Customer Reviews

Song of Terezin

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These two works were written after the Second World War, Zeisl's in 1945 and Waxman's in 1965, but they still meet the criteria of London's Entartete Musik. Franz Waxman (1906-1967) and Eric Zeisl (1906-1959) were Jewish composers forced to flee the Nazis in the 1930's. Each was inspired to write a work honoring the lost inmates of Terezin, Waxman by the publication of children's poems and songs known in English as "...i never saw another butterfly...", Zeisl by a more personal connection, the murder of his father in 1944. I alaborate these dates because they show us how early the true story of Terezin became known - decades before the revival of the lost Czech composers.

Waxman set eight of those children's poems in German. The music is tonal, lush, and descriptive his sincerity and sheer skill make strong impressions; few oratorios by any composer manipulate soloists, chorus and orchestra so effectively. The final poem, "Fear", is a magnificent prayer whitten by a 12-year old girl; Waxman honors it with terrifying music. After several hearings I am seduced by its power and beauty.

Zeisl set the 92nd Psalm in Hebrew, an unusual text for a Requiem. His music is late-Romantic, with a few searing harmonies but also classical elements, including a closing fugue. It sounds like a gentler Ernest Bloch. Less than half the duration of Waxman's song cycle, it is deeply moving.

The performances are outstanding, composers from Bach to Bruckner would rejoice in such representation. A photo in the booklet shows a teen aged Lawrence Foster looking at a score with Waxman; this suggests a long-held connection that may contribute to the dedication evident throughout this disc. Need I add that London's sound is exemplary? This music and this disc are highly recommended.

The first time I heard this, I was driving and was so mesmerized by what the radio station (thanks,WKZE) was playing I missed my exit. I an NOT a classical buff, and knew nothing of the history behind this orchestration, but was transfixed by the weird, gripping beauty of music like none I have ever heard before.

I heard the Requiem yesterday at the Israeli Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta, first performance in the country. The audience was told that there's no recording of it in Israel (the concert was recorded live). It was exciting and amazing, I want to listen to it again. There are many jewish motives and dances, which may sound exotic to persons who don't know european jewish music. Wonderful choir music full of energy and beautiful melodies.