Take my song מײַן ליד פֿאַרנעם

 

A poetic-musical program with songs by the Yiddish bard Leibu Levin from “the city of the dead poets”: Czernowitz

Mayn lid farnem – Take My Song

Experience the captivating power of Yiddish poetry and music with “Mayn lid farnem – Take My Song,” a poetic-musical program celebrating the legacy of Yiddish bard Leibu Levin from Czernowitz.

The Story Behind the Program

Join us on a journey through space and time, tracing the remarkable life of Leibu Levin. He grew up in Czernowitz, once a vibrant center of Jewish cultural life, that was home to renowned poets like Paul Celan, Rosa Ausländer, Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger, Elieser Steinbarg, and Itzik Manger. Manger, one of the best known Yiddish poets, deeply influenced Levin.

In 1941, when Romanian and German troops occupied the city, Levin was drafted into the Red Army and sent to the gulag. He emerged free only in 1956, after years of hardship and imprisonment. He continued his artistic pursuits in Moscow and later Israel, becoming a celebrated reciter, singer, and composer.

Leibu Levin’s musical compositions span a wide range of poets including Itzik Manger, Shike Driz, and Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger. Each song uniquely mirrors the spirit of its poetry, resulting in a diverse collection of melodies. His setting of Anna Margolin’s “Iz di goldene pave gefloygn, gefloygn” became one of the most cherished Yiddish songs.

His work beautifully captures the essence of Yiddish literature, setting a profound legacy against the backdrop of a nearly lost cultural heritage.

Honoring a Rich Cultural Heritage

“Mayn lid farnem – Take My Song” commemorates the vibrant Yiddish cultural life nearly lost during the Holocaust. We celebrate the enduring beauty of Yiddish poetry and song through Levin’s compositions.

Performers

  • Sára Gutvill – Concept, Singing: A passionate performer of art song and chamber music, Sára specializes in the rich repertoire of Yiddish art song. Co-founder of Stichting verTOON, she produces performances that transcend convention.
  • Michel Marang – Clarinet: Known for his work in classical, theatre, and contemporary music, Michel has collaborated with composers like Olivier Messiaen and Karlheinz Stockhausen. He has performed worldwide and given seminars at prestigious institutions.
  • Maarten Hillenius – Piano: Maarten studied at the conservatories of Amsterdam and Utrecht, specializing in vocal accompaniment. He has worked with renowned singers and performed in numerous countries. A regular accompanist at the Dutch National Opera, Maarten is also a pianist at the Rotterdam Conservatory’s vocal department.

Leibu Levin / Anna Margolin: Iz di goldene pave gefloygn

Live recording 4 May 2024 Salon de Ijzerstaven, Amsterdam