The Invincible Czars have been stepping up their silent film performances through the southern US and their latest tour features a few special dates where they’ll be performing their latest silent film soundtrack to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Released in 1920, the movie stars Drew Barrymore’s grandfather John Barrymore as both Jekyll and Hyde. The movie is considered by many to be the first important horror film.
The Czars’ soundtrack is minimal, spooky and even includes the audience! Written for four or five players, the score features winds player Leila Henley who adds looping technology to her usual arsenal of instruments and vocal effects. Henley is accompanied by electric bass, guitar, organ, violin and percussion.
As usual, the band incorporates classical music into the mix. This time they’ve been exploring 20th Century French composers. Eric Satie’s Gnossienne No. 1 and No. 5 are used heavily throughout the score. Even more surprising is their use of the obscure but eerily beautiful Debussy piece Footsteps in the Snow.
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