Instrumentation

1(=picc).1.2.1 - 2. 2.btrbn.0 - timp - perc(3): timp/glsp/xyl/vib/t.bells/tgl/tamb/2 tpl.bl/flexatone/mcas/guiro/swanee whistle/wind machine/slapstick/ratchet/vibraslap/susp.cym/siz.cym/piatti/tam-t/TD/gran cassa/drum kit - pno/synth – strings (6.4.2.2.2)

Availability

Full score and parts for hire

Programme Notes

Starring: Buster Keaton
Director: Buster Keaton & Eddie Kline
Production Company: Metro USA, 1920
Duration: 22 minutes
Film Print: 35mm B&W print available from Photoplay Productions (UK and Europe), and Cohen Film Collection (Rest of World) (Film Speed: 20 frames per second)

A Buster Keaton classic. Our hero attempts to assemble the elements of his wedding present, a D.I.Y house. His arch-rival has swapped the parts around and the resulting structure is a surrealist wonder. Other spectacular adventures follow in this seven-part film, one for each day of the week.
Davis's score is full of stunning effects, suggesting the spinning house and other crazy Keaton stunts.

One Week

Tishman Auditorium, New School University (New York City, NY, USA)

The New School

One Week

Arena Klosters (Klosters, Switzerland)

City Light Chamber Orchestra/Kevin Griffiths

One Week

Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg (Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg/Carl Davis CBE

One Week

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (London, United Kingdom)

Philharmonia Orchestra/Carl Davis CBE

One Week

Apollo Theatre (Oberlin, OH, USA)

Oberlin Conservatory of Music/Timothy Weiss