The New Babylon (Shostakovich)
(1929, restored in 2001)
Original Title: Novyy Vavilon
Directed by: G. Kozintsev, L. Trauberg
Writing credits: G.Kozintsev, L. Trauberg
Starring: David Gutman, Y. Kuzmina, A. Kostrichkin, P. Sobolevsky, Y. Zhejmo, S. Gerasimov
Genre: drama
Country: Soviet Union
Running Time: 96 mins
Instrumentation List
Restored from 1929 manuscript of Dmitri Shostakovich’s only silent film work
1 Flute
1 Oboe
1 Clarinet
1 Bassoon
2 Horns
2 Trumpets
1 Trombone
Percussion (2)
Piano (2 minute solo)
Strings
“Where exact synchronisation was called for it was spot on; but more often one was admiring a great deal of excellent solo playing from principals in every section and fine ensemble playing.”
“The Wellington Sinfonia under Brock did a splendid job, with the trumpet of John Taber brilliantly prominent, and, for all my reservations, it was a unique opportunity to experience such an uncompromising representation of the director’s intentions.”
Brock records his restoration of Shostakovich masterpiece with Vienna's ORF
Working hand in hand with the ORF Radio Symphonie Orchester Wien and the Österreichisches Filmmuseum, Timothy Brock conducted a recording session of his restoration of Dmitri Shostakovich only silent-film score, New Babylon (1929/30).
Brock's restoration, from the original Shostakovich hand-written manuscript, was completed in Oxford, England in 2001 and has been conducted live by Mr. Brock in more than 50 performances worldwide. Now, nearly 15 years later it will be released to the public on DVD, as performed by the Brock and the ORF Radio Symphony at the Wien Konzerthaus in 2013.
Says Brock, “It was a great experience bringing this score to light in Vienna. The Fillmmuseum has always been a huge supporter of live-cinema, and they're the ones who made this happen so successfully. I'm thrilled to be a part of it.”
Timothy Brock is also grateful for the support of Madam Irina Shostakovich and the Centre Shostakovich Paris, and to Boosey and Hawkes you supplied access to the original manuscript.
“Without any of these people, such a thing would not be possible.”
