Description
Point of departure is Dmitri Shostakovich’s song cycle “From Jewish Folk Poetry” for soprano, mezzo-soprano and tenor – but there is a twist to it: Songs are sung with the original Yiddish texts!
The original texts give the music back its yidishn tam (flavor) and make it simpler and at the same time richer in expression. Solos, duos and trios provide contrast and even mini-dramas.
The album further consists of songs by the father of the New Jewish School:
Joel Engel (1868-1927). Engel is ‘the father of Jewish classical music’ because of his pioneering work in adapting Yiddish folk songs into classical compositions. His musical style stays true to the source material while enveloping the melodies with imaginative piano accompaniments. For some of the Engel songs, British composer and tenor Tyrone Landau has created arrangements for four singers.
The program shows a cross-section of the variety of topics found in Yiddish folk songs: both secular and religious settings, life cycle events and historical scenes, songs about tragic heartbreak and songs of hopeful optimism. Who couldn’t identify with these!
Joel Engel: 12 songs from Yidishe folkslieder, 4 later Yiddish songs
Dmitri Shostakovich: From Jewish Folk Poetry, op 79. (sung in Yiddish)
Elizaveta Agrafenina, sopraan
Sára Gutvill, mezzosopraan
Tyrone Landau, tenor
Pierre Mak, bariton
Jaap Kooi, piano
