SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KARL BARTOS – THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI

KARL BARTOS
THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
BUREAU B RECORDS

In 1920, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (German: Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari) was released. It is the textbook German Expressionist, and although it did not take the world by storm (it was a commercial failure), it has had a lasting impact. This 103-year-old film continues to influence film and art to this day. The classic horror/mystery film was directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer. Although the film has survived, the original soundtrack, written to accompany the silent film by Giuseppe Becce, has not. This has led to artists, over time, writing their own. Nash The Slash even had a try at it.  The film has been restored into a beautiful 4K quality print by the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation, and former Kraftwerk member Karl Bartos, a fan of the film, imagined what a soundtrack for the film would have been in 1920.

Working in his home studio in Hamburg, Germany, Bartos left no stone unturned to find melodies, sound effects and music to accompany the film. The question is, as with all soundtracks, how does this music stand up on its own without watching the film. In the case of this album, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari the music is not merely a collection of random songs/music but rather songs tailored for the film. As such, the album is brilliant. Bartos has created moody, atmospheric music that works entirely on its own. Songs, such as “Scary Memories” are dreamy and kind of scary in their own right. Or the very short “A Dark Figure” or the equally short “Shadows” are very seeped into your mind’s eye to create some frightening scenes.

The music is a combination of electronic, classic and soundtrack instrumentals. However, he does employ some sound effects and vocals, most effectively on the song “Lunatic Asylum”, which puts The Omen soundtrack to shame. “Who’s Mad Here” uses voices and laughter with electronic sounds and drums to great effect. Bartos is able to relay emotions and feelings brilliantly throughout the album. Some of the songs are airy and light, such as “Jane’s Theme” and “Jane’s Theme 2”. Bartos is able to convey the hopefulness and unsuspecting character.

The music on this album is wonderful, full of strong melodies and images. Bartos has outdone himself and The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari stands up on its own. Of course, one can only imagine how well those classic images marry to the soundtrack Bartos has created, and I look forward to watching the new, clear print of the film with this shimmering soundtrack.

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