Stummfilm-Live

Silent Film Concert "Destiny"
2017-03-27 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Kirche St.Martin, Bachstr. 2, Rheinbach, 53359, Deutschland
Monday, March 27, 20178:00 PMSt. Martin Church, Rheinbach

Info
Overview:
Germany 1921Director: R. F. LangScreenplay: Fritz Lang, Thea von HarbouDuration: 93 minutes
Content:
Romantic mood and resignation characterize this novella-like film, in which Death has grown weary of his duty and almost longs to be “defeated” by the young girl. Equally impressive is the entire “main plot”: the scene in the romantically winding German town with its sometimes eccentric characters, and the scene in the majestically gloomy hall of the lights of life.
Version:
New musical version for concert organ and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:
Wilfried Kaets – OrganNorbert Krämer – PercussionJoachim Steinigeweg – Silent film technology
Information:
A valuable historical silent film copy with hand-calligraphed intertitles will be presented in reduced original speed on a large screen.
Location:
St. Martin ChurchBachstr. 253359 Rheinbach
More Informations about: Destiny

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2017-04-05 20:00 - 21:30 | Historisches Stadthalle Wuppertal, Johannisberg 40, Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 42103, Deutschland
Wed. 05.04.20178:00 PMHistorical Stadthalle Wuppertal

Info
Overview:
USA 1926Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman
Cast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle Leeand others.
Duration: approx. 80 minutes
Plot:
“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 train engineer Johnnie Gray embarks on a solitary pursuit to rescue his stolen locomotive, General, from Northern spies. With perseverance, daring maneuvers, and ingenuity, he manages to reclaim both his machine and the affections of his beloved Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the most significant comedies in film history.
Music Arrangement:
New musical arrangement for organ, midi vibraphone, and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Norbert Krämer: Midi vibraphone, percussionWilfried Kaets: Organ
Directions:
Historic Stadthalle WuppertalJohannisberg 4042103 Wuppertal
More Informations about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "Mother"
2017-07-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Filmforum im Museum Ludwig, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln, NRW, 50667, Deutschland
Fri. 14.07.20178:00 PMFilmforum Cologne at the Museum Ludwig
Info
Short Synopsis:
USSR 1926Director: Wsevolod PudovkinDuration: approx. 90 minutes
In Brief:
The film depicts a working-class family in St. Petersburg during the revolutionary year of 1905. There are family tensions between the alcohol-dependent father and his son, Wlassow, as they are politically on opposing sides. Son Pawel hides firearms in the house and prepares a strike within the workers’ movement, while the father is against the revolutionaries.
Music Arrangement:
New musical arrangement for piano by Wilfried Kaets
More Information about the Film: “Mother“

Silent Film Concert "Easy Virtue"
2017-09-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Info:
Sat. 30.09.20178:00 PMCinema “Black Box” at the Film Museum Düsseldorf
Short Synopsis:
UK 1928Director: Alfred HitchcockCast: Isabel Jeans (Larita Filton), Robin Irvine (John Whittaker), Violet Farebrother (Whittaker’s mother), and others.Duration: approx. 70 minutes.
In Brief:
Larita Filton, an attractive woman, is in court for the divorce from her husband, Aubrey Filton, a man described as prone to drinking and violent behavior. Her life is told in flashbacks.
Music Arrangement:
New musical arrangement for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets.
More Informations about: “Easy Virtue“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2017-11-08 20:00 - 22:30 | evg. Kilianskirche, Kilianstraße 5, Korbach, Hessen, 34379, Deutschland
Wed. 08.11.20177.30 pmevg. Kilianskirche Korbach

Info
General:
Germany 1927Directed by: Fritz LangScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz LangCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannEditing: Fritz LangDuration: approx. 140 minutes
Brief Overview:
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 below ground, the workers toil. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the worker leader, Maria.
Musical Score:New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for piano, large percussion ensemble, live electronics, and sound effects
Performers:Ralf Kurley and Norbert Krämer – Percussion, live electronicsWilfried Kaets – Piano, live electronics, sound effects
Overall Direction:Wilfried Kaets
Organizer:Evangelische KilianskircheKilianstr. 534497 Korbach
More information about the film:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "Love's Crucible"
2018-04-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sa. 28.04.2018
8 pm
Cinema Black Box
Info:
General:
Sweden 1922Directed by: Victor SjöströmScreenplay: Hjalmar Bergman & Victor SjöströmCinematography: Julius JaenzonSwedish intertitles (the German translation will be spoken live)Duration: approx. 93 minutes
Brief Overview:
In a Renaissance city, Ursula is trapped in a loveless marriage with the sculptor Master Anton. She, however, loves the young neighbor’s son, Bertram. When the relationship becomes known, Ursula buys poison for herself and her lover from a monk, but the monk switches the poison. When Anton catches Ursula attempting to take the supposed poison, he suffers a heart attack and dies. Ursula herself is now suspected of murder…
Musical Score:New musical score for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets.
The musical score is structurally based on the film music dramaturgy of the silent film era, using some themes from 1920s film libraries, but it is a new composition. This is true both in terms of the sound colors of the historical organ and piano as well as the actual musical notation, which presents a contemporary composer’s approach. This results in an exciting balance of “old images and new sounds,” which do not run contrapuntally alongside or even “against” the film, but instead create a dramaturgically cohesive connection.
More information about the film: “Love’s Crucible“

