CONCERT FOR MURNAU

"Concert For Murnau" is in fact a film score for "The Haunted Castle", a dark 1921 silent movie by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, who will direct the famous classic "Nosferatu" one year later. Recorded live on October 31st and November 1st 2003 at the Staatstheater Braunschweig in Kleines Haus, the music was be performed while the film was projected.

The record is composed of 12 acoustic classical pieces, sometimes mixed with electronics, of various durations. Completely different from all his other works, even from ASHRA's "Walkin' the Desert", "Concert For Murnau" does not feature the warm and soothing ambiance typical of the german artist either. This time, the atmosphere is dark and melancholic, Göttsching is exploring new ideas.

The first three tracks, "Overtüre", "The Party" and "Auf zur Jagd" sets the tone. You are arriving the mysterious castle. A bit long and repetitive, but enjoyable. "Der Abend" is a pleasant electro-classical ambient piece. The slow "Die Beichte" and "Double Or Quits" are more somber and melancholic. The oddest surprise of the record is "High Noon" and its pulsing electronic percussion. Is this tune adapted to the movie? I don't know. Although sounding a little messy and out of place, this track is nonetheless quite good.

Back to a dark ambiance with "Accused", to then continue with the slow languorous "Saint And Sinner". In contrast, the sweet "Demaskierung" is an aerial electronic passage. An average composition, a little cheesy and lengthy. "Leitmotiv" is more rythmic and contains some musical variations. The record finishes with "Zirkus", a very short piece dominated by the horn, and a curious ending.

As its first incursion into classical music territories, "Concert For Murnau" is singular in Göttsching's discography. A bit unequal, it maybe requires watching the movie simultaneously to be fully appreciated. Obviously not the album to start with for newcomers, "Concert For Murnau" is nonetheless overall a pleasant listen for those who dare venture into the haunted castle...