
On Feb. 27, 1920, Berlin saw the premiere of the psychological thriller, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Today, it’s considered a quintessential film of German Expressionism. But a century ago, a mismatched score nearly cost the film its audience.
We spoke to Hans Brandner from the Babylon Orchester Berlin who shares the story about the original screenings of the film and how they prompted the director to work with composer Giuseppe Becce on a whole new score. Components of that very same score have been rearranged by Brandner and conductor Marcelo Falcão to accompany screenings in Berlin at the Babylon this year.
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” accompanied live by the Babylon Orchester Berlin, will be screened on February 27. That night at the Babylon will mark exactly 100 years since Berliners will have watched the film for the very first time.