862. The locomotive engineer Johnny Gray embarks on a daring solo mission to retrieve his stolen locomotive, General, which was taken by Union spies. With persistence, daring maneuvers, and inventive tricks, he manages to reclaim both his train and the love of his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee. The General is regarded as one of the greatest comedies in film history.
Version:
New music arrangement for piano, MIDI vibraphone, and large percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:
Norbert Krämer: MIDI Vibraphone, PercussionWilfried Kaets: Piano
Location:
The Royal Opera House Muscat is an opera house located in the Shatti al-Qurm district of Muscat, Oman.
It is the only opera house in the Gulf States.Address: Royal Opera House, Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat 103, OmanOpened: 2011
More Informations about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "Der letzte Mann"
2016-03-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Info
Saturday, March 19, 20168:00 PMRochus Church, Cologne-Bickendorf
General:
Released: Germany 1924Duration: approx. 90 minutesDirector: Friedrich Wilhelm MurnauScreenplay: Carl Mayer
Murnau’s film, which almost entirely does without intertitles, is considered a milestone in film history and the pinnacle of German silent cinema.
Historical 16mm cinema version in historically correct speed and original format on the big screen.
Content:
The Last Laugh is the story of a personal tragedy: an aging hotel porter loses his identity and prestige when he is stripped of his uniform, and he is then mercilessly humiliated by society.
Version:
New music version by Wilfried Kaets for organ, large percussion, and MIDI vibraphone.
Performers:
Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – Percussion and MIDI VibraphoneJoachim Steinigeweg – Film Projection
More Information about “The Last Laugh“

Silent Film Concert "Der Unüberwindliche"
2016-04-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Saturday, April 30, 20168:00 PMBlack Box, Film Museum Düsseldorf
Info
General:
Germany 1928Director: Max ObalApprox. 100 min.Cinematography: Guido SeeberSpecial Effects: Oskar Fischinger
Brief Overview:
A fast-paced action spectacle set in the world of performers: the world-famous escapologist Silvio Spaventa is suspected of stealing valuable diamonds. However, when the criminal gang kidnaps his fiancée, the dancer Rina Pera, he is forced to not only flee from the police but also prove his innocence and rescue his beloved. He receives help from a charming girl dance troupe…
Musical Version:
New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for cinema organ and simultaneous piano.
About the Film:
For its time, the film features extremely spectacular and daring stunts, spiced with action, a touch of sex & crime… creating a classic “superhero action cinema” of the late silent film era!

More Informations about: “Der Unüberwindliche“

Silent Film Concert "Mr.West"
2016-11-04 20:00 - 21:30 | NRW
Friday, November 4, 20168:00 PM (YEKT – Yekaterinburg Time Zone)Perm (on the Ural) – Russia
Info
Information:
Just as Mr. West experienced adventures in the distant culture of the Bolsheviks, Kaets too experienced adventures in a new culture in the land of the Russians.
General:
Director: Lev KuleshovScreenplay: N. AseevCinematography: A. LevickijCast: Porfirij Podobed, Vsevolod Pudovkin, Aleksandra Chochlova, B. Barnet
1924, B/WDuration: approx. 85 min.
Full Title: The Strange Adventures of Mr. West in the Land of the Bolsheviks (Neobycajnye prikljucenija mistera Vesta v strane bol’ševikov)
Brief Overview:
Mr. West, a nice and harmless Yankee, travels to the land of young Russia: an unknown territory full of evil surprises and wild men pretending to be Bolsheviks. The American businessman West is horrified: he is robbed in Moscow, and a mysterious Mr. Shban offers him help.
Musical Version:
New music version for organ by Wilfried Kaets
Location:
Lenina, 51B, Perm 614000, Russia
More Informations about: “Mr.West“

Silent Film Concert "Der General"
2016-11-09 20:00 - 21:30 | evg. Kilianskirche, Kilianstraße 5, Korbach, Hessen, 34379, Deutschland
Wed. 09.11.20167:30 PMProtestant Kilianskirche, Korbach
Info
Quick Overview
USA 1926
Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman
Cast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle Leeand others
Duration: approx. 80 minutes
Synopsis:
The General is a 1926 action-comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. Set during the American Civil War, it is based on the historically documented Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862. Train engineer Johnny Gray single-handedly pursues his locomotive, “The General,” after it is stolen by Union spies. Through persistence, daring maneuvers, and ingenuity, he manages to reclaim both his train and the affection of his beloved Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the greatest comedies in film history.
Version:
New musical score for concert organ by Wilfried Kaets
Performer:Wilfried Kaets on the Kuhn organ
Venue:Evangelic ChurchKilianstraße 534497 Korbach
More Informations about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "The Monster of Fate"
2016-11-26 20:00 - 21:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 26.11.20168:00 PMBlack Box, Film Museum Düsseldorf
Info
General:
Germany 1920Directors: Paul Wegener, Carl BoeseScreenplay: Paul Wegener, Henrik GaleenProduction: Projektions-AG Union (Paul Davidson)Cinematography: Karl Freund
In brief:
The film is based on the legendary tales surrounding the Prague Rabbi Judah Loew and tells the Jewish legend of the Golem:
The Prague ghetto in the 16th century. When Rabbi Loew reads in the stars that misfortune threatens the Jewish community, he creates, according to an ancient legend, a powerful clay figure—the Golem—and brings it to life using magical powers. The Golem saves the emperor’s life, and the emperor consequently revokes his decree to expel the Jews from the city. With this, the Golem has fulfilled his purpose. However, when Loew’s assistant uses the Golem to attack a rival, the creature goes berserk and sets the city ablaze. Outside the city walls, he finally encounters a small girl…
Musical score:
A new musical arrangement for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets
Further information about the film: “The Monster of Fate“
