Performers
- Sirba Octet
- Richard Schmoucler violin, artistic direction
- Laurent Manaud-Pallas violin
- Cécile Grassi viola
- Claude Giron cello
- Stanislas Kuchinski double bass
- Philippe Berrod clarinet
- Christophe Henry piano
- Iurie Morar cimbalom
Programme
Tsuzamen – traditional klezmer, Armenian and Roma music in new arrangements.
Concert description
“Tools of melody” is how the Hebrew klej zemer (כלי זמר), meaning musical instruments, can be literally translated. From this word comes the name of klezmer music, the traditional work of itinerant musicians with Jewish roots. And indeed, the instruments in their hands came to life, with the freedom to combine the special nostalgic allure of Jewish cantilenas with the dancing element of ensemble playing. From as early as the mid-18th century, klezmer bands graced religious ceremonies and folk parties, performing solemn songs and pieces, but also popular tunes and dances of incredible sonic richness, full of primal energy, rhythms and filigree embellishments.
The klezmer tradition is being revived in the work of Sirba Octet. However, they reach not only to the colorful sources of Jewish music, but also to the emotional folklore of the Armenian lands and the internally contrasted, strongly expressive Gypsy music. They create their sonic fusion, a contemporary reading in innovative transcriptions and arrangements in which the spirit and beauty of the musical originals are still legible.
– Karolina Dąbek (pisanezesluchu.pl)