"Photoplays," or silent movies, cried out for accompaniment, and a distinctive art form arose to fill the demand, combining cinema, music, and storytelling. This unique anthology features original sheet music for the piano pieces that complemented early motion pictures. Derived from eight rare sources, the contents include pieces by J. S. Zamecnik, M. L. Lake, Joseph Carl Breil, J. Bodewalt Lampe, and Walter C. Simon.
An extensive essay by editor Daniel Goldmark introduces the compilation. Goldmark discusses the history of early cinema music — its composers and publishers as well as its successes and failures — and he examines the use and interest in such music today. Movie fans of all ages will appreciate this collection for its historical value, and amateur and professional theater companies will value it for its practical uses as musical accompaniment.