Der Golem [CD]

Hermann Kopp - Der Golem [CD]

Best known for his Nekromantik soundtracks (Dir. Jörg Buttgereit), Hermann Kopp composed and recorded his new soundtrack to the 1920 classic horror film Der Golem -- a leading example of early German Expressionism by Paul Wegener. First released in 1914, three versions of this material were made, but only the 1920 version is still available. Using violin, viola and electronic/synthesizer sounds, the new score adds a more contemporary, sometimes noisy edge to the film, whilst not forgetting the esoteric and mysterious components of the Golem myth of Jewish folklore. Set in a ghetto of medieval Prague, the Golem, a clay hulk brought to life by a magic scroll implanted in his chest, is summoned as a protector and avenger. The soundtrack premiered March 7, 2025 in a Parisian cinema near Place de l'Etoile -- by invitation of Vincent Glaume (organizer of the legendary Au-delà du Silence events in France, who first proposed the idea to Kopp). It was also presented at Wroclaw Industrial Festival, Poland in October 2025. Hermann Kopp started recording songs on tape in the '70s, combining his violin with a Moog imitation in a very personal and minimal approach to music, with lyrics that bordered on surrealism. After a mini-LP in 1981 and his Pop LP of 1983, he became the fifth member of experimental synthesizer band Keine Ahnung. After a split, Kopp was contacted by filmmaker Jörg Buttgereit to participate in the scores for Nekromantik, later in Der Todesking and finally in Nekromantik 2. He has since released a string of incredible works through labels such as Galakthorrö, 4iB Records, One Way Static, and Vinyl On Demand. 01. Golem Theme (1:23) 02. In Die Shtern (2:53) 03. Rabbi Loew (2:28) 04. The Old Book (2:16) 05. Dirt (3:40) 06. Myriam (2:09) 07. The Knight (3:32) 08. De Sheh Is Do (2:23) 09. Necromancy (4:05) 10. Vayzn Zikh (2:25) 11. The Rose Festival (2:51) 12. Invocation Of Astaroth (4:37) 13. Place A Light In The Window (3:55) 14. Golem Goes Into Town (1:28) 15. Guard This Secret With Your Life (2:14) 16. Golem Gets Angry (2:22) 17. Amok (1:56) 18. The Temple (3:41) 19. House In Flames (3:30) 20. End Theme (3:44)