Silent Film Concert "All Quiet on the Western Front"
2018-04-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Info:
Saturday, 28.04.20188:00 PMKino Black Box
General:
Original Title: All Quiet on the Western FrontUSA 1930Directed by: Lewis MilestoneScreenplay: Maxwell Anderson, based on the novel by Erich Maria RemarqueCinematography: Arthur EdesonDuration: approx. 140 minutes
Brief Overview:
“On the front, you’re either dead or alive, that’s all.” All Quiet on the Western Front tells the story of the young student Paul, who enlists to fight for Germany during World War I. His teacher encourages not only him but also the entire senior class to sign up for military service. After a short time, the initial enthusiasm for fighting for the Fatherland fades, and the young soldiers long only to return home. On a home leave, Paul visits his family and realizes that he has nothing in common with them or his old teacher anymore. Back at the front, he encounters even younger soldiers, sent into battle as cannon fodder…
Musical Score:Kaets makes use of the unique sonic capabilities of the “giant instrument” organ in a variety of ways, complementing and contrasting it with percussion and sound effects. With this, he composes a contemporary film score that respectfully allows the old, immensely powerful, and still influential images to breathe new life while still honoring their historical context.
More Informations about: “All Quiet on the Western Front“

Silent Film Concert "The lost World"
2018-09-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Friday, 14.09.20188:00 PMBlack BoxFilmmuseum Düsseldorf
Info
General:
USA 1925Directed by: Harry O. Hoyt
Cast:Bessie Love: Paula WhiteLewis Stone: Sir John RoxtonWallace Beery: Prof. ChallengerLloyd Hughes: Ed Maloneand others.
Duration: approx. 104 minutes
Brief Overview:
Professor Challenger is ridiculed for his claim that a “lost world” with prehistoric creatures exists on a remote plateau in South America. In response, he organizes an expedition, with his companions including reporter E. Malone, Challenger’s critic Professor Summerlee, Paula White (whose father went missing on the plateau), and Sir John Roxton, a hunter and explorer. After a strenuous journey, they reach the mountain, followed by a difficult climb. Once on the plateau, they see the dinosaurs, but a brontosaurus makes the return trip impossible. Soon, a carnivorous Allosaurus appears, but it is driven away. The focus then shifts to the search for Paula’s father, while studies of ancient life also take place. After the expedition discovers the remains of Paula’s lost father, a volcanic eruption shakes the prehistoric world…
Musical Score:
New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for cinema organ and simultaneous piano
More information about the film: “The Lost World”

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2018-09-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Trier SWT Buszentrum, Ostallee 7 - 13, Trier, Rheinland-Pfalz, 54290, Deutschland
Info
Sa. 22.09.20188pmTrier SWT Buscentre

General
Germany 1927Directed by: Fritz LangScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz LangCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannEditing: Fritz LangDuration: approx. 140 minutes
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 the workers toil underground. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the worker leader, Maria.
(Music) Version
Newly restored version by the Murnau Foundation from 2010
New musical score for piano and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers
Ralf Kurley and Norbert Krämer – PercussionWilfried Kaets – Piano
Overall Direction
Wilfried Kaets
More Informations about:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2018-10-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Evangelische Stadtkirche Remscheid, Schulgasse 1, Remscheid, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 42853, Deutschland
Info

Friday, 12.10.20188:00 PMProtestant Church Remscheid
Overview

USA 1926

Directed by: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman

Cast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle Leeand others.

Duration: approx. 80 minutes.
Plot
The General is an action-comedy film from 1926, written, directed, 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 train engineer Johnnie Gray embarks on a lonely pursuit of his locomotive, “The General,” which has been stolen by Union spies. Through perseverance, daring maneuvers, and inventive thinking, he manages to reclaim both his train and the affections of his beloved Annabelle Lee. The General is considered one of the most significant comedies in film history.
Version:New musical score for organ and percussion by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Norbert Krämer: Midi-vibraphone, percussionWilfried Kaets: Organ

More information about the film:“Der General“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2018-11-07 20:00 - 22:30 | Ev.-luth. Kirche Vechta, Franziskanerplatz, Vechta, 49377
Wed. 07.11.20188 pmEvangelical Lutheran Monastery Church

Info
Brief Overview
Germany 1927Director: 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 powerful visuals with a love story about the reconciliation of labor and capital:High above the city rules Joh Fredersen, while underground the workers toil. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the workers’ leader, Maria.
Music Arrangement
New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for grand piano, double large percussion, live electronics, and playback tracks
Performers
Ralf Kurley and Norbert Krämer – Percussion, Live ElectronicsWilfried Kaets – Grand Piano, Live Electronics, Playback Tracks
Artistic Director
Wilfried Kaets
More Informations about:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"
2019-01-08 20:00 - 21:30 | Bottrop Kirche “Heilig Kreuz”, Scharnhölzstr. 37, Bottrop, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 46236, Deutschland
Info:
Tu. 08.01.20188pmBlack Box
Short and Sweet
Germany 1919Register: Robert WieneScript: Carl MayerBuildings: Walter Röhrig, Walter Reimann, Hermann Warm
Actors:Werner Krauß – CaligariConradt Veidt – CesareLil Dagover – Janeand many more… ca. 65min
Action:
One of the absolute film classics of German production. Caligari established the international fame of German cinematic Expressionism.
Brief Synopsis: The inner story of this expressionist silent film classic tells the tale of the mad Dr. Caligari, who, with the help of a somnambulist (sleepwalker) named Cesare, spreads fear and terror in a city. During the day, Caligari exhibits Cesare, who suffers from a strange, trance-like illness, at a carnival. However, at night, under Caligari’s hypnotic influence, Cesare commits crimes…
The most famous film from 1919, and one of the absolute film classics of German production in general. Caligari established the international fame of German cinematic Expressionism.
Musical Score
Historical 16mm cinema version on a large screen at the correct reduced silent film speed.
Music version for cinema organ and simultaneous piano, plus large percussion and live electronics.”
Let me know if you need any more translations or adjustments!
Performers
Wilfried Kaets – Cinema organ, simultaneous piano, and sound effects Norbert Krämer – Percussion, live electronics”

More Information about: “The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari”

Silent Film Concert "The Cameraman"
2019-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Konzerthaus Solingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 71, Solingen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 42651
Info

Sat. 26.05.20196:00 PMConcert Hall Solingen
Short and Sweet
Released: USA 1928Duration: approx. 72 minutesDirector: Edward SedgwickCast: Buster Keaton, Marceline Day, and more
Action:
The clumsy street photographer Buster (Buster Keaton) is plagued by bad luck. When he meets the beautiful Sally (Marceline Day), he immediately falls hopelessly in love. Sally works as a secretary for the MGM newsreel. In order to win her heart and be near her, Luke gets a job as a cameraman for the MGM newsreel but delivers nothing but disastrous results. Sally then suggests he film the New Year’s celebration in Chinatown:
And indeed, a wild shootout between mafia gangs of the Chinese Triads ensues… Comedy legend “Stoneface” Buster Keaton once again delights in one of his last silent films with brilliant sequences, an action-packed, turbulent storyline, and, of course, a touching love story!
Musical Score:
New musical score for solo piano by Wilfried Kaets

More Informations about:”The Cameraman“

Stummfilmkonzert "Nosferatu"
2019-10-30 20:00 - 21:30 | Bios Inn, Rochusstr. 141a, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 50827, Deutschland
Wed. 30.10.20198:00 PMConcert Hall BiOs Inn – Rochusstr. 141a – 50827 Cologne
Info
Short and Sweet
Germany 1921Director: F.W. MurnauDuration: approx. 84 minRecommended for ages 12 and up
Historical Cinema Version
The performance features a valuable historical 16mm film print from the collection of the German Federal Archive
Silent film classic based on the Gothic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
Action:
Count Orlok contacts the real estate agent Knock to purchase a house in Wisborg. Knock sends his secretary, Hutter, to Transylvania to finalize the deal with the Count. Hutter’s wife, Ellen, has a premonition of doom before his departure.
After a long journey, Hutter arrives at the strange Count’s castle. Upon waking the next morning, Hutter discovers strange bite marks on his neck but has no idea of the terror he is facing. While signing the contract, the Count spots a portrait of Ellen and notices her beautiful neck.
The next day, Hutter explores the castle and finds Orlok sleeping in a coffin. After witnessing the eerie departure of the Count in the evening, Hutter hastily leaves the castle, fearing for his wife.
A race against time begins…
Musical Score:
New musical score for piano, simultaneous harpsichord, gongs, percussion, and live electronics by Wilfried Kaets
Performers:Norbert Krämer – Percussion, Gongs, Live ElectronicsWilfried Kaets – Piano and Harpsichord
Silent Film Technique: Joachim Steinigeweg

