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New Music for Silent Film
silentfilmscores.com

Music Partnering Screen Narrative

Music as an Active Partner to Stories on Screen

Composing and performing new music for silent film is an important area of my work.

Silent film music is a branch of dramatic music. The principles by which music responds to, reinforces, and amplifies drama on stage in opera or ballet apply equally to music which accompanies dramatic events on screen. At its finest, silent film music is a partner with the film, as sound and image work together to create heightened artistic expression.

As Resident Film Accompanist at the National Gallery of Art and regularly-featured accompanist at the Library of Congress’ Mt. Pony Theater, Curator of the Silent Film Series and Resident Musician at Atlas Performing Arts Center, I perform improvised piano and organ scores. I also create fully-notated scores for silent film for live performance and DVD and Blu-Ray release.

I have performed my silent film scores at the Giornate del Cinema Muto in Pordenone, Italy, the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center, Sala Cecelia Meireles in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Kennedy Center, UCLA Film and Television Archive, Cineteca Nazionale in Rome, and many other venues. My orchestral film scores have been performed by such ensembles as the Florida Orchestra, National Gallery of Art Orchestra, Atlantic Coast Orchestra (Portugal), the Indiana University Sinfonietta, and many others across the US and abroad.

I also explore film and video as part of a larger theatrical context: cabaret, musical theater, opera. The Comic Roach: A Roadhouse Picture Show, which premiered at the 2009 Capital Fringe Festival, is an example of embedding silent film within a larger theatrical production (a “film-cabaret”). In 2020-2021 I produced a 261-episode daily YouTube series, Sparklers, featuring short original silent films with new scores, newly created each day. Livestreaming has also become an important part of my work (“Boxing Cats and More: Library of Congress Paper Print Films”) My silent film music has been broadcast on Turner Classic Movies Channel (TCM) and recorded on DVD and Blu-Ray with Kino-Lorber, Flicker Alley, and many others.

An important part of my recent work is producing DVDs of previously-unreleased silent films, restored with new scores, for commercial release. In 2017, I released WHISPERING SHADOWS/THE DEVIL’S ASSISTANT with Undercrank Productions – the first time either film has been released on disc. In 2022, a new disc featuring two restored early Frank Borzage silents will be released. THE VALLEY OF SILENT MEN, one of the two films, has also never previously been released on disc.

I invite you to explore audio and video samples of my work. Many of my new scores are also available for rental by orchestras and chamber ensembles.

WATCH AND LISTEN | Comedy Shorts

ONE WEEK (2015)

(symphony orchestra, 22 min.), starring Buster Keaton
Instrumentation: 3 (dbl. picc) 3 (dbl. bs cl) 3 4 3 3 1 timp 2 perc hp pno st

Synopsis: A newlywed couple encounters a host of problems assembling their wedding present - a new house.

Building the House

 

Storm

Train Hit

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THE IMMIGRANT (2017)

(symphony orchestra, 25 minutes), starring Charles Chaplin
Instrumentation: 2 ( II dbl pc) 2 (II dbl EH) 2 (II dbl bs cl) 2 4 3 3 1 timp 3 perc hp pno st

Synopsis: Charley (the Tramp) travels to America as an immigrant, meeting a charming young woman en route. Later, safely disembarked but penniless in New York, he finds a coin on the sidewalk and enters a nearby restaurant for lunch, where he is reunited with the woman and a menacing waiter.

The score for THE IMMIGRANT is designed to synchronize with the Flicker Alley digital version, found on "Chaplin's Mutual Comedies." Please contact info@flickeralley.com for more information. The renting ensemble is responsible for securing rights to screen this version of THE IMMIGRANT.

Russian music and love theme

 

The restaurant

 

Love theme and finale

 
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LUCKY STARS

(chamber ensemble, 21 min.), starring Harry Langdon
Instrumentation: E-flat clar, 2 B-flat clars, bass clar*, contrabass clar, violin, percussion, piano (and synthesizer) *Clarinet parts allow for doubling between B-flat and bass clar and B-flat and E-flat.

Synopsis: An earnest young dreamer seeking his fortune falls under the spell of a travelling medicine-show huckster.

Watch and listen to a sample!

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PICKING PEACHES

(chamber ensemble, 21 min.), starring Harry Langdon
Instrumentation: B-flat clar, piano, drum set, optional string bass, optional guitar

Synopsis: A young husband with a roving eye finds himself in hot water.

Watch and listen to a sample!

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HIS NEW MAMA

(chamber ensemble, 20 min.), starring Harry Langdon
Instrumentation: B-flat clar, piano, drum set, optional string bass, optional guitar

Synopsis: Harry foils a gold-digger’s designs on his dad.
Digital video files courtesy of All Day Entertainment.

Watch and listen to a sample!

