The crucial phase is just a few weeks away: this year’s collaboration starts with a workshop last autumn, in which the members of the “Neue Vocalsolisten” sensitised students to the special features of vocal works. The young composers have to submit the final score for the ensemble’s rehearsals on 10 December.
A visit to a one-to-one lesson
We look over the shoulders of lecturer Isabel Mundry and composition student Rotem Eylam: there are only eight days left before the deadline. Two dishevelled heads are bent over a score spread out on the table. Mundry reflects with the young composer on the genesis of his work “Gushpanka Leumit”, highly concentrated and relaxed at the same time. It is based on a poem by Anadad Eldan, which Rotem reads aloud, full of resonance and wonderfully rhythmic phrases in Hebrew.
Mundry wants to know whether he consciously chose a text that could also be read as political for his work. Rotem says no. Eldan’s poem touched him for other reasons.
Mundry scrutinises the score and the two discuss questions of structure and modalities. And of readability: the two-part singing, reminiscent of chanted prayers, often oscillates in the microtonal, within intervals smaller than a semitone. This raises questions about the notation – should the parts be meticulously notated or should a certain interpretative freedom be allowed? Would an accompanying text help? How can Rotem Eylam ensure that the work is interpreted in the way he intends when it is performed without him? Mundry’s questions tease out his stance on this and suggest ways in which he could communicate his intention. She recommends creating the score in several variants and having the “Neue Vocalsolisten” ensemble interpret them to find out what works best. However, Eylam rejects this idea due to the limited time remaining, especially since he will accompany the singers on guitar himself on the night of the premiere.
The concert
The anticipation for the premiere evening is high. The music of the young composers will speak for itself – and will probably be as diverse as the people who created it.
The concert will take place on 17 April 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Concert Hall 3 on Toni Campus.