More Informations about: “Nosferatu“

Silent Film Concert "The Monster of Fate"
2019-11-13 20:00 - 21:30 | Ev.-luth. Kirche Vechta, Franziskanerplatz, Vechta, 49377
Info
Wed. 13.11.20198:00 PMEvangelical Lutheran Monastery Church, Vechta
Short and Sweet
Germany 1920Director: Paul Wegener, Carl BosseScreenplay: Paul Wegener, Henrik GaleenProduction: Projektions-AG Union (Paul Davidson)Cinematography: Karl Freund
Action:
The film is based on the legend surrounding the Prague Rabbi Judah Löw and tells the Jewish tale of the Golem:
In the 16th century, in the Prague ghetto, Rabbi Löw reads in the stars that disaster is looming for the Jewish community. He creates a powerful clay figure, the Golem, based on an ancient legend, and breathes life into it with magical powers. The Golem saves the emperor’s life, and the emperor revokes his decree to expel the Jews from the city. The Golem has essentially fulfilled its purpose, but when Löw’s assistant uses it to combat a rival, the Golem goes on a rampage, setting the city on fire. Outside the city walls, it eventually encounters a small girl…
Musical Score:
New musical score for organ, large percussion, and live electronics by Wilfried Kaets
More Informations about: “The Monster of Fate“

Silent Film Concert "The Cameraman"
2019-11-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Ev.-luth. Kirche Vechta, Franziskanerplatz, Vechta, 49377
Wed. 13.11.20198:00 PMEvangelical Lutheran Monastery Church Vechta
Info
General
Released: USA 1928
Duration: ca. 72 min
Register: Edward Sedgwick
Actors: Buster Keaton, Marceline Day u.a.
About
The clumsy street photographer Buster (Buster Keaton) is plagued by bad luck. When he meets the beautiful Sally (Marceline Day), he instantly falls hopelessly head over heels in love. Sally works as a secretary for the MGM newsreel. To win her heart and be near her, Buster takes a job as a cameraman for the MGM newsreel—but only manages to deliver disastrous footage. Sally then gives him a tip to film the New Year’s celebration in Chinatown:
And indeed, a wild shootout breaks out between mafia gangs of the Chinese Triads… Comedy legend “Stoneface” Buster Keaton once again delights in one of his final silent films, with brilliant sequences, an action-packed, chaotic storyline, and of course, a touching love story!
Musical Score
New musical score for cinema organ and simultaneous piano by Wilfried Kaets.
More Informations about :”The Cameraman“

Silent Film Concert "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"
2020-02-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 29.02.2020 8:00 PM Filmmuseum Düsseldorf
Info
Germany 1919Register: Robert WieneScript: Carl MayerBuildings: Walter Röhrig, Walter Reimann, Hermann Warm
Actors:Werner Krauß – CaligariConradt Veidt – CesareLil Dagover – Janeand many more… ca. 65min
Action:
One of the absolute film classics of German production. Caligari established the international fame of German cinematic Expressionism.
Brief Synopsis: The inner story of this expressionist silent film classic tells the tale of the mad Dr. Caligari, who, with the help of a somnambulist (sleepwalker) named Cesare, spreads fear and terror in a city. During the day, Caligari exhibits Cesare, who suffers from a strange, trance-like illness, at a carnival. However, at night, under Caligari’s hypnotic influence, Cesare commits crimes…
The most famous film from 1919, and one of the absolute film classics of German production in general. Caligari established the international fame of German cinematic Expressionism.
Musical Score
Historical 16mm cinema version on a large screen at the correct reduced silent film speed.
Music version for cinema organ and simultaneous piano, plus large percussion and live electronics.”
Let me know if you need any more translations or adjustments!
Performers
Wilfried Kaets – Cinema organ, simultaneous piano, and sound effects Norbert Krämer – Percussion, live electronics”

More Information about: “The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari“

Silent Film Concert "Buster Keatons College"
2020-03-21 20:00 - 21:30 | Filmforum im Museum Ludwig, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln, NRW, 50667, Deutschland
College

Sun. 21.03.20208:00 PMCultural Center “Film Forum at Museum Ludwig, Cologne”
Info

Short and Sweet
USA 1927Director: James W. HorneCast: Buster Keaton, Anne Cornwall, Flora Bramley, and moreScreenplay: Bryan FoyCinematography: Bert HainesDuration: approx. 63 min
Buster Keaton’s CollegeGerman Titles: Der Musterschüler // Sport ist Mord
Action:
Buster Keaton stars as an eager—but hopelessly unathletic—model student who suddenly has to prove unexpected athletic skills at a sports-obsessed university, all to rescue his beloved from the clutches of a villain.
The most action-packed and hilarious sports comedy of the silent film era!
Musical Score:
New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for solo piano
PerformerWilfried Kaets – Piano
Getting There:Cultural Center “Film Forum at Museum Ludwig, Cologne”Bischofsgartenstr. 150667 Cologne
More Informations about: “Buster Keaton´s College“

