"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" Silent Film Concert

The film, directed by Robert Wiene and first released in 1920, is considered a milestone of German Expressionist cinema and has had a lasting influence on the international horror and psychological thriller genres. With its strikingly distorted sets, striking contrasts of light and shadow, and a plot that remains fascinating to this day, the film creates an oppressive atmosphere somewhere between dream and reality. It tells the story of the sleepwalker Cesare, impressively portrayed by Conrad Veidt, who is put on display at a fair and becomes entangled in a series of mysterious crimes.

The live musical accompaniment sensitively captures the film’s eerie visual language and translates it into a multi-layered soundscape. Particularly striking is the use of the theremin, one of the earliest electronic instruments—developed almost simultaneously with the film—which is played without physical contact. Its floating, mysterious sound serves as a unifying element throughout the performance. The soundscape is complemented by synthesizers, piano, oriental flutes, and a variety of percussion instruments.

The result is an extraordinary musical reinterpretation that brings this classic expressionist film to life in a striking new way.

Following the silent film concert, the audience is invited to view the instruments used up close and learn more about the evening’s musical arrangement.