FAWM: "Felix in Hollywood: Silent movie accompaniment"

Felix in Hollywood: Silent movie accompaniment

2 weeks ago by @gmcgath

Liner Notes

I like accompanying silent movies, improvising the music as I go (with some preparation). This one is a Felix the Cat cartoon from 1923. Felix devises a scheme to fund his human's trip to Hollywood, then when he finds out he's going to be left behind ... well, you know how cats are about that. He sneaks along in the luggage — actually, AS the luggage, then tries to get into the movies himself.
#instrumental #soundtrack

If you like this one, give some of my other film accompaniments on the same channel a try.
#silentFilm

Lyrics

No lyrics. This is a SILENT movie!

Comments

@gmcgath 1w

I don't have much of a "process." I watch the film a few times, come up with some thematic ideas, and then just play what I think fits what's on the screen.

@don0713 1w

Very cool. I'd be interested in learning how you got into this and your process.

@ceilidh 2w

Nicely done! I was watching a documentary following the addition of sound to Steamboat Willie. The orchestra was not in sync with the film, and Disney had to sell his car so he could add an animated bouncing ball next to the picture as a silent click track for the conductor to help sync the sound with the animated motion. This makes me even more impressed with your matching the music to the animation here! It also beautifully echoes the music of the silent film era.

@philkmills 2w

You've done a nice job of making the music sound like it belongs, fitting changes to events in the video.

@akeli 2w

Such a nice idea! I love your playing. To be honest, it's late in the evening here and I am not fit to watch and listen to the whole song. But I think I'll come back. Greetings!