Siegfried Idyll Wesendonk Songs Version for soprano and chamber ensemble by Andreas N. Tarkmann
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Songs without words Version for chamber orchestra by Josef Piras
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Goldberg Variations BWV 988 (excerpts) Arrangement for chamber orchestra by Józef Koffler
Shachar Lavi, mezzo-soprano
Daniel Grossmann, conductor
JEWISH Why does a Jewish orchestra play Wagner? Daniel Grossmann answers the question very clearly: 'It's simply great music!' Is that already a provocation? Perhaps. In addition to Wagner's music, the concert program includes works by Felix Mendelssohn and Johann Sebastian Bach: the one a 'Jewish Protestant', the other probably an 'anti-Judaist' in keeping with his time, whose great Christian works were declared 'de-Judaization' hymns in the Third Reich. An exciting mix.
TODAY At a time when the political shift to the right is sweeping the West and 'cancel culture' is either talked about or denied in culture, the presumption of innocence 'l'art pour l'art' is no longer sufficient. Wagner and his anti-Semitism are often discussed: how can we play and listen to Wagner today? The JCOM would like to contribute to this discussion and stimulate thought.
FOR ALL For Wagnerians and those who want to become Wagnerians, for Wagner sceptics looking for new perspectives, for the curious who want to help decide which side experiences the provocation: a concert for everyone. And: 'simply great music'?
