Death of a US composer in Israel
RIPWe have been notified of the death, on April 29 in Jerusalem, of the composer Paul Schoenefeld, who melded traditional Ashkenazi-Jewish music with western orchestral settings. Paul was 77.
Before migrating to Israel, he was Professor of Composition at the University of Michigan. His opera, The Merchant and the Pauper, based on a story by the Hasidic mystic Nahman of Bratslav, was premiered by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 1999.
Very sorry to hear this. His ‘Café Music’ was one of the most-played and viewed contemporary chamber works on YouTube.
A vastly underrated composer and a brilliant pianist. Yes, he “melded traditional Ashkenazi-Jewish music with western orchestral settings”. But that is only a small part of the story. His music is replete with references to popular culture such as cabaret music and jazz, lending much of it an irresistibly joyous appeal. His oratorio “D’vorah” employs a gospel choir.
What a great point!
Thank you.
Indeed he was a brilliant pianist – here he is playing on a Bernstein Young Performers concert at age 18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htaUgBMoVHQ
It is not given to every “modern” composer to write a certifiable “hit” classical piece that performers want to play because audiences love to hear it but Paul Schoenefeld’s “Cafe Music” for piano trio is exactly that. Sure, it’s on the light side — that’s the whole point — but if it creates interest in his other music, that can be all to the good. And it’s expertly written for the instruments.
I grew up listening to his CD of Scott Joplin ragtimes. Especially loved his recording of The Easy Winners. Effortless, noble playing.
My parents weren’t musicians but ordered CDs from a catalog.
It wasn’t until my music school years when I found out he was primarily known as a composer.
Rest in Peace
Thank you for this performance. I am sorry to hear of the composer’s death, and will now look into his output. I didn’t know of him, but this Trio certainly gives me the appetite for more Schoenefeld.
I didn’t know this wonderful piece (played here by the extraordinary clarinetist Charles Niedich, and commissioned by the legendary David Shifrin).
I can only recall hearing another piece by Paul Schoenfelt – for trumpet and chamber orchestra – also quite charming.
This notice is as understated as Paul Schoenfield’s music is underrated.
First of all, his compositions were influenced by a remarkably broad spectrum of genres, from jazz to folk music of many countries and cultures worldwide.
I also beg to differ with comments labeling his music as “light”. It’s true that some of his most popular works are riotously entertaining—other examples aside from this Clarinet Trio include Cafe Music and Four Souvenirs. But they are so popular partly because they are so immediately accessible.
However, even within some of these works, the slow movements are extremely profound and moving—as in the flute concerto Klezmer Rondos, or his Sextet. Likewise, in what might be one of last pieces he composed, “Last Silence”, in which several of the inner movements are very deep and moving.
Finally, perhaps the main reason Paul’s music is underrated is due to his inherent shyness and distaste for marketing.
Forgot to mention: Paul Schoenfield was indeed a superb pianist whose piano parts are notoriously difficult due to his unique physical gifts.
Last but not least, he was a brilliant mathematician and taught mathematics.
He was a brilliant pianist. I remember meeting him after a performance he gave at Marlboro.
Not many composers today can boast well written, creative but accessible music, and keyboard skills beyond their MacBook’s.
He started out in the Twin Cities, was sponsored by the Lubavitch Rebbe, who gave him a place to live and compose. The amount of success he achieved puzzles me. I found his music just okay. Brave, but not terribly original.