Ethnic Roots, Mystic Visions

From three spheres paralleling the three great monotheistic religions come three composers defining ethnic roots and universal destiny.  Argentinian-American Jewish composer Osvaldo Golijov passionately explores multiple layers of his roots in The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, an epic work for clarinet, using techniques of Klezmer Music--and String Quartet .  Samir Odeh-Tamimi, A Palestinian born in Israel, gives his searing but haunting remembrance of one of the great tragedies of his displaced people, from the perspective of the son of a sufi healer who was himself recipient of one Israeli teacher's gift of music.  Finally, Lera Auerbach's luminous work, String Quartet #2 Primera Luz (The First Light), touches on mystical themes of her Russian Orthodox heritage.