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Lullabies, Anthems and Reminiscences

Donald Macleod explores a group of composers who were silenced by the atrocities of the Second World War and shaped the unique musical story of Terezin.

Composer of the Week marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz with a series commemorating some of the musical voices that were silenced by the atrocities of the Second World War. Across the week, Donald Macleod focuses on the penultimate destination of these musicians, the concentration camp at Terezin, and the incredible story of creative resistance in the face of unthinkable adversity and persecution which unfolded there.

Today, we hear about four composers whose output was small but crucial to the musical fabric at Terezin. Lute-wielding songstress Ilse Weber wrote lullabies for sick and distressed children, and slapstick satirist Karel 艩venk brought joy to inmates, penning the camp鈥檚 unofficial anthem. Plus, two composers who lived to tell their tales and forge their musical careers: Franti拧ek Doma啪lick媒 and Karel Berman.

Ilse Weber: Kleines Wiegenlied
Rachel Joselson, mezzo
R茅ne Lecuona, piano

Karel 艩venk: Rozlou膷en铆 (from play The Last Cyclist)
Lucia Diafero Azzellino, soprano
Francesco Lotoro, piano

Karel 艩venk: Pod destnikem (Under an umbrella); Vesechno jde! (Terezin Hymn)
Anne Sofie von Otter, mezzo
Bengt Forsberg, piano
Bebe Risenfors, accordion

Ilse Weber: Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt; Wiegala
Flemish Radio Choir
Bart van Reyn, conductor

Franti拧ek Doma啪lick媒: Song without Words
Guildhall Students

Franti拧ek Doma啪licky: Suite Danza
Prague Spirit Quartet

Karel Berman: Piano Suite: Reminiscences (excerpts)
Russell Ryan, piano

Produced by Amelia Parker for 麻豆官网首页入口 Audio Wales and West

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Fri 31 Jan 2025 16:00

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