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TOO MANY MAMMAS

(chamber ensemble, 9 min.), starring Charley Chase
Instrumentation: B-flat clar, alto sax, tnr sax, bari sax, B-flat trumpet, drum set and percussion, banjo (optional), piano

Synopsis: Charley breaks his date to be alibi for his boss’ extramarital rendezvous, but the plan unravels as surprise guests show up.

Watch and listen to a sample!

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PEANUTS AND BULLETS

(chamber ensemble, 12 min.), starring Charley Chase
Chamber ensemble instrumentation: B-flat clar, alto sax, bass clar, optional contra-alto clar, percussion (1-2 players), accordion (optional), piano

Synopsis: A young man gets into trouble with his landlord and the cops, with a classic chase scene at the end.

An Idea for Lunch

 

March

March

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LIBERTY

(chamber ensemble, 19 min.)
Instrumentation: 2 wood winds, piano, percussion

Synopsis: Liberty is my first score connected with silent film: in this case, a score inspired by the Laurel and Hardy 1929 two-reeler, which features the title characters' escape from prison, their subsequent adventures in fleeing the police, a crab which winds up in Stan's pants, their destruction of a phonograph machine and records, and the final, thrilling sequence high on the girders of a building construction site.

The score can be performed with the film, as well, and exists in three versions (for 3, 4, and 5 players).

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WATCH AND LISTEN | Silent Feature Film

THE GENERAL (2014)
78 minutes

Orchestral score to accompany the 1926 silent film starring Buster Keaton
Instrumental ensemble: 1(dbl pc) 01 (dbl bs cl) 1 0110 1 perc vn I vn I va vc cb

Synopsis: Southern engineer Johnnie Gray's locomotive, "General," is stolen by Union spies during the Civil War. Johnnie pursues the thieves and becomes a hero in the process.

The score for THE GENERAL is designed to synchronize with specific 35mm and digital versions of the film. Please contact Andrew Simpson (info@andrewesimpson.com) for more detailed information. The renting ensemble is responsible for securing screening rights for THE GENERAL.

Live performance of THE GENERAL, members of The Florida Orchestra, David Stech, conductor, Tampa Theatre, FL

 

Main Title

 

Annabelle Shuns Buster

 

Final Battle

 

Indiana University Sinfonietta, Andrew Simpson, conductor

 
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THE WIND (2011-12)
73 minutes

Choral and instrumental score to accompany the 1928 silent film starring Lillian Gish
Version 1: SATB chorus, Instrumental ensemble: 1010 0000 1 perc theater org vn I vn II va vc db
Version 2: SATB chorus, theater org, 1 perc SATB chorus (2014)
Version 3: Theater org, 1 perc (2015)

Synopsis: Virginia belle Lettie Mason is forced to move to the desolate country of West Texas, where the ceaseless wind drives her slowly towards madness. She is forced to marry a man she does not love.

The score for THE WIND is designed to synchronize with specific versions of the film, which is not commercially available on DVD. Please contact Andrew Earle Simpson (info@andrewesimpson.com) for more detailed information about suitable formats. The renting ensemble is responsible for securing screening rights for THE WIND.

Opening

 

Competing for Lettie

 

Tornado

 

Muralla

 

Whistling Chorus

 
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Full List of Silent Film Scores by Andrew Earle Simpson

