The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari, the German silent film classic from 1919, is a stunning visual. The bizarre and angled set design combined with the facial expressions of the actors is a tour-de-force of experimental filmmaking. Tim Casey of Lowbudget Records replaced the long-winded title cards with subtitles, thereby quickening the pace of the film.
As I was watching the film, I was taken by the emotional effect that each scene had on me. I translated these emotions to various pieces of music, all using computer-generated sounds. The result is a kaleidoscope of electronic sound mangling that combines moving melodies with unsettling drones and harmonics.
The music stands very well on its own as a soundtrack, but for the complete experience I recommend watching the film.
I am posting high-quality MP3 files of all the scenes here for your listening pleasure. Enjoy it.
If you are interested in purchasing the DVD of this film with a surround sound mix of the score, please visit the Lowbudget Records website.
Listen to samples:
