On Halloween night, the Walt Disney Concert Hall provided a chillingly atmospheric backdrop for a screening of Nosferatu, F.W. Murnau’s silent film adaptation, loosely drawn from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The audience, adorned in costumes that included nods to the vampire genre, gathered under the hall’s angular architecture, anticipating an evening that would merge the classic horror aesthetic with live musical interpretation.

At the heart of this experience was Clark Wilson, a seasoned silent film organist, whose performance on the venue’s imposing pipe organ lent an additional dimension to Nosferatu’s haunting visuals. Known for his adept interpretations, Wilson commenced the evening with a brief screening of “Koko’s Haunted House,” a vintage Fleischer short from Paramount’s Out of the Inkwell series, setting a whimsical yet eerie tone.

Then came Murnau’s 1922 creation, regarded as a foundational work in horror cinema. Wilson, seated at the console, immediately began conjuring a sonic landscape that mirrored the darkly expressive nature of each scene. His interpretations infused the film with an urgency and gravitas that connected modern listeners to the silent era’s stark emotionality.

Wilson’s skill was evident in the precision with which he responded to every shadow, guiding the audience through Orlok’s disturbing world with an intense musical language. His dexterous handling of the organ—a blend of harmonious and discordant elements—mimicked Orlok’s menace, casting resonant chords across the hall. Each keystroke and pedal shift underscored the film’s dread, while subtler tones imbued quieter moments with a lingering sense of unease.

The evening became as much a homage to the art of silent film accompaniment as it was a testament to Nosferatu’s enduring power. Wilson’s seamless interplay with the screen underscored the timeless impact of live scoring, reminding attendees of music’s capacity to enhance the cinematic experience. As the closing credits rolled, applause echoed through the hall—a testament to the night’s unique blend of vintage horror and musical craftsmanship.

— Rosane Grimberg

For more information on shows at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, please visit: https://www.laphil.com/