Paul Ben-Haim, like Gustav Mahler, believed that all contemporary events, including politics and literature, influenced him and sought an outlet in his music.
Composer Biography
Paul Ben-Haim, born Paul Frankenburger, changed his name after leaving Germany for Palestine in 1933, a symbolic act as 'Haim' means 'life' in Hebrew.
Compositional Technique
Ben-Haim's Violin Concerto integrates Eastern elements into his Western musical language, using features like the alteration between minor and major seconds to translate quarter tones.
Historical Context
Paul Ben-Haim, originally Paul Frankenburger, was dismissed from the Augsburg Opera House in 1931 due to rising antisemitism in Germany.
Performer Biography
Itamar Zorman, the violinist on this recording, was born into a family of musicians in Tel Aviv and is a laureate of the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition.
Instruments
Itamar Zorman, the violinist, performs on a Guarneri Del Jesu from 1734, which is part of the collection of Yehuda Zisapel.
Cultural Impact
Paul Ben-Haim is considered one of the founders of a new national style for Israel, known as the 'Mediterranean' style, due to his integration of Eastern elements into his compositions.
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