The Last Laugh
[silent film, F.W. Murnau (1924)]
live-music: turning pages [2008] by IzP
duration: 85'
(first performed: june 4th 2008, Essen / Germany)
FILM:
The old doorman of the Hotel Atlantic owes his self-esteem and
recognition to his magnificent uniform. One day, however, the manager
demotes the elderly man to restroom attendant. Since the doorman dares
not to make such a descent from his milieu, he steals his doorman
uniform so that he may keep up appearances. Nevertheless, his efforts
are unsuccessful, and his life becomes unbearable.
MUSIC:
A dull, dark, drum-computer Moloch comes back incessantly. A
Tantalus-like gesture, like the one comprised by the bass ostinato in
the Crucifixus of Bach’s B Minor Mass — namely, the inevitable descent
into the grave — crushes the protagonists, their vitality ebbing away
with each attack.
Music for amplified accordion, fretless electric bass (as cello
simulator), live electronics, drum computer, keyboards, kalimba, and
prerecorded sound.
By clicking on this link you are leaving our website and youtube will be opened in a new window of your web browser. Then your IP number is transmitted to youtube. For further information please visit our privacy data statement.
[translated by Eric Flesher / USA]
