Fifty years old and still going strong!
Gil Shohat, the talented young pianist, conductor, composer and lecturer, indeed a musical polymath, conducted a fine performance of Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde. He used Arnold Schoenberg’s arrangement where Mahler’s massive orchestration was reduced to 11 instrumentalists from the Elisyum Ensemble. Musically nothing of this dramatic masterpiece was lost in this transcription. One could even appreciate how far Mahler, the heir of Wagner and Brahms, had moved in the direction of the Second Viennese School of Schoenberg, Webern and Berg. Mahler himself was never formally a member of this group.
Unfortunately no program text notes were supplied although the veteran Israeli actress, Gila Almagor, introduced each song. Despite her mellifluous Hebrew, this did lead to a loss of continuity. Gabriel Sadeh’s ringing tenor did justice to the cycle. Mezzo soprano, Ayala Zimbler, was barely audible in the fourth song, Von der Schönheit (Of Beauty). However she came into her own with her final contribution, Der Abschied (The Farewell) which is nearly as long as the previous five movements combined. Here she gave an incandescent rendering of Mahler’s farewell although I would have preferred an even more subdued ending.
This concert was part of a 6 hour Mahler marathon which also included some of his most famous song cycles and piano quartet. Mezzo soprano, Bracha Kol, brought out all the poignancy and emotional intensity of Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Death of Children). This was far more successful that her earlier foray into Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer). Shohat accompanied her most competently on the piano although he tended to drown her out in the fortissimo passages.
Another notable festival event was a recital given by the famous soprano, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Remarkably even at her age, she still retains all the high notes although her lower register is somewhat restricted and her voice has also lost much of its volume. Nevertheless her voice’s characteristic beauty and resonance have been largely retained.
This recital took place in the huge auditorium at the Jerusalem Convention Center, a most inappropriate venue for a recital. A more intimate venue would have better served both Dame Te Kanawa and her public. Nevertheless, her regal presence and magnetic and wining personality overcame all issues and this was a memorable recital.
She gave wonderful renditions of Mozart’s songs, Chi sa, chi sa, qual sia (Who knows, who knows, what be) and Vado ma dove (But where I go) as well as Pamina’s Ach ich fuhl’s (Ah, I feel it) from the Magic Flute and Un moto di gioia (A joyous emotion), an alternate aria of Susanna from the Marriage of Figaro.
The unquestioned highlight was a stunning performance of Richard Strauss’s song Morgen (Tomorrow). Te Kanawa spun these lines with considerable beauty and grace. This was unfortunately marred by incessant coughing from some sickly members of the audience. Her recital ended with an encore, her usual show- stopper, Puccini’s O mio babbino caro (Oh, my beloved father) from his opera Gianni Schicchi.
Dame Te Kanawa also introduced one of her young protégés, Phillip Rhodes, a promising baritone who is destined for a great career. Her excellent accompanist was the pianist Michael Pollock.
Another noteworthy event of the festival was a performance by the period instrument British group, Florilegium. Pergolesi’s Salve Regina, not as well known as his Stabat Mater was given an outstanding rendition by Canadian soprano Gillian Keith and this group of seven very talented musicians. Most impressive was the agility and trills of her lovely voice in her interplay with flautist Ashley Solomon in a performance of the aria Sweet Bird, a pastoral ode by Handel based on the poetry of John Milton. This left an unforgettable impression and was one of the most memorable highlights of the current Israel Festival.
Illustrations
Fig 1: The soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, courtesy John Swannell
Fig 2: The soprano Gillian Keith, courtesy Clare Park
I was also a student of MTC Sucat branch but unfortunately I was not able to complete the whole course because I developed tinnitus which lasted for months affecting my left ear due to labyrinthitis. When I was ready to go back, I found out that that particular school site was closed. I still hope to finish the course though it was already about two to three years ago when I stopped. I don't know where to go to complete my requirements but I've already finished 12 out of 15 modules. I still need to take these modules and would love to take the brainbench exams to qualify as a medical transcriptionist. I hope there is still a chance to go back.
I for one am happy to put money into the infrastructure that I get so much out of. that is what medicaid is for it's there for us during periods of emergency when we have no other coverage. Maybe that is only a year, maybe its 10 years but I'm glad that it's there so women and men don't have to be deadlocked into some horrible marriage for fear of going without medical insurance or food or whatever. I'm happy this is a good thing there is that coverage. Years ago those women might have had no other choice but to stay married.