Maribor, Slovenia: METROPOLIS (1927) with Robert Israel

[silentfilm]

http://www.maribor2012.eu/en/nc/project/prikaz/113659/
A digitally restored copy of Fritz Lang's silent film classic Metropolis, one of the greatest masterpieces in film history, will be shown within the European Capital of Culture framework. The copy includes recently discovered parts, which had been lost for decades. A timeless dystopian tale examining the search for humanity and the rising of downtrodden people seems no less revolutionary and magnificent nowadays than it at the time of its release in 1927. Fritz Lang spent some time in Ljutomer during World War I, where he was recuperating from an injury at the house of Karl Grossman, a pioneering Slovene filmmaker who made the first Slovenian film record. The film will be accompanied by a 60-member symphony orchestra to be conducted by Robert Israel – one of the greatest experts in the field of silent film accompaniment – which will perform the original movie score by Gottfried Huppertz.

Project events (2)

METROPOLIS Wednesday, 29.02.2012 at 19:30
Slovene National Theatre Maribor - Grand Hall, Maribor

METROPOLIS Thursday, 01.03.2012 at 19:30
Slovene National Theatre Maribor - Grand Hall, Maribor

[Robert Israel Music]

One show is sold out and the other is almost full. The Gottfried Huppertz conductor's score is almost 500 pages in length, so there is still a lot for me to absorb and learn; but, it is a fantastic work and deserves an in depth discussion. More to follow later. Thank you.

Robert Israel

[Robert Israel Music]

I have just completed two rehearsals and a press conference, and it is not even close to the halfway point. But, there is something that I would like to say about this new edition of METROPOLIS. With the understanding that once a film crosses the two hour mark it may pose a challenge for some viewers, the 147 minute version is truly a revelation in that it brings to light the fact that Fritz Lang was at the height of his artistic craft and a virtuoso in his technical skill. And whether the Gottfried Huppertz music is regarded to one's taste as being "good music" or "not so good," his scoring technique for this particular film is brilliant. Insofar as performing it goes, it is more than just a formidable challenge for both the orchestra players and the conductor; but, it is worth every moment of the considerable work necessary to prepare these programs.

Quoting Benjamin Franklin:

"Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."

After the last show Thursday evening, I can finally enjoy the excellent Slovenian wine to my heart's content and lose myself in happiness!

Robert Israel