The Immigrant (2017)
Music to accompany the 1917 comedy starring Charles Chaplin
for Symphony Orchestra
Instrumentation: 2 ( II dbl pc) 2 (II dbl EH) 2 (II dbl bs cl) 2 4 3 3 1 timp 3 perc hp pno st
Duration: 25 minutes
Program Note and Media
One Week (2015)
Music to accompany the 1920 silent comedy starring Buster Keaton
for Orchestra
Instrumentation: 3 (3 dbl picc) 3 3 (3 dbl bs cl) 3/ 4 3 3 1/ timp 2 perc hp pno strings
Duration: 22 minutes
Program Note and Media
The General (2014)
Music to accompany the 1926 silent film starring Buster Keaton
for Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1(dbl pc) 01 (dbl bs cl) 1 0110 1 perc vn I vn I va vc cb
Duration: 78 minutes
Program Note and Media
The Wind (2011-12)
Music to accompany the 1928 silent film starring Lillian Gish
for SATB chorus, chamber orchestra, and theater organ
Instrumentation: 1010 0000 1 perc theater org vn I vn II va vc db SATB chorus
Duration: 73 minutes
Program Note and Media
Hard Knocks (2008)
This 1924 Charley Chase comedy shows the comedian in his classic, dapper-yet-somewhat-goofy persona, ever positive and winning.
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: clarinet, bass clarinet, piano, percussion
DVD: Becoming Charley Chase, Allday Entertainment (distributed by VCI) (2009)
Duration: 11 minutes
Program Note and Media
Peanuts and Bullets (2008)
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, accordion, piano, percussion
DVD: Becoming Charley Chase, Allday Entertainment (distributed by VCI) (2009)
Duration: 12 minutes
Program Note and Media
Too Many Mammas (2008)
for chamber ensemble
My score for the 1924 silent comedy starring Charley Chase. Charley breaks a date with his girl to be his boss’ alibi (who is having an affair). At the speakeasy, the various snubbed partners converge!
DVD: Becoming Charley Chase, Allday Entertainment (distributed by VCI) (2009)
Duration: 9 minutes
Program Note and Media
His New Mamma (2007)
for jazz trio
Instrumentation: clarinet, piano, drums
DVD: Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection, Allday Entertainment (distributed by Facets) (2007)
Duration: 15 minutes
Program Note and Media
Picking Peaches (2007)
for jazz trio
Instrumentation: clarinet, piano, drums
DVD: Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection, Allday Entertainment (distributed by Facets) (2007)
Duration: 21 minutes 30 seconds
Program Note and Media
The Hansom Cabman (2007)
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: clarinets, saxophone, piano, accordion, percussion
DVD: Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection, Allday Entertainment (distributed by Facets) (2007)
Duration: 20 minutes
Program Note and Media
Lucky Stars (2007)
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: clarinets, violin, piano, toy piano, mini-Korg synthesizer, percussion
My score for the 1925 silent comedy starring Harry Langdon. Harry travels to Mexico under the spell of a quack doctor. Staged as a violin concerto (the showy violin echoes the showiness of the quack).
DVD: The Harry Langdon Collection: Lost and Found, Allday Entertainment (distributed by Facets) (2007)
Duration: 21 minutes
Program Note and Media
Soldier Man (2007)
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: 2 clarinets, baritone saxophone, piano, electric bass/guitar, percussion
DVD: Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection, Allday Entertainment (distributed by Facets) (2007)
Duration: 31 minutes
Program Note and Media
The Magic Lantern (Méliès Suite) (2006)
for piano solo
Instrumentation: piano
Seven short pieces originally written to accompany delightful early silent films by French film pioneer George Méliès.
Duration: 33 minutes
Program Note and Media
Liberty (2005)
for chamber ensemble
Instrumentation: 2 wood winds, piano, percussion
The score can be performed with the film, as well, and exists in three versions (for 3, 4, and 5 players).
Duration: 19 minutes
Program Note and Media

Silent Film Score Rentals

Now your ensemble can take part in the fun, excitement, and pure joy of performing live music with silent film! Live music to accompany film is rapidly becoming a favorite addition to programs from major symphony orchestras to school ensembles. Now, a select number of acclaimed composer Andrew Earle Simpson’s silent film scores are available for rental and performance, with the film, by professional and amateur ensembles!

Films with live music are perfect at any time of year, from concerts during the regular season to summer concerts, indoor or outdoor! 

One of America’s foremost silent film musicians, Andrew Earle Simpson’s film scores are entirely new compositions, carefully composed and expressly designed for the films they accompany. This ensures that the audience experiences a seamless blend of music and image, a factor which makes both more enjoyable.

The silent film scores are scaled to be playable by student groups as well as professional ensembles.

Chamber ensemble scores can be performed by a flexible number of players. Woodwind players can double on numerous instruments, or the instrumental parts can be assigned to any number of individual players or sections.

Each score contains printed verbal cues throughout to assist the conductor in synchronizing the score with the film as the piece progresses. An optional click track is available for conductors or performers who want technological assistance for rehearsal and/or performances.

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT FILM AND LIVE MUSIC

Playing live music in synchronization with film is enjoyable for professionals and an adventure for students (advanced high school and college players), many of whom have never previously seen or experienced silent film. 

Silent film is an excellent educational experience for students learning to follow a conductor closely while being ready to adjust tempo very quickly.

Conductors embrace the challenge of being rock-steady with tempo and flexible enough to adjust tempo on the turn of a dime.

Audiences usually consider films with live music to be the most enjoyable and memorable part of an ensemble’s program.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The rental package for silent film scores includes:

1. Full score marked with verbal cues and parts (delivered in hard-copy or electronic format)
2. Rehearsal DVD or digital file of the film with recorded soundtrack
3. Optional audio click track for perfect synch in performance
4. Projection DVD/digital file for rehearsal and performance
Note that digital files or DVD-Blu-Ray of some films must be licensed separately: renters will be provided with contact information upon signing a rental agreement.
5. License to project film and perform live music (NB: Some films require additional licensing: please email for details)
6. Information about the film (date, cast and crew, plot synopsis, and publicity highlight points to aid promotion)

Contact the composer at info[at]andrewesimpson[dot]com for information about pricing; licensing fees vary depending upon size of ensemble and number of performances.

The composer is also available for guest conducting or educational/outreach in-person appearances. One funding source is New Music USA’s Music Alive program, which funds guest composer travel and outreach activities.

To learn more, or for general questions, please contact Andrew Simpson.

The Florida Orchestra performs my score for THE GENERAL at the Tampa Theater. David Stech, conductor. Watch a clip from The Florida Orchestra's performance of THE GENERAL.