Edited by Randi Bjornstad
What is the relationship between Jewish melodies and traditional classical music? According to Eunhye Grace Choi, artistic director of Chamber Music Amici, it’s very close.
Through the centuries, many ancient Jewish melodies found their way into the consciousness and composition of European classical composers, in fact inspiring some of classical music’s most soulful works, Choi contends, and these will make up the program when Chamber Music Amici performs Echoes of Heritage: Jewish Melodies in Classical Music.
“These are extraordinary pieces that don’t appear often on concert programs but deserve to be heard and cherished,” Choi says. “This concert offers a rare chance to experience music that is both historically rich and emotionally powerful.”
The program
The concert includes the following list of works, along with Choi’s commentary:
Sergei Prokofiev — Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34. “Written for a Russian-Jewish ensemble in New York in 1919, this lively overture sparkles with a clarinet line that imitates the klezmer sound and keeps the listener fully engaged.”
Max Bruch — Kol Nidrei, Op. 47. “Though not Jewish, Bruch created a deeply moving meditation on the Yom Kippur prayer, Kol Nidrei, weaving solemn D minor melodies with a radiant D major hymn.”
Alexander von Zemlinsky — Trio in D Minor for Clarinet, Cello & amp; Piano, Op. 3.
“A young Zemlinsky impressed Brahms so much that he recommended its publication. It’s a joy to hear—not only as a reminder of Brahms’ influence, but also as a testament
to Zemlinsky’s own gift for creating sublime melody and harmony.”
Simon Laks — Piano Quintet on Popular Polish Themes. “Perhaps the evening’s rarest discovery, this vibrant quintet blends Polish folk dances with a poignant personal history. Both the composer and this piece are underrated. This is very likely the Oregon or Northwest premiere, making it a rare opportunity to hear this quintet. Laks, a Holocaust survivor, transformed his earlier string quartet into this colorful, life-affirming work.”
The Musicians — Chamber Music Amici core musicians plus guest artists:
Eunhye Grace Choi, piano
Tomás Cotik, violin
Arnaud Ghillebaert, viola
Wonkak Kim, clarinet
Lillie Manis, violin
Steven Pologe, cello
The details
When: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27
Where: Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main St., Springfield
Tickets: General admission, $35-$47; $5 for each for students and their parents; available online at wildishtheater.com
Information: chambermusicamici.org
About Chamber Music Amici
Founded in 2009, Chamber Music Amici builds community through exceptional chamber music. By presenting concerts throughout Lane County, Amici brings professional musicians and audiences together in performances that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. The mission of Chamber Music Amici is to produce excellent, affordable chamber music through concerts that appeal to all ages. With the motto, “Creating community through great music,” Amici also promotes the development of a new generation of music lovers through collaborations with public schools in Springfield, Eugene, and Cottage Grove, as well as with other local and regional arts organizations, and with businesses and governments throughout the community.
