Event
The General - with Live Musical Accompaniment
See a classic silent film with a captivating live original score by cellist Gideon Freudmann. This is a memorable way for the whole family to experience one of the greatest films of all time.
One of the most revered comedies of the silent era, this film finds hapless Southern railroad engineer Johnny Gray (Buster Keaton) facing off against Union soldiers during the American Civil War.
Numerous comic action scenes highlight Keaton’s boundless wit and dexterity. Dangerous physical stunts were part of many of Keaton’s films and The General is no exception. He jumps from the engine to a tender to a boxcar, rides the cow-catcher of the train while holding a railroad tie, he runs along the train car roof and sits on the coupling rods.
Gideon Freudmann’s electric cello score is truly distinctive, capturing the energy and poignancy of this Civil War comedy and adding rhythm, sound effects, suspense and humor. Silent film and live music is a very special experience, for adults and kids alike.
“Truly a musical innovator, cellist Gideon Freudmann is a musician with a tremendously creative, genre-bending outlook toward his compositions… Part classical, part Beatle-esque pop, part pickin’ and grinnin’.” – The Valley Advocate
“Freudmann sounds like nothing less than a cutting-edge, avant-garde musician, whose genre-bending exploits combine aspects of performance art, new-classical, psychedelia and comedy, a sort of cross between Kronos Quartet and Leo Kottke.” – Berkshire Eagle
About Gideon Freudmann
Innovative cellist/composer Gideon Freudmann’s original scores for silent films incorporate classical, jazz, folk, and world music elements. Working with an electric cello and real-time electronic effects, he creates elaborate sound textures, haunting melodies, and driving rhythms that beautifully enhance and energize the imagery of silent films.
More at his website.
