Sivan Rotem, one of Israel's leading singers, made her professional debut with the Israel Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta and her American opera debut as Violetta in La traviata with Seattle Opera.
Recording & Production
This album features 26 songs by Giacomo Meyerbeer, including several world premiere recordings, performed by soprano Sivan Rotem and pianist Jonathan Zak.
Composer Biography
Giacomo Meyerbeer, born into a wealthy German-Jewish family, achieved his greatest successes in Paris as the leading composer of French grand opéra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Meyerbeer's songs, often composed quickly for Parisian salons, showcase his melodic gift and elegant rhythm, despite their formal simplicity contrasting with his complex operatic writing.
Critical Reception
Meyerbeer's reputation suffered in the 20th century as grand opéra fell out of fashion, and his works were banned in Nazi Germany due to anti-Semitic sentiment.
Performer Biography
Jonathan Zak, a graduate of The Juilliard School, is a full professor (Emeritus) at the Buchman-Mehta Music School of Tel-Aviv University, teaching chamber music and vocal accompaniment.
Compositional Technique
Meyerbeer's songs cover a spectrum of genres, including Italian ariettas, German Lied patterns, French romance lyrics, and dramatic ballads, often expanding traditional forms into theatrical scenes.
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