Mendelssohn Symposium Offers Music and Jewish Perspective

February 22, 2005

The prolific composer Felix Mendelssohn, occupant of a pivotal place in 19th century German history, is the focus of two days of music and dialogue at the University of Oregon May 19-20. The “Mendelssohn Symposium” is a joint presentation of the Oregon Bach Festival and the UO’s German Studies Program and features two free public events.

“Young Felix and The Uncle From Boston”
Thursday, May 19, 7:15-9:00 pm
Room 198, UO School of Music

Mendelssohn’s precocious musical talent rivaled that of only Mozart. By age 15 he had composed numerous virtuoso showpieces; by 17, the beloved symphonic overture to Midsummer Night’s Dream. At age 14 he composed a full-length comic opera, “The Uncle from Boston,” which was never publicly performed. It receives its American premiere July 3 at the Oregon Bach Festival.

This symposium session features a presentation on “The Uncle” by George Evano and Royce Saltzman of the Oregon Bach Festival. Live performances will illustrate Mendelssohn’s diverse talent. Included:
• A newly discovered aria, sung by baritone Charles Turley
• “Concert Piece No. 2,” by the trio of Mike Anderson (clarinet), Steve Vacchi (bassoon) and Marla Lowen (piano)
• The first movement of the string “Octet” performed by a School of Music student ensemble.

Panel and Discussion: “The Mendelssohns: Judaism in German Music/Music in German Jewry”
Friday, May 20, 3:00-5:00 pm
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Reception Hall

When he was a teenager, Mendelssohn’s wealthy family converted from Judaism to Christianity, for reasons both practical and philosophical. This session explores the issues of Judaism in German culture through talks and discussion with three distinguished panelists:
• R. Larry Todd (Duke University), addresses “Echoes of the St. Matthew Passion in the Music of Mendelssohn.”
• Jeffrey Sposato (University of Pittsburgh), explores “Judaism, Anti-Semitism, and the Mendelssohn Family.”
• Michael Marissen (Swarthmore College), speaks on “Projecting or Avoiding anti-Judaism in German Baroque Passion Settings.”

A reception for audience and speakers follows.

Other symposium sessions will be conducted for University of Oregon faculty and student groups. The symposium is underwritten in part by the university’s Judaic Studies Program, the Oregon Humanities Center, the Departments of History and of Germanic Languages and Literatures, and the German Academic Exchanges Service (DAAD).

For further information, contact (541) 346-5666.