Stummfilmkonzert "The Lodger"
2020-09-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Filmforum im Museum Ludwig, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln, NRW, 50667, Deutschland
Info
Sat. 12.09.20208:00 PMFilm Forum at Museum Ludwig, Cologne
Short and Sweet
GB 1926Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: Marie Ault, Arthur Chesney, Ivor Novello, and more
Cinematography: Karl Freund, Walter Ruttmann
Duration: approx. 85 min
The Lodger – A Story of the London FogGerman Title: Der Mieter
Action:
The film is based on the novel about the London serial killer “Jack the Ripper” by Marie Belloc Lowndes.
A psychopathic murderer is terrorizing London: every Tuesday, he chooses a blonde-haired victim, and each time, the police find a small note on the body, signed by the murderer as “The Avenger.” The London police discover the seventh blonde woman to have fallen victim to the “Avenger.” At the same time, a mysterious man moves in as a lodger with a family. He shows a particular interest in Daisy, the young blonde daughter of his landlords. Another murder occurs nearby; the hunt for the murderer begins…
Musical Score:
Musical score for piano and sound recordings by Wilfried Kaets.
The music is structurally based on the silent film music dramaturgy of the time, using themes from 1920s film music libraries, but is mostly a new composition. This creates a thrilling balance between “old images” and “new sounds,” which do not simply run counterpoint to or alongside the film but are woven together in a dramaturgically coherent manner.
Getting There:
Film Forum at Museum Ludwig, CologneBischofsgartenstr. 150667 Cologne

More Informations about: “The Lodger“

Silent Film Concert "The Indian Tomb"
2020-10-31 20:00 - 2020-11-01 00:00 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
The Indian Tomb
Sat. 31.10.20208:00 PMCinema Black BoxAt the Düsseldorf Film Museum
Short and Sweet
Germany 1921Director: Joe MayDuration: approx. 216 minScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang
Cast:Conrad Veidt, Mia May, Erna Morena, Bernhard Goetzke, Karl Platen, and many more
Part 1: “The Mission of the Yogi”Part 2: “The Tiger of Eschnapur”
Between the two films: Intermission with Indian snacks
Reservation strongly recommended due to COVID hygiene regulations!Phone: 0211-899-3715
Action
This spectacular and opulent epic film has everything a romantic or adventurer could desire: love, drama, jealousy, daring action in the Indian jungle (filmed near Berlin — and so spectacular at the time that even President Friedrich Ebert came to see), tiger enclosures (with people inside who definitely don’t belong there…), crocodiles attacking unfortunate servants, men ranging from suave to vengeful, and women from desperate to recklessly brave…
Musical Score
New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for simultaneous piano, cinema organ, Indian percussion (tam-tam, gongs, cymbals), and electronic soundscapes.The music serves as a homage to the contemporary musical styles of the silent film era.
It plays with elements of Indian music, not in authentic form, but as a reflection of the exoticized European view from the early 20th century. The score connects scenes and content along the film’s dramatic structure, but avoids simply mirroring the visuals, instead aiming to create a balance between old imagery and new music using modern compositional methods.
PerformersRaphaela Kaets – PercussionWilfried Kaets – Organ
Artistic DirectionWilfried Kaets
Getting ThereOrganizer: Cinema Black Boxat the Düsseldorf Film MuseumSchulstr. 440213 Düsseldorf
More Informations about:” The Indian Tomb“

Stummfilmkonzert "Der letzte Mann"
2020-11-08 20:00 | St. Margareta Kirche, Wilhermstr. 1, Wadersloh, 59329
Infos zum Film – kurz und knapp
Kurzüberblick
Erschienen: Deutschland 1924
Dauer: ca. 90 Minuten
Regie: Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau
Drehbuch: Carl Mayer
Murnaus Film, der fast gänzlich ohne Zwischentitel auskommt, gilt als Meilenstein der Filmgeschichte und Höhepunkt des deutschen Stummfilmkinos.
Historische 16mm Kinofassung in filmhistorisch korrekter Geschwindigkeit und originalem Format auf Großleinwand.
Inhalt
“Der letzte Mann” ist die Geschichte einer persönlichen Tragödie: Ein alternder Hotelportier verliert mit der Uniform seine identität und sein Prestige und daraufhin von der Gesellschaft gnadenlos gedemütigt.
Fassung
Neue Musikfassung von Wilfried Kaets für Orgel, großes Schlagwerk und Midivibraphon
Ausführende
Wilfried Kaets – Orgel
Norbert Krämer – Schlagwerk und Midivibraphon
Joachim Steinigeweg – Filmprojektion

