"I was totally awe-struck
the first time I saw The Kid "

Posted on october 14, 2018

An expert in musical accompaniment of great classics of silent cinema, Dutch pianist Maud Nelissen proposed an a newly written composition at the cine-concert of Charlie Chaplin's mythical The Kid. A brief chat with a musician who confesses a boundless passion for the master of silent film.

How did you prepare for the film-concert of The Kid?

I started by watching the movie The Kid several times. Although I already know it by heart, I continue to discover beautiful things every time I see it! To prepare, I play the music of the film and I also like to plunge into the autobiography of Charlie Chaplin. The film is inspired by his own childhood.
When I rehearse, I sing at the same time; there are audio clips where we hear Charlie Chaplin singing while playing the piano, it's very touching.
The best way to prepare musically is to take a fresh look at things, as a child would. But it's hard for an adult to do!

What memory do you have of the first time you saw The Kid?

I was totally awe-struck by this film and in particular by the incredible performance and charisma of Jackie Coogan who plays the Kid: it is so moving!
When I was a child, I often played piano pieces for four hands with my godmother, who was born in 1910; she sang loudly during the songs, just like Charlie Chaplin did. I try to remember her voice during these moments, it's a bit as if she’s next to me at the piano.
 

Which French films would you like to accompany in music?

Mostly silent movies by Germaine Dulac, Marcel L'Herbier and Georges Méliès!



The Maud Nelissen playlist

The music video, « Are you lost in the world like me” by Moby.

“Pacific 231,” Symphonic movement No. 1 by composer Arthur Honegger.

The song “Kiss” by Prince

Laura Lépine