Four Hundred Tricks of the Devil

(Melies, 1907) Music composed by Elmer Bernstein.

A hand painted, surreal work, filled with the special effects made possible by early film. The devil and his assistants appear and disappear, wrecking havoc as two magicians go on a magical trip.

 

Performing forces
Minimum
2 players (violin and piano)
Performing forces
Maximum
One 2 hour rehearsal
Rehearsals One 2 ½ hour rehearsal with orchestra
One 2 ½ hour tech rehearsal
One 3 hour 10 minute dress rehearsal
Performance time 15 minutes
Film speed 16 frames per second
Film source Netherlands Film Archive
Projection Variable speed 35 mm projector
Rights Melies family
credits:
artwork:Lidia Bagnoli