On September 6, 1925, the first version of this film based on the book written by Gaston Leroux premiered in New York.
Reason enough for the ensemble Elixir d’Anvers to delve into its archives, conduct the necessary research, and scour the internet in search of editions or manuscripts of the original score. An excellent film with a live orchestra that makes an unconventional musical choice from its extensive Art Deco repertoire, interspersed with fragments from the original score and occasional surprising musical twists.
Where the music of silent films was more the interpretation of a certain atmosphere, Elixir d'Anvers places the chosen music as much as possible in direct relation with the images of the film. This close interaction between image and sound gives the film a whole new dimension.
Central to the film is the Bourrée Fantasque by Emmanuel Chabrier. A piano work orchestrated in 1924 for small ensemble by Jacques Enoch. Music that closely matches the atmosphere of this film: restless, frantic, and at times unpredictable.
Meet the protoganists !
Premiere: Sunday, February 16, 2025, 11:00 AM, Schouwburg Noord Antwerp-Merksem