Cause and Effect presents:
20th Century Jewish Composers, featuring Paul Ben-Haim (1897-1984)
Paul Ben-Haim (1897–1984), born Paul Frankenburger in Munich, Germany, was a prominent composer and conductor who became a foundational figure in Israeli classical music. Trained in the rich traditions of European art music, he worked as an opera conductor in Augsburg before the rise of the Nazi regime forced him to flee Germany in 1933. Emigrating to British Mandate Palestine, he adopted the name Paul Ben-Haim, reflecting his embrace of Zionism and his commitment to the burgeoning cultural identity of the Jewish homeland. Among his notable works are the Symphony No. 1, the Sonata for Solo Violin, and the Berceuse Sfaradite, which showcase his fusion of Western classical forms with Jewish and Middle Eastern musical traditions.
Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951), one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, was born in Vienna, Austria, to a Jewish family but converted to Protestantism in 1898. The rise of Nazism and a deepening connection to his heritage led him to return to Judaism in 1933, shortly before emigrating to the United States. Schoenberg revolutionized classical music with his development of the twelve-tone technique, but he also created works reflecting his Jewish identity, such as Kol Nidre, Op. 39, a modern interpretation of the traditional Yom Kippur prayer, and A Survivor from Warsaw, Op. 46, a harrowing depiction of Holocaust atrocities. These compositions stand as powerful testaments to Jewish resilience and spirituality.
Ernest Bloch (1880–1959) was a Swiss-born composer whose works profoundly reflect his Jewish heritage and spiritual identity. Born in Geneva to a Jewish family, Bloch studied in Brussels, Frankfurt, and Paris before eventually settling in the United States, where he became a citizen in 1924. Many of his most celebrated works, including Schelomo: Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra and Three Jewish Poems, are part of his “Jewish Cycle”, which sought to capture the essence of Jewish identity through cantorial melodies, liturgical modes, and a sense of ancient mysticism. Bloch described his music as “a voice of the Jewish soul,” creating a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences.
Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990), a legendary composer, conductor, and educator, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Jewish immigrant parents from Ukraine. His Jewish heritage deeply influenced his life and work, with compositions such as Chichester Psalms and Kaddish Symphony (Symphony No. 3) directly engaging with Jewish texts and themes. Bernstein’s ability to blend classical, jazz, and Broadway influences allowed him to create music that was both deeply personal and universally resonant. As one of the most celebrated musicians of his time, Bernstein’s work stands as a vital bridge between Jewish culture, American music, and the global artistic landscape.
Show Archive
Play show / Add show to playlistPlaylist:
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Samuel Adler & Rochester Singers, “The Firstborn: Israelite Chorus”
from Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy
Milken Archive of Jewish Music - 2003
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David Krakauer, Alicia Svigals, Martha Mooke & Pablo Aslan, “Rocketeyka”
from Klezmer Concertos and Encores
Milken Archive of Jewish Music - 2004
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Leonard Bernstein, “Sweet Psalmist of Israel: III. A Song of Degrees. Con moto solenne”
Sony Classical - 1960
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Gila Goldstein, “Variations on a Hebrew Melody, Op. 22”
from Paul Ben-Haim, Vol. 2: Piano & Chamber Works
Centaur Records, Inc. - 2020
Cello: Inbal Segev, Violin: Yehonatan Berick
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John Neschling and Sao Paolo Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, “Kol Nidre, Op. 39”
BIS - 2009
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John Zorn, “Kol Nidre”
from The String Quartets
Tzadik - 1999
Cello: Erik Friedlander, Viola: Lois Martin, Violins: Joyce Hammann & Mark Feldman
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Michael Guttman, London Philharmonic Orchestra & David Shallon, “Violin Concerto: III. Vivo”
from Ben-Haim, Sheriff & Zehavi: Israeli Violin Concertos
Decca (UMO) - 1998
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Michal Kaňka & Miguel Borges Coelho, “From Jewish Life for Cello and Piano: I. Prayer”
from Ernest Bloch: From Jewish Life
Praga Digitals - 2010
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Michal Kaňka & Miguel Borges Coelho, “From Jewish Life for Cello and Piano: II. Supplication”
from Ernest Bloch: From Jewish Life
Praga Digitals - 2010
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Michal Kaňka & Miguel Borges Coelho, “From Jewish Life for Cello and Piano: III. Jewish Song. Allegro molto”
from Ernest Bloch: From Jewish Life
Praga Digitals - 2010
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David Krakauer, “Hassidic Dance”
from Klezmer Concertos and Encores
Milken Archive of Jewish Music - 2004
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Leonard Bernstein, “Chichester Psalms for Chorus and Orchestra: I. Psalm 108 (verse 2) & Psalm 100 (complete)”
from Bernstein Conducts Bernstein: Kaddish & Chichester Psalms
Sony Classical - 1964
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St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Lande & David Drosinos, “Pastorale variee for Clarinet, Harp and String Orchestra, Op. 31b”
from Portals
Marquis Classics - 2011
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ARC Ensemble, “Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet, Op. 31a: III. Tema con variazioni”
Chandos - 2013
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Israel Yinon, “Fanfare to Israel”
from Ben-Haim: Symphony No. 1 - Fanfare to Israel - Symphonic Metamorphosis on a Bach Chorale
CPO - 2000
DJbob Cause and Effect November 30th, 2024
Posted In: Music Shows