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Silent Film Meets Messiaen: A Synced Spectacle
24 Apr
Summary
- A silent film was projected during Messiaen's symphony.
- The orchestra achieved a clear-eyed performance of the complex score.
- Visuals and music were precisely synced for a captivating experience.
A recent performance at the Royal Festival Hall saw a unique pairing of Olivier Messiaen's "Turangalîla-symphonie" with a specially created silent film. This ambitious artistic venture, part of the Southbank's Multitudes festival, successfully blended the 80-minute symphony's lush, love-themed score with a hyperactive animated movie.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Vasily Petrenko, delivered an exceptionally clear rendition of Messiaen's challenging work. Soloist Steven Osborne impressed with the demanding piano part, complemented by Cécile Lartigau's distinct ondes Martenot performance.
Projected above the stage, the film, inspired by the golden age of silent cinema, initially seemed a potential distraction. However, its narrative, featuring reluctant brides and knights, became preternaturally attuned to the symphony's emotional pulse as the performance progressed.
The film's creators and conductor Petrenko achieved a remarkable synchronization between the dramatic action and the musical score. This precision allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the combined spectacle.
The visuals themselves were a delight, blending live-action homages to silent film stars with surreal stop-motion sequences. Playful and lighthearted, these images harmonized surprisingly well with the intoxicating depth of Messiaen's music.
