Blogroll | Congregation Darchei Noam

This spring is going to be filled with the sound of music at Darchei Noam, but it won’t be courtesy of the Von Trapps. In a series of four evenings, we will explore the life and times of four giants of classical music – all of whom were Jewish.  What impact and influence did their identity have on the masterpieces they created? How did these individuals respond to the politics and culture of their day? What is their lasting legacy? Together we will listen and learn with Rick Phillips – writer, concert host, lecturer and musical tour guide. Phillips’ 30-year career at the CBC included host and producer of Sound Advice, the weekly guide to classical music and recordings. Join us on a musical journey from 19^th century Germany to modern day New York:

Felix Mendelssohn (LECTURE MARCH 10)

Unlike many composers, Mendelssohn was famous during his lifetime, rightly regarded as one of the great musicians of his day – as a pianist, conductor and composer. Brilliantly combining classical form and structure with the spirit and expressive emotion of the burgeoning 19^th century Romantic Movement, he was able to pour new wine into old bottles, causing Queen Victoria to describe him as “a wonderful genius… so pleasing and amiable.”

Gustav Mahler (LECTURE APRIL 7)

The music of Mahler was not appreciated during his lifetime, causing him to claim, “My time will come.” He was right – Mahler’s music and message have found an audience today and continue to grow in popularity. Mahler struggled to understand the human soul and the meaning of life, death, and life after death. His music tells us about ourselves - our past, purpose, possible future and our spirituality – music tailor-made for the 21^st century.

Aaron Copland (LECTURE MAY 19)

By incorporating the idioms of American folk music, jazz and popular music into his own, Aaron Copland broke from European influences, creating a musical language that was fresh and contemporary and yet familiar and comfortable. Sometimes referred to as the “Dean of American Music,” his music defined the “coming of age” of the USA in the 20^th century, its values and beliefs, influencing the entire generation of US composers that followed.

Leonard Bernstein (LECTURE JUNE 9)

Conductor, composer, pianist, broadcaster, recording artist, writer, lecturer, teacher – it seems there was little that Leonard Bernstein could not do well. He was so talented that composer Igor Stravinsky once described him as “a department store of music.” Bernstein easily bridged the gap between classical and popular genres, introducing classical music to a whole new audience, and becoming one of the most prominent and influential musicians of the 20^th century.

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