stiefelmusik wrote:The problem is, I have the (un)fortunate honor of being the friend and colleague of Germany's foremost pianist for silent film...this guy is so good I just never had the guts to step up to the plate.
Don't let that stop you, my friend. I am also an avid (rabbid?
) improvisor and one of the only silent film accompanists I know of (and I know a lot of 'em) who improvises
exclusively for each and every film - unless of course, I've composed a work for orchestra or some other ensemble and am on piano with them.
I know quite a few great silent film accompanists, none of which improvise totally. Most can do connecting segments, but few can wing it for 2-3 hours for an intricate drama or have the inventive skills to do a highly segmented program of short films and not have every film sound the same. My personal quest in improv since 1970 or so has been improv in the styles of the great masters (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Chabrier, etc.). In my opinion, if you can do that and sustain it for even just 20 or 30 minutes, accompanying a silent film in an "original style" is a no-brainer.
It's also important to remember that there is no one way to accompany a silent film. Every accompanist brings a different perspective to the piano, along with a different way a seeing and interpreting what is on screen.
There is nothing stopping you from downloading any of dozens of silent films (with or without music) off the web or from a library on recording and trying. But it is way easier than playing a dance class or mime/movement exercise and the rewards, financial, artistic and personal (ie- audience response) are usually significant.
There's plenty of room for more good accompanists and in Europe you're going to work way more than I do in the USA - and I work a lot. It can also lead to other work, both in theater, dance and in TV and radio. You'll get some of those interviews, press notice and lots of internet attention.
Don't wait. Do it if you can. Very few can but I'd wager that you are a natural. PM or email me for more if you wish.
Go here for info on what has been possible for me with silent
http://www.midilifecrisis.com
Good luck!