Carl Davis Revives Charlie Chaplin
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Classical music buffs and avid movie fans, be prepared for a colorful audiovisual experience ― live orchestral music and silent films will converge as renowned conductor Carl Davis revives six Charlie Chaplin films with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. The ``Hello! Chaplin Original Film Festival'' will take place over three performances at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in northern Seoul, March 14-16.
Davis has visited 28 cities across the world with Chaplin, having sellouts in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He finally brings the show to Korea for his first visit.
With the Seoul Philharmonic, Korea's oldest orchestra, the maestro will conduct live music for one feature film and one short each day: ``Behind the Screen'' and ``The Gold Rush,'' March 14; ``The Cure'' and ``City Lights,'' March 15; and ``The Adventure'' and ``Modern Times,'' March 16. Davis performed the same program with the London Philharmonic in 2003 at the London Royal Festival Hall.
A distinguished composer and conductor, Davis has created music for the stage, screen and concert hall. In the United Kingdom, he regularly helms the London Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic among other groups. He was made a Commander of the British Empire for his contributions to music.
In the 1980s, Davis presented Chaplin's film ``City Lights'' with reinterpreted music for the first time at a charity event hosted by the late Princess Diana. His new work was met with an explosive standing ovation. He has since been at the forefront of adding color and rhythm to silent films including ``Napoleon'' (1920), for which he received the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture in 1983.
With a hat and short mustache, Chaplin (1889-1977) is a film icon who is remembered as one of the most creative and influential personalities in the silent film era. Not only did he act out crafty mimes but he also directed, scripted, produced and scored his movies. The works are marked by his affinity for sentimentality and pathos, an eclectic mix of comedy and tragedy that offers both entertainment and a markedly leftist political perspective.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the artist in 1989, Davis was asked to participate in the restoration project of ``City Lights'' (1931). His re-orchestration of the original score by Chaplin was met with enthusiasm, and he continued to work on the music for other black and white films. Davis' endeavors have also given flight to the cineaste's lesser known works, earning him much support from cineastes.
The upcoming music film festival will be a continuation of the celebration here and beyond of the 30th anniversary of Chaplin's death last year.
Tickets cost 28,000-148,000 won for each cinema concert. Call (02) 399-1114 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr/Eng_ver/ (English).