Helmut Eisel - Rhapsody for an Unknown Klezmer (Talking Clarinet Meets Orchestra) (2016)

Helmut Eisel is one of the most creative and the most eclectic clarinettist in Europe and beyond. He came to klezmer music as he knew Giora Feidman. The new album of Helmut Eisel, RHAPSODY FOR AN UNKNOWN KLEZMER – Talking Clarinet meets Orchestra, was recorded with the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen under the direction of Daniel Huppert. It presents Klezmer in a symphonic dimension, taking the clarinet as a voice of a dialog between different cultures.

The central work of the CD is Helmut Eisel’s Rhapsody for an Unknown Klezmer, which the composer and performer dedicates to the Klezmorim persecuted and assassinated in holocaust. Through this work, the musician lets the musical heritage exist in the present. Vital rhythm and melancholic melodies join moments of musical suspense. At the end a children’s choir („Chooories“ from the Liederkranz Reutlingen, „Sing Kids“ and „Capo da“ from the choir association Reutlingen, Direction: Thomas Preiß) sings the song from the “Phoenix from the ashes”, as an union through the musical language.

The „Rhapsody“ itself is surrounded by several short tracks, highlights from Eisel's own repertoire like Babsis Freilach, Hot & Cold or Trolls Freilach that he is accustomed to play in different formations. Now for the first time he releases them for clarinet and orchestra. One of the highlights of this album is Helmut Eisel's interpretation of the famous song Kol Nidrei, originally written by Max Bruch that Eisel rearranges in a klezmer music perspective and plays on the bass clarinet, just as melodious and joyful.

TRACKLIST

01. Two Sides of Jerusalem
02. Ursulas Freilach
03. Rhapsody for an Unknown Klezmer: I. Zfat Impressions (Freilach-Ballade Sirba)
04. Rhapsody for an Unknown Klezmer: II. Yad Vashem (Konflikt-Phoenix)
05. Hot & Cool
06. Trolls Freilach
07. Kol Nidrei
08. Babsis Freilach