the KlezmerShack

Music, Oppression and Exile: The Impact of Nazism on Musical Development in the 20th Century
International Conference, Senate House, University of London, 8–11 April 2008

‘Hitler tore a gaping hole in European culture and the damage has not yet been repaired’. Nick Kimberley, The Observer, 2002.

With four days of papers from across the world this conference is set to be one of the most significant symposia ever held on the subject. It will also include sessions with families of the composers affected and presentations from archives where their material is housed. There will be films introduced by the makers We Want the Light on Music in Germany by Christopher Nupen and Music in Terezin by Simon Broughton.

The conference at the University of London will be followed on 12 and 13 April by two days of concerts, films and public lectures on Music in Exile, presented by the Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto at the Cadogan Hall.

To see details of Conference fees, speakers and to register on line music.sas.ac.uk/imr-events or the JMI Website www.jmi.org.uk

Posted by Ari Davidow at 7:49 PM | Permalink

You are invited to attend or speak (and pass this on to those that may be interested) at the conference and concerts in London in April 2008 on
Music, Oppression and Exile:
The Impact of Nazism on Musical Development in the 20th Century

It will take place on Wednesday 9–Friday 11 April 2008

Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

It will followed by two days of concerts and public lectures presented by
The ARC Ensemble (Artists of the Royal Conservatory, Canada) and the English Chamber Orchestra Ensemble

Saturday 12, Sunday 13 April 2008
Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ

Papers are invited on any of these broad subjects below or related topics. Papers should be of approximately 25 minutes’ duration (with an additional 10 minutes for discussion). The deadline for the receipt of abstracts is 30 October 2007.

Continue reading "Conference: Music, Oppression and Exile, London, Apr 9-13, 2008" »

Posted by Ari Davidow at 3:45 PM | Permalink

Okay, one more important article that has been waiting several months. Stewart Cherlin has been writing for the KlezmerShack since 1997. His most recent article is about the Czech composer, Viktor Ullmann, who composed some amazing music in Terezenstadt before being shipped off to Auschwitz by the Nazis. Those who heard the lecture on his music at the Milken Conference a couple of years ago, or who have been privileged to otherwise encounter his music know that this isn't just your average Schoenberg-student does 20th century shtick music—this is "stick it to the Nazis in full glorious and conscious defiance" music. Many thanks to Stewart for writing an article about the music, and this past summer's performances in Chicago. We've added some links to learn more about Ullmann, as well.

Read Viktor Ullmann Remembered: A review and article on Viktor Ullmann and his music, performed at the Ravinia Festival, written by Stewart I. Cherlin

Posted by Ari Davidow at 10:23 PM | Permalink

As I try to catch up, I am happily snowed under by even more incredible music. Here is a taste:

Italy's Klezroym have put together an incredibly powerful album, "Yankele nel Ghetto," based on Gila Flam's collection of songs from the Lodz Ghetto. Notes in Italian and English.

Rob Burger's recent Tzadik release, "Lost Photograph," combines lounge and exotica with South American and Jewish styles.

Wholesale Klezmer's new "Sing for Peace, Dance for Joy" shows why I think of the band as "Comfort Klezmer".

Posted by Ari Davidow at 10:42 PM | Permalink

New Haven, Conn. Yale University will host a conference on April 12 and 13, celebrating the acquisition of a major collection of Jewish music by the University.

The Wallersteiner Collection of Jewish Music includes about 700 pieces of sheet music of popular, liturgical and theater songs and hymns from Germany, the United States, Israel and elsewhere from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection was acquired by the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library at Yale.

For further information check the conference web site at www.library.yale.edu/judaica/music/index.html or contact Nanette Stahl, conference director, at nanette.stahl@yale.edu or phone number (203)432-7207.

Continue reading "Jewish Music Conference at Yale, Apr 12-13" »

Posted by Ari Davidow at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I want to bring to your attention a real "oytser", released in 2001/2 in germany: "vorbei" is a fine collection of 11 CDs and on DVD and a more than 6oo page illustrated book about musical performances and its great artists by the "Jüdischer Kulturbund" produced in the years 1933-1939 with "permission" of the regime. Old shellac goodies restored: yiddish songs, zionistic an khaluz songs, Khasanuth, cabaret etc, etc. Dont forget to have a handkerchiv ready. This matonele comes in a neat box. A must.

More info under www.bear-family.de e-mail: bear@bear-family.de.

yours,
albert leonhard
Düsseldorf

Posted by Ari Davidow at 3:10 PM | Permalink

It is a very fortunate privilege to inform you of a record of great musical and historical significance. This is the story of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a very young musician whose life was saved by her cello. It is also a testament to life in Auschwitz and the founding of a musical dynasty. Anita Lasker-Wallfisch narrates her own story which is illustrated by music chosen and played by herself, her son Raphael Wallfisch and grandsons Benjamin and Simon. The highlight of the recording is the rarely heard and very beautiful "Requiem" Op. 66 for three cellos and piano by the 19th century Jewish Composer, David Popper. It is played here by three generations of Wallfisch cellists.

Continue reading "New release-Jewish music by holocaust survivor Anita Lasker Wallfisch" »

Posted by Ari Davidow at 7:53 PM | Permalink

of Jewish music in Germany prior to the Holocaust, reviewer: Michael Spudic, originally posted to the jewish-music mailing list.

Posted by Ari Davidow at 10:04 AM | Permalink

reviews of great new releases of music by Mikis Theodorakis, Zakarya, Naftule's Dream, Chava Alberstein, and Monsieur Camembert.

Posted by Ari Davidow at 10:05 AM | Permalink

Posted by Ari Davidow at 4:09 PM | Permalink