The formation of a Swedish cinema music practice, 1905–1915

Christopher Natzén

pp. 36-48

in: Claus Tieber, Anna K. Windisch (eds), The sounds of silent films, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014

Abstract

This chapter will explore the formation of a Swedish cinema music practice between 1905 and 1915. Little is known about the use of music in this early period in Swedish film history. Few contemporary sources exist that discuss the musical accompaniment of film screenings. If sound is mentioned at all, it is due to special guest appearances or the use of a new technical device. Before the 1910s, the musical accompaniment of moving images in Sweden is believed to have been characterized by improvisation, performed on a single piano or another instrument, although evidence suggests that there were some exceptions that had better-prepared music. Some cinemas may, for example, have employed small ensembles to perform. However, in-depth research has not yet been done and it is heretofore unknown how a Swedish cinematic music practice was established.