A KICKSTARTER FOR A SYMPHONY OF HORROR
March 7, 2024
Christopher Young Launches NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR soundtrack CD Kickstarter Campaign
FW Murnau’s NOSFERATU (1922) is widely regarded as both a masterpiece of German expressionist filmmaking and a cornerstone of cinematic horror. From its innovative, angular set designs and dramatic use of light and shadow to the introduction of the ghoulish Count Orlok (played by an unrecognizable Max Shreck under a shocking, cadaverous, and rodent-like make-up). In addition to the inventive techniques visible on the screen, the masterful silent film NOSFERATU has also enjoyed the benefit of having its dramatic narrative and otherworldly atmosphere enhanced by the musical accompaniments from several noted composers from cinema and the concert stage alike, including Hans Erdmann, James Bernard, Pittsburgh pianist Tom Roberts, and even one created by eight Berklee College of Music students from all over the world, in collaboration with Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops. However, the most recent and perhaps most appropriate horror score for this classic vampire story is the composer who crafted the modern sound of horror, Christopher Young.
Young has been known as a master of the horror genre; his unique musical architecture for such horror films as HELLRAISER I & II, THE FLY II, SPECIES, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Part II, DRAG ME TO HELL, and many more) joined the Europäische FilmPhilharmonie to compose original music for the film in celebration of its 100th anniversary…the results were spectacular. Inspired by the story’s gothic DNA, Young composed what can only be described as a dramatic, visceral, and utterly terrifying response to the picture: a concerto for organ and large orchestra…a “Symphony of Horror.” The score was performed live to picture across two nights to a packed Tonhalle Zurich by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, under the baton of renowned conductor Frank Strobel, and Young recently won the Kyle Renick Special Award from the International Film Music Critics Association in recognition of his NOSFERATU score.
The attention given to Young’s original, 90-minute NOSFERATU score resulted in many requests, and this Kickstarter campaign was launched recently to fund the recording of the score as a physical double CD release. You can support this campaign by visiting this Kickstarter page, which provides further information:
FW Murnau, Max Shreck, and Hans Erdmann would likely applaud this most recent composition of their cinematic and musical efforts, presented by a composer renowned for his outstanding musical voice in filmic horror. – RDL (details via Kickstarter)
Musique Fantastique 