Weitere Infos zum Film “Der letzte Mann“

Silent Film Concert "The Girl with the Hatbox"
2021-02-27 20:00 - 21:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 27.02.20218:00 PMFilm Museum Düsseldorf
Info
Short and Sweet :
Original Title: Девушка с коробкой / Dewuschka s korobkoiSoviet Union 1927Director: Boris Barnet
Duration: approx. 70 minutes
Action:
The young Natascha, who lives with her grandfather in a modest, almost impoverished hut near Moscow, is employed in Madame Irène’s hat shop during the time of the so-called New Economic Plan. This was when the Soviet leadership made small concessions to private initiatives and the private economy. Natascha’s boss and her husband have falsely informed the housing committee that Natascha has rented a room in their house. This little white lie allows Irène’s husband to finally have a room to himself, where he can laze around as he pleases. Fogeljew, who works for the state railway, has been in love with Natascha for a long time. However, she has set her sights on Ilja, the young, homeless student she met on a train journey…
About the Film:
“The Girl with the Hatbox” is one of the rare examples of a Soviet silent film comedy. The film, directed by Boris Barnet in the winter of 1926/1927, made lead actress Anna Stern, in the title role, the most famous female film star of late Soviet silent cinema. Even today, the film remains fresh and lively, cleverly incorporating elements of the “slapstick comedies” that were known at the time, especially from Hollywood, and were also popular in Russia.
Musical Score:
New music version by Wilfried Kaets for historical cinema organ and simultaneous piano.
Wilfried Kaets, with over 30 years of experience, is one of the most seasoned silent film accompanists in Germany. For “The Girl with the Hatbox”, he creates a kind of “cine-historical silent film music” using forms and sounds that, played on a Welte cinema organ and a simultaneously played piano, would have sounded as they might have in a cinema in 1927.
More Informations about: “The Girl with the Hatbox“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2021-03-06 20:00 - 22:30 | St. Antonius, Friesenstraße 81, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40545, Deutschland
Sat, March 6, 20218:00 PMChurch of St. Antonius

Info
General
Germany 1927Director: Fritz LangScreenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz LangCinematography: Karl Freund, Walter RuttmannEditing: Fritz LangDuration: approx. 140 min.
Action
Metropolis – the city of the future.Fritz Lang’s monumental science fiction film combines striking visuals with a love story centered around the reconciliation of 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.
Musical Score
Newly restored version by the Murnau Foundation (2010)New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for concert organ, live electronics, and large percussion
Performers
Norbert Krämer – MIDI vibraphone, live electronics, soundscapes, drums, timpani, gongs, various percussionWilfried Kaets – Organ, live electronics
Artistic Director
Wilfried Kaets
Getting There
Church of St. AntoniusFriesenstr. 8140545 Düsseldorf-Oberkassel
weitere Infos zum Film:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "Metropolis"
2021-03-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Sat, March 24, 20188:00 PMRochus Church, Cologne-Bickendorf

Info
Brief Overview
Germany 1927Director: 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 powerful visuals with a love story about the reconciliation of labor and capital:High above the city rules Joh Fredersen, while underground the workers toil. Fredersen’s son, Freder, falls in love with the workers’ leader, Maria.
Music Arrangement
New music arrangement by Wilfried Kaets for grand piano, double large percussion, live electronics, and playback tracks
Performers
Ralf Kurley and Norbert Krämer – Percussion, Live ElectronicsWilfried Kaets – Grand Piano, Live Electronics, Playback Tracks
Artistic Director
Wilfried Kaets
Information
Organizer: Rochus ChurchRochusstr. 10050287 Cologne
More Informations about:” Metropolis“

Silent Film Concert "GREED"
2022-04-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Rochuskirche, Rochusstraße 100, Köln, NRW, 50827, Deutschland
Sat, April 9, 20228:00 PMRochus Church
Info:

