Live from Spoleto 2025: Buster Keaton’s “Sherlock Jr.” / Original score by Stephen Prutsman

Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr. (1924) with new Original Score by Stephen Prutsman Presented by Spoleto Festival USA in collaboration with Phenotypic Recordings: A Pheno Films Production Music recorded live at Dock Street Theatre, Spoleto Festival 2025 June 6 and 7, 2025, Charleston, South Carolina Performed by: Stephen Prutsman, piano, with Daniel Chong (violin), Livia Sohn (violin), Jessica Bodner (viola), and Raman Ramakrishnan (cello) ABOUT Sherlock Jr. is a 1924 American silent film comedy starring and directed by Buster Keaton (1985-1966), considered by many to be the greatest silent film actor in American history. Sherlock Jr. itself is a masterpiece, often appearing in "top movies of all time" lists including by Time and BBC. It follows the hilarious misadventures (and inner fantasies) of a movie projectionist who moonlights as an amateur detective, showcasing Keaton's signature deadpan expressions, riotous slapstick, quirky characters, and breathtaking stunts (which he performed himself), and adds what were then technical innovation in film and storytelling, giving birth to "the most philosophically eloquent of silent comedies" (The New Biographical Dictionary of Film). This new release by Spoleto Festival USA and Phenotypic Recordings elevates the film to unprecedented heights by marrying it with an extraordinary original score composed by acclaimed pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman, recorded live in high fidelity sound at the renowned Dock Street Theatre during the 2025 Spoleto Festival. THE COMPOSER & PLAYERS Stephen Prutsman, Composer and Pianist Pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman continues to explore and seek common ground in music of all cultures and languages. As a composer, his music has been performed throughout the world by leading known classical and popular performers. He has written original scores for many silent films, including Sherlock Jr, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Seven Chances, and College. stephenprutsman.com Daniel Chong, Violin GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Daniel Chong is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. Founding first violinist of the Parker Quartet, he has performed around the world and won many honors including top prizes at the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, and and has recorded for ECM, Naxos and others. He also serves as Professor of the Practice at Harvard University Department of Music. parkerquartet.com/about/DanielChong.html Livia Sohn, Violin Hailed by Opus Magazine as “a stunning musician”, Livia Sohn performs widely on the international stage as concerto soloist, recitalist, and festival guest artist in North America, Europe, and Asia. The Strad Magazine describes her performances as "virtually blemishless accounts" that are "nothing short of remarkable." Livia is the recent founder of Coast Live Music, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create community through music. liviasohn.com Jessica Bodner, Viola Jessica Bodner, described by The New York Times as a “soulful soloist,” is known for her inexhaustible search for vivid music-making and exploration of sound. Jessica is the violist of the GRAMMY Award-winning Parker Quartet and has performed both with the Quartet and as an individual around the world. She is Professor of the Practice at Harvard University Department of Music. parkerquartet.com/about/JessicaBodner.html Raman Ramakrishnan, Cello For two decades, as a founding member of the Horszowski Trio and the Daedalus Quartet, Raman Ramakrishnan has toured extensively through North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and recorded for Bridge Records and Avie Records. He currently a member of the Boston Chamber Music Society, and is on the faculty of the Bard College Conservatory of Music. www.bard.edu/faculty/raman-ramakrishnan THE PRESENTERS Spoleto Festival USA For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, orchestral, choral, jazz, and contemporary music. As the nation’s preeminent performing arts festival, Spoleto produces and presents work of the highest artistic caliber to diverse and adventurous audiences. spoletousa.org Phenotypic Recordings Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. Artists include Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, Kenji Bunch, Modern Violin Ensemble (MoVE), W4RP and more. As another way of amplifying artistic voices, Phenotypic Recordings donates revenue from streaming and downloads to support humanitarian causes identified by the artists making the music. Pheno Films is a project of Phenotypic Recordings. phenotypicrecordings.com