The Choir that Disappeared 

Authors

  • Yohanan Ron Tel-Aviv University Author

Keywords:

The Melody Choir, Jewish Choral Music in Germany, Nehemiah Winabar, kulturbund, Martin Rosenthal,, Nissim Ron, Berlin Jewish community

Abstract

With the rise of the Nazis in Germany, thousands of Jews lost their jobs, including many artists. In response to this situation, and sponsored by the Jewish community in Berlin, the conductor, composer and arranger Nechemia Winabar established a male choir, compiled of Jewish singers whom had lost their positions as opera soloists. In addition to its high artistic standards, Winabar regarded this choir as a means to preserve the melodies which he had arranged for ceremonies in the Synagogue. The choir traveled throughout Europe and performed in major venues in Prague, Vienna and in many synagogues. It received outstanding reviews in the Jewish and general press, and quickly gained a global reputation which spread beyond Europe, to the United States and to Israel as well. After a short time, the choir arrived in Israel, however, soon disbanded, mainly due to financial difficulties. 

Author Biography

  • Yohanan Ron, Tel-Aviv University

    Yohannen Ron was born to a musical family and raised on Kibbutz Ein Gev in Israel. A graduate of the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv, he went on to pursue advanced degrees in Musicology, receiving  a master's degree) from Tel Aviv University and a PhD from Bar Ilan University. The title of his thesis is: "The instrumental music of Josef Tal: Style and Artistic Philosophy." Yohannen is a founder of the Israeli Music Archives, an institute which he directs since 1985. A recognized scholar and engaging lecturer in the field of Israeli Music, he  is the author of numerous articles,  including a collection of articles (2000, in English) on the music of Josef Tal;  a book Salzburg of the Middle East (2008, ) which documents the history of the first music festival in Israel; and a collection  of select articles  (2014) which had been published over the years. Since 1980 he is a member of the Israeli Musicology Society, and served as a board member during two terms. 

     

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Published

2024-04-23

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Section

Articles