Olga Pashchenko – Faust

Murnau's Faust with Live Piano When artist in residence Olga Pashchenko visits, it's always a celebration. In the past, she already surprised you at AMUZ with concertos and recitals on a wealth of historical pianos, but this evening she takes her place at a Bechstein grand piano from 1920 for a unique mission: the live accompaniment of Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau's legendary film Faust. This masterpiece premiered exactly one hundred years ago and immediately became a classic. The story is that of the alchemist Faust who sells his soul to Mephistopheles in exchange for youth, wealth and love. The expressionist images now receive a classical soundtrack tailored with music by Liszt, Grieg, Busoni, Fauré, Franck and Scriabin. Jed Wentz compiled the program: stunning puzzle work that fits amazingly well with Murnau's visual language. Pashchenko supports the images with musical imagination. Every shot gets its sound, every scene its atmosphere. Cinema under a blanket of sound: a must for film fans and piano lovers alike. Program: Music by F. Liszt, E. Grieg, F. Busoni, G. Fauré, C. Franck, A. Scriabin and others.