General:USA 1924 – Director: Erich von Stroheim – Duration: approx. 140 min.Screenplay: June Mathis and E. v. Stroheim, based on the novel McTeague by Frank NorrisCast: Zasu Pitts – Trina; Gibson Gowland – McTeague; Jean Hersholt – Marcus; and othersMusic: New arrangement for organ and live electronics by Wilfried KaetsBefore the concert: Introductory talk by film expert Joachim SteinigewegParticipants: Wilfried Kaets – Organ and Live Electronics; Joachim Steinigeweg – Talk and Silent Film Technology
About:Greed is a silent film classic from 1924 by Erich von Stroheim about the theme of human greed.It tells the story of a woman who, after winning the lottery, becomes obsessed with money, ruins her marriage, and loses her social environment.
Plot:McTeague, a simple man, works in a mine. He meets Trina, the fiancée of his friend Marcus, falls in love with her, and marries her.When Trina wins a large sum in the lottery, Marcus becomes overwhelmed with envy and believes he is entitled to a share of the money…
Music Arrangement:The music is designed in homage to the great silent film scores of the 1920s.It is intended to sound as it might have in 1924, with a typical cinema organist, and aims to present the audience with a unique sense of the era and emotional color.
Beginning of Holy Week:For decades, Rochus Church has been a place where experimental happenings have found a forum and received support.In the series “Concerts for the Beginning of Holy Week,” multimedia contemporary and experimental projects are regularly presented, seeking to approach the “drama of love and devotion” — also as a spiritual search beyond familiar paths.The silent film Greed explores the darker sides of human nature: rage, despair, and the futility of human action.It invites the audience to confront fundamental human questions and reflect on themes like guilt, the evil in people, and redemption.Rochus Church is the only known church in Germany equipped with a permanently installed professional cinema projector, including a soundproof booth in the gallery.Wilfried Kaets is one of the most experienced and longest-serving silent film musicians in Germany. He has composed and performed live music for more than 300 silent films, which he has presented worldwide.He was the first composer/performer since the silent film era to regularly present historical films with live music in churches, starting in the 1980s, thereby initiating the renaissance of this performance form in Germany.
Directions:Address:Rochus ChurchRochusstr. 10050827 Cologne
More Informations about: Greed

Stummfilmkonzert "Seven Chances"
2023-05-27 20:00 - 21:30 | Filmforum Kölner Philharmonie, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln
Filmforum der Kölner PhilharmonieBischofsgartenstr. 1

Infos zum Film- Kurz und Knapp

Kurzinhalt:
Der erfolglose Geschäftsmann Jimmie Shannon (B. Keaton) steht kurz vor dem Bankrott, als er erfährt, dass er von seinem verstorbenen Großvater sieben Millionen Dollar erbt -allerdings nur, wenn er bis 7 Uhr abends desselben Tages verheiratet ist ! Das ist eine Herausforderung für den notorisch schüchternen Jimmie….
Zur Musik:
Die Musik orientiert sich strukturell an den filmmusikdramaturgischen Zugängen der Stummfilmzeit, verwendet auch zum Teil Themen aus Kinotheken der zwanziger Jahre, ist aber in weitesten Teilen eine Neukomposition. Die Musik wird so klingen, wie es 1925 in einem Kino hätte sein können – sie soll die Qualitäten des Films eigengesetzlich, eng an der Vorlage ausgerichtet musikalisch zum Leben bringen, dem stummen Spiel akustisches Leben einhauchen.
Anfahrt:

Filmforum der Kölner PhilharmonieBischofsgartenstr. 1

Weitere Infos zum Film: Seven Chances

Silent Film Concert "The General"
2023-06-04 20:00 - 21:30 | evg. Johanneskirche Troisdorf, Viktoriastraße 1, Köln, 53480, Deutschland
About the Film:

So. 04.06.2320.00 Uhrevg. Johanneskirche Troisdorf

General
USA 1926
Directors: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman
Cast:Buster Keaton: Johnny GrayMarion Mack: Annabelle Leeand many more
Length: approx. 80 minutes
Action:
The General is an action-comedy filmed in 1926, directed 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. Train engineer Johnnie Gray single-handedly pursues his locomotive “The General,” which has been stolen by Union spies. With 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 most important comedies in film history.
Music:
New musical score by Wilfried Kaets for grand piano
More Informations about: “The General“

Silent Film Concert "GREED"
2023-09-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Black Box, Schulstraße 4, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40213, Deutschland
Sat. 23.09.20238:00 PMBlack Box
Info
General:
USA 1924 – Directed by: Erich von Stroheim – Length: approx. 140 min.
Screenplay: June Mathis and E.v. Stroheim based on the novel McTeague by Frank Norris
Cast: Zasu Pitts – Trina; Gibson Gowland – McTeague; Jean Hersholt – Marcus; and others.
Contributors: Wilfried Kaets – Piano; Jona Kaets – Page Turner
About the Film:
Greed is a silent film classic from 1924 directed by Erich von Stroheim, exploring the theme of human greed. It tells the story of a woman whose obsession with money after winning the lottery destroys her marriage and causes her to lose her social circle.
Plot:
McTeague, a simple man, works in a mine. He meets Trina, the fiancée of his friend Marcus, falls in love, and marries her. When Trina wins a large sum of money in the lottery, Marcus is overtaken by intense jealousy and believes he is entitled to part of the money…
Music Version:
The music version for Greed is quite special: this time it is not newly composed but performed using the original historical piano scores by film composer Leo A. Kempinski from 1924. These scores were discovered years ago, almost by accident, at a flea market in New York and made their way to Wilfried Kaets… Kaets spent months of detailed work practicing 158 pages of handwritten sheet music and will perform them live on the piano.
The adaptation process was complex due to the differences in the available sheet music compared to the film’s current condition. In many places, cuts or jumps had to be made, some of which had been altered by the original pianist who performed live during film screenings in 1924 due to film breaks.
Directions:
Address:
Cinema Black Boxat the Film Museum DüsseldorfSchulstr. 4
More Informations about: “Greed“

