Shirim

When Piet Swerts had the idea of composing a work based on klezmer music, he first undertook a real detective work, searching both for the original melodies that would be most suitable for use as a theme and for melodies that would create an appropriate contrast.

After a dark and mysterious opening, he introduces several melancholic melodies in oriental colours, including the tune "Zemer Atik". The melody of another traditional Jewish song is then exposed. By juxtaposing this melodic line with a counterpoint to the accents of Eastern European music, Piet Swertsréussit creates an intriguing and creative orchestral sound space.

Shirim continues its development on a succession of very lively and particularly colourful melodies: "Uri Tzion, Sher" and "Ki Mitziyon" lead the work towards a sparkling and dazzling finale. "Shirim" (Hebrew word meaning "songs") is a klezmer rhapsody that perfectly illustrates the diversity and richness of traditional Jewish music.