Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores on Screen and on Stage at the University of Chicago
Department of Music, Film Studies Center Emphasizes Importance of Arts on Campus, in Community
Chicago, IL, January 13, 2011 --(PR.com)-- No other major composer devoted more of his career to film music than Dmitri Shostakovich. In conjunction with The Soviet Arts Experience Festival taking place all over the Chicago this season, the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform a program of “Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores” on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 8 PM in Mandel Hall (1131 E. 57th Street, Hyde Park). Music Director Barbara Schubert conducts.
Shostakovich scored almost 40 films in his lifetime, beginning with “New Babylon” in 1928-29. “The Gadfly” (1955) is a film based on the 1897 novel 'The Gadfly' by Ethel Lilian Voynich, which portrays romance and revolution during the Austrian reign in Italy during the late 19th century. The book was exceptionally popular and influential in the Soviet Union, and was adapted into an opera of the same title by Russian composer Mikhail Zhukov in 1928. In 1955 the Soviet director Aleksandr Fajntsimmer adapted the novel into a film for which Shostakovich wrote the music.
In 1963-64, Shostakovich scored the music for a new film version of Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet' by the acclaimed director Grigori Kozintsev, one of the composer’s long-term collaborators. The pair worked together for over thirty years, producing seven films together. Shakespeare's play 'King Lear,' scored and directed by the duo in 1971, is the third and final score represented on the evening’s program.
Visit music.uchicago.edu/events or call 773.702.8069 for more information.
In conjunction with the Film Studies Center (5811 South Ellis Ave, Cobb Hall 306), the two Shakespeare films may be viewed prior to the concert. “Hamlet” will be screened on Thursday, January 20 at 7 PM. Considered by many to be the finest screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s greatest work, “Hamlet” is made all the more effective by Shostakovich’s powerful and dramatic score. (USSR, 1964, 140 min, DVD).
“King Lear” will be screened on Thursday, January 27 at 7 PM. A striking interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of the doomed king, Kozintsev’s film is enhanced by the sparse textures and somber tones of Shostakovich’s late musical style. (USSR, 1971, 140 min, DVD).
Admission to the film screenings are free of charge, but reservations are required. Visit filmstudiescenter.uchicago.edu or call 773.702.8596 for more information.
Admission for the January 29 concert featuring “Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores” will be collected at the door ($10 adults/$5 students and children under 12 years).
Quick Facts
What:
“Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores”
University Symphony Orchestra
Barbara Schubert, conductor
When:
Saturday, January 29, 2011
8:00 PM
Where:
Mandel Hall
on The University of Chicago campus
1131 E. 57th Street
Program:
Music from The Gadfly, Hamlet, and King Lear
Admission:
Donations accepted at the door; $10 adults/$5 students and children under 12.
Photographs and extended conductor biographies are available upon request.
Event Hotline: 773.702.8069
music.uchicago.edu
###
Shostakovich scored almost 40 films in his lifetime, beginning with “New Babylon” in 1928-29. “The Gadfly” (1955) is a film based on the 1897 novel 'The Gadfly' by Ethel Lilian Voynich, which portrays romance and revolution during the Austrian reign in Italy during the late 19th century. The book was exceptionally popular and influential in the Soviet Union, and was adapted into an opera of the same title by Russian composer Mikhail Zhukov in 1928. In 1955 the Soviet director Aleksandr Fajntsimmer adapted the novel into a film for which Shostakovich wrote the music.
In 1963-64, Shostakovich scored the music for a new film version of Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet' by the acclaimed director Grigori Kozintsev, one of the composer’s long-term collaborators. The pair worked together for over thirty years, producing seven films together. Shakespeare's play 'King Lear,' scored and directed by the duo in 1971, is the third and final score represented on the evening’s program.
Visit music.uchicago.edu/events or call 773.702.8069 for more information.
In conjunction with the Film Studies Center (5811 South Ellis Ave, Cobb Hall 306), the two Shakespeare films may be viewed prior to the concert. “Hamlet” will be screened on Thursday, January 20 at 7 PM. Considered by many to be the finest screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s greatest work, “Hamlet” is made all the more effective by Shostakovich’s powerful and dramatic score. (USSR, 1964, 140 min, DVD).
“King Lear” will be screened on Thursday, January 27 at 7 PM. A striking interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of the doomed king, Kozintsev’s film is enhanced by the sparse textures and somber tones of Shostakovich’s late musical style. (USSR, 1971, 140 min, DVD).
Admission to the film screenings are free of charge, but reservations are required. Visit filmstudiescenter.uchicago.edu or call 773.702.8596 for more information.
Admission for the January 29 concert featuring “Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores” will be collected at the door ($10 adults/$5 students and children under 12 years).
Quick Facts
What:
“Shostakovich’s Late Film Scores”
University Symphony Orchestra
Barbara Schubert, conductor
When:
Saturday, January 29, 2011
8:00 PM
Where:
Mandel Hall
on The University of Chicago campus
1131 E. 57th Street
Program:
Music from The Gadfly, Hamlet, and King Lear
Admission:
Donations accepted at the door; $10 adults/$5 students and children under 12.
Photographs and extended conductor biographies are available upon request.
Event Hotline: 773.702.8069
music.uchicago.edu
###
Contact
University of Chicago Department of Music
Rashida N. Black
773.702.3427
music.uchicago.edu
Rashida N. Black
773.702.3427
music.uchicago.edu
Contact
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