Brave Old World

As far as my research work goes, Tuesday was the culmination of this trip to Krakow.  I was afforded the opportunity to interview Janusz Makuch, the founder of the Krakow Jewish Cultural Festival.  He did not disappoint at all.  His zeal and passion for bringing Jewish culture back to Krakow is unquestionable, and it is my belief that he was able to get this festival off the ground in 1988 due to his charisma and his ability to inspire people with his vision.

Last night was also the Brave Old World concert.  If you don't know who they are, they are one of the groups that has constantly challenged the boundaries of what the klezmer was, and their program last night showed off their virtuosic flexibility.  All four members exceeded expectations (including Michael Alpert, who sounded quite hoarse).  Particularly in fine form were Alan Bern (whose birthday it was yesterday) and Kurt Bjorling.  Some of their duet playing was fearless - unafraid to clash melodically, yet doing so in tasteful and exploring dissonance in beautiful ways.  In many people's eyes, this music can be difficult and doesn't conjure the nostalgia that many people come to klezmer for.  For others, it epitomizes where klezmer can go when placed in the hands of musicians who are both steeped in tradition, and are willing to go to new places with it.

This second notion is what the Krakow festival is built on.  Not only looking where has contemporary Jewish culture come from, but asking where is it going.