Viola Dana - Silent Film Soundtrack Premiere & EP Launch @ The Grove Library

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Named after Viola Dana, a successful American silent film actress; Viola Dana the musical ensemble is led by Katherine Corecig (violist). The group, consisting of cellist Tristen Parr, drummer Pete Guazzelli and guitarist Mace Francis, write soundtracks for both old and new films.



A look at "The General" with Viola Dana's soundtrack

Sherlock Jr , is the second silent film that Viola Dana worked on after their successful 2009 project "The General".

Buster Keaton stars in Sherlock Jr, as a projectionist who wishes to be a detective. Framed by his romantic rival, he puts his little detective skills into use.

I spoke with Kathy on a lovely Friday evening prior to their EP launch "Selections from a soundtrack for The General". Kathy and her ensemble members had been friends who played for different groups before coming together to form Viola Dana.

Their interest in silent films started when Kathy started experimenting with putting different soundtracks into them. Realising that such a process is not respectful to the original composers, Kathy embarked on the writing of her own music with her ensemble members. It is a painstaking process, starting with the selection of a film, followed by the writing of the music and needless to say... hours of practice.

I wondered what the difference between making music for a musical and a silent film is. Kathy explained that the interpretation would be different as there is "more opportunity to make a musical comment and subtly create commentary on characters using music."

Viola Dana is playing this Sunday 18 November 2012 at the Grove Library (1 Leake Street, Peppermint Grove).

Information on where to purchase Viola Dana's EP and event updates are available on their website: www.violadana.com

This event was hosted by the Cappuccino Concert team - led Irina Vasilieva, music director and organiser of concert event.

#cinema
#concerts
#music
#peppermint_grove
#western_suburbs
#november
%wnperth