Sounds of Silence Festival

Faust | F.W. Murnau (Germany, 1926) & Willem Breuker (NL, 2003)

Mobilizing the full resources of the UFA Studios, F.W. Murnau (Nosferatu, Sunrise) orchestrated a colossal adaptation of Goethe’s Faust that ranks alongside Fritz Lang’s Metropolis as the greatest achievement of the German silent cinema. Gösta Ekman stars as the titular alchemist who, struggling with his faith amidst a devastating plague, is offered the power to cure and the gift of youth – in exchange for his soul. As the diabolical Mephisto, Emil Jannings (The Last Laugh) delivers a performance of operatic scale and intensity, by turns charming, comical, and horrific.

As soundtrack, Ensemble Klang bring back to life a work by one of the most important, wide-ranging and mischievous Dutch musicians of the last century, Willem Breuker. Commissioned by the Cité de la Musique, Paris, in 2003, Breuker’s score for Murnau’s film is scored for his own big band. With elements of klezmer, jazz, rock, latin, brass band and big band the irreverent score acts as an at times hilarious, at times deeply moving, counterpoint to the expressionist mastery of Faust.

The Willem Breuker Kollektief toured the work all around the world, but since Breuker passed away it has lain unperformed. In this special outing, Ensemble Klang, in an extended line-up, reunite Breuker’s sonic impishness with Murnau’s sublime cinematic artistry.

Ensemble Klang XL
Erik-Jan de With, saxes
Michiel van Dijk, saxes
Daan van Koppen, saxes
Carlos Cunha, trumpet
Bianca Egberts, trumpet
Anton van Houten, trombone,
Brandt Attema, trombone & tuba
Joey Marijs, drum kit
Saskia Lankhoorn, piano & keys
Pete Harden, bass