Vox Lumiere-Metropolis
LA DAUPHINE LIBERE
The Opera Theatre of Avignon welcomed the advance European premiere of the Fritz Lang film “Metropolis” – rejuvenated by Kevin Saunders Hayes’ musical and vocal accompaniment. A masterpiece! The presentation raised 45,000 francs in support of the association, “The Voice of the Child”.
Fritz Lang’s film is monument, and raises questions that are still topical, despite its age (1926). Metropolis is considered to be one of the great works of cinema and science fiction. Progress as the enemy of man in a city of the future, where men work themselves to death at an infernal pace, without breathing a word, at the risk of their lives. The film gives hope for a better life, for a world of peace, yet 74 years later, on the threshold of the 21st century, things have not really changed as men still die needlessly for the sake of power.
Kevin Saunders Hayes has achieved the sacred task of composing an original and compelling work. It has been two long years in the making, with magnificent results. Orchestra and choir in a contemporary rhythm embrace the film and elevate the performance.
The vocals and musical instrumentation convey the drama – caressing the most tender moments – and bring into being the full spectrum of emotions. That the film is silent does not matter. Kevin Hayes gives it a new voice.
