Chris Jarrett performs live to Eisenstein's classic silent movie (1925)
Aside from his solo and trio concerts, and his work as a composer of ballet
and film music, Chris Jarrett has composed a piano score to Sergei Eisenstein's
famous silent movie. The theme of this film - often considered one of the most
ingenious productions in all of film history - is the people's rebellion in the
Russia of 1905.
C. Jarrett's completely personal, partially improvised, partially composed score
underlines Sergei Eisenstein's anti-militaristic message. His music is much more
than an accompaniment; it is a personal comment, taking a stand for the
politically oppressed and mistreated.
Basically, Eisenstein followed the historical truth of the
mutiny on the Potemkin of 1905. After a series of defeats during
the Russian-Japanese War, the pressure
of the officers on the crews of the Black Sea Navy is intensified. The crew of
the "Prince Potemkin of Tauria" grows more and more nervous, and
Bolshewiki leaders plan a rebellion. On the 14th of June, a group of sailors
refuses to eat the rotten meat set before them. As the sailors are to be executed,
the mutiny begins. The officers are taken captive and the ship enters the port of
Odessa, to bury a leader of the rebellion. The striking workers of Odessa show
solidarity with the rebellious shipmates, with the hope of freeing themselves
from the yoke of the Tsars.
Battleship Potemkin is considered the greatest masterpiece of the silent movie era.
TAZ, Berlin:
"The composition followed Eisenstein's suggestive montage from
beginning to end. At the same time, Jarrett succeeded in curbing the
sentimentality and Christmas story-like good guy vs. bad guy morale
of some of the scenes. A perfect film score, and first class piano-playing
- both technically and emotionally."
