1920s Horror Film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with LIVE Organ Improv

The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ is thrilled to announce a captivating and unique cinematic experience that takes us back in time to the 1920s. The Kotzschmar Organ, renowned for its grandeur and historical significance, will transport audiences to a bygone era when it served as a one-person orchestra, providing live accompaniment to the sensational "silent" movies that captivated audiences across the nation.

During the 1920s, the Kotzschmar Organ, along with various instruments in concert halls and theaters across the United States, played an integral role in enhancing the magic of silent films. These films, which lacked spoken dialogue but were rich in visual storytelling, were elevated to new heights with the addition of live musical scores. This marriage of music and moving images created an unforgettable cinematic experience, captivating audiences' hearts, and minds.

The practice of coupling music with film dates back to the late 19th century, and the reasons behind it are as diverse as they are fascinating. Some attribute it to the practical need of masking the noise of early projection equipment, while others liken it to the long-standing tradition of music in theatrical productions. However, it's the intrinsic power of music—the most immediate and evocative of all arts—that truly brought the spectacle of the moving image to life.

Join us for an extraordinary cinematic journey as we present the timeless silent film: "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" on October 28, 2023. Experience the magic of live music resurrecting the spirit of the 1920s as the Kotzschmar Organ regains its role as a one-person orchestra, breathing life into this classic horror film.