In a captivating fusion of old and new, symphony orchestras are reviving the magic of silent films by providing live musical accompaniment. From the iconic Harry Potter series to the visually stunning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, these orchestral performances have become a beloved trend in the entertainment world. Now, the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra is set to transport audiences back in time, performing a suite of classic silent film scores composed by William Perry.

Rediscovering the Enchantment of Silent Cinema

Bringing the Silent Era to Life

The Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra is poised to transport audiences to the golden age of silent cinema with its upcoming performance of William Perry's "The Silent Years: Three rhapsodies for piano and orchestra." This captivating suite features scores from three iconic silent films: the 1927 romantic drama "Beloved Rogue," the 1922 bullfighting adventure "Blood and Sand," and the 1925 comedy classic "The Gold Rush" by Charlie Chaplin. The orchestra will perform the suite, which lasts approximately 25 minutes, with pianist Ho Man Cheung, a doctoral student at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford.

Reviving a Lost Art

In the 1920s, movie palaces often featured full orchestras accompanying major motion pictures, while smaller venues enlisted pianists or small ensembles to provide live musical accompaniment. This practice, however, came to an end with the advent of "talking" films in 1929. William Perry's work at the Museum of Modern Art in the 1970s and 1980s played a pivotal role in the revival of silent film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment. The Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra's performance of "The Silent Years" marks the second time they have brought this captivating suite to life, responding to popular demand from both subscribers and the musicians themselves.

Capturing the Essence of the Era

Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra's music director, Jonathan Colby, praised Perry's ability to capture the mood, style, and character of the silent film era. The arrangements are "lush when they need to be," and Colby noted that Perry often incorporates familiar musical refrains, such as a moment of "Auld Lang Syne" in "The Gold Rush," to enhance the cinematic experience. The orchestra's instruments handle the sound effects, with the percussionist setting the tone for moments like the striking of an anvil.

A Unique Conducting Challenge

Conducting a live orchestral accompaniment to silent films presents a unique challenge for the musicians. Colby, who will lead the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra in this performance, described it as "a different way of conducting and a different way of seeing a film for the audience." The orchestra's history of performing film scores, including a previous Perry composition for a Buster Keaton comedy, has prepared them for this captivating endeavor.

Expanding the Cinematic Repertoire

The Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra's 2024-25 season is dedicated to the theme of "FVSO at the Movies," showcasing the orchestra's commitment to exploring the rich tapestry of cinematic music. In addition to the "The Silent Years" suite, the season will feature works by British composer Doreen Carwithen, the first female full-time film composer, as well as orchestral versions of music from "The Polar Express," "The Lord of the Rings," and classic movie musicals.

Exploring Untapped Cinematic Genres

Looking ahead, Colby expressed enthusiasm for the potential of exploring film noir scores from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, noting that many of these original compositions are not readily available. He believes that the "golden age of the Hollywood musical" and the tight relationship between orchestras and films during that era hold untapped potential for future live orchestral performances.The Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra's "FVSO at the Movies" concert, featuring the captivating "The Silent Years" suite, is set to take place on November 2nd at the University of Saint Joseph's Hoffman Auditorium. This event promises to transport audiences to the enchanting world of silent cinema, where the power of live orchestral music breathes new life into these timeless classics.