Silent Film Concert" Battleship Potemkin"
2023-10-21 20:00 - 21:30 | Filmforum Kölner Philharmonie, Bischofsgartenstraße 1, Köln
Sat. 21.10.23 8:00 PMFilm Forum of the Cologne PhilharmonieBischofsgartenstr. 1
Info:
General:
USSR 1925 – Directed by: Sergei Eisenstein – Length: approx. 70 min.
Screenplay: Nina Agadzhanova
Main Cast:

Vladimir Barsky – Commander Golikow

Ivan Bobrov – Young Sailor

Alexander Antonov – Grigori Vakulintchuk

New music version by Wilfried Kaets for piano, glass tubes, and sounds
Performance: Wilfried Kaets – Piano, Glass Harmonica, Sounds
Short and Sweet:
The plot is loosely based on the actual events of the Russian Revolution of 1905: the mutiny of the crew of the Russian warship Knjas Potjomkin Tawritscheski against their Tsarist officers. The battleship Potemkin had its world premiere on December 21, 1925, at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre as the official anniversary film to celebrate the 1905 Revolution. As a propaganda film, it was meant to evoke strong emotional reactions in line with Soviet mass ideologies. However, it goes far beyond simple propaganda in both form and content and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most influential and greatest films of all time.
Musical Score:

Eisenstein wanted each generation to compose its own music for his film. Over the decades, numerous different versions of music for the film have been created, the most famous of which is by Edmund Meisel in 1926, later adapted for orchestra by Mark-Andreas Schlingensiepen in 1985. Wilfried Kaets created an experimental score for piano, glass harmonica, and live electronics, which consciously positions itself as an independent “sound sculpture” alongside, on, and against the images. This approach aims to achieve both a dramaturgically cohesive integration of sequences and acts, as well as to create an active dialogue through counterpoint that complements the extraordinary montage of individual images into emotional content.

More Informations about: “Battleship Potemkin“

Silent Film Concert "Fräulein Else"
2023-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 | evg. Sophienkirche Wuppertal, Sophienstraße 3, Wuppertal, NRW, 42103
Sa. 05.11.23 17:00 Uhr
evg. Sophienkirche Wuppertal
Sophienstraße 3
Infos zum Film- Kurz und Knapp
Kurzinhalt:
D 1929 – Regie: Paul Czinner – Länge: ca. 90 min.
Drehbuch: Vorlage nach Arthur Schnitzler
Darsteller: Elisabeth Bergner – Fräulein Else Thalhof Albert Bassermann – Dr. Alfred Thalhof Albert Steinrück – Kunsthändler von Dorsday Adele Sandrock – Tante Emma
Neue Musikfassung von Wilfried Kaets für Orgel

Ausf.: Wilfried Kaets –Orgel

Kurz und knapp:
Fräulein Else ist ein berühmter deutscher Stummfilm von Paul Czinner nach der gleichnamigen Novelle von Arthur Schnitzler. Unter dessen Regie spielt Czinners spätere Ehefrau Elisabeth Bergner die Hauptrolle. Die gutbürgerliche Else Thalhof erhält von ihrer Mutter einen Brief, in dem steht, dass ihr Vater sich wegen Börsenspekulationen in großen Geldnöten befindet und Else bittet, den reichen Kunsthändler Dorsday um ein Darlehen zu ersuchen. Dorsday ist bereit, der Familie zu helfen, unterder Bedingung, dass er Else nackt sehen will….
Musikfassung:
Die Musikfassung von Wilfried Kaets für Orgel solo (Alternativversion für Flügel) spürt diesem Geist der spätbürgerlichen, zuweilen ins schwülstige gleitenden und dabei dennoch „leisen“ Athmosphäre nach, indem sie zwar neue Melodien, Harmonien und Klänge verwendet, dieser aber sowohl dem Geist der ausgehenden Stummfilmzeit Ende der 1920er Jahre als auch der Stimmung in der literarischen Vorlage des Schriftstellers Arthur Schnitzler nachspürt. Dadurch gelingt eine spannende Balance „alter Bilder“ und „neuer Töne“, die aber nicht einfach kontrapunktisch neben oder gegen den Film laufen, sondern eine dramaturgisch stimmige Verzahnung ganz im Sinne historischer Stummfilmmusikpraxis erzeugen.

Weiterc Infos zum Film: “Fräulein Else“
