Helmut Eisel: TIME CHANGE

Helmut Eisel & JEM; Thüringisches Kammerorchester Weimar, Ltg. Martin Hoff

Klezmer, Classical, Clarinet

With his latest production "TIME CHANGE," Helmut Eisel has created a truly exceptional work in every respect. And in this case, one can rightly speak of creation or co-creation... or can one not? Could it not be that here lies the "true," the "original version" of Mozart's clarinet concerto? After all, the manuscript is considered lost. With a twinkle in his eye, Helmut Eisel embarks on a journey through time, with the Thüringisches Kammerorchester Weimar and Eisel's trio JEM accompanying the Klezmer clarinetist.

He has prefaced the original beginning of the clarinet concerto with an introduction largely composed of original quotes, which not only describes the individual approach but also makes it clear: Here, a Klezmer musician plays to honor Mozart's work! In the transition to the dreamy, introverted Adagio, Helmut Eisel creates a seamless blend through another improvisation. And even the third movement is introduced dialogically as a motivic discourse with the orchestra before the solo clarinet indulges in the joyful musicality of the finale.

To come as close as possible to the sonorous clarinet sound beloved by Mozart, Helmut Eisel plays on a basset clarinet, specially built for him by Jochen Seggelke and equipped with modern playing techniques.

Helmut Eisel is considered one of the best and most interesting Klezmer clarinetists in Europe today, enjoying great recognition in Israel as well. From the roots of traditional brass music, jazz, Klezmer, and classical music, he has developed his own unmistakable style. He doesn't just play the clarinet; he narrates, laughs, cries, revels, mourns, and rages with the clarinet.

The Thüringisches Kammerorchester Weimar hails from the tradition-rich city of poets and thinkers. Since 1962, members of the Staatskapelle Weimar have been making music together in this ensemble, making it one of the oldest chamber orchestras in the world. The orchestra's concert activities span across Germany, with numerous international guest performances taking them to many European countries, Korea, and Mexico. The wide range of the Thüringisches Kammerorchester extends to music from the 18th to the 21st century, especially works by Weimar and Thuringian composers. More than 250 works have been recorded for radio. An extensive discography with more than 20 CDs attests to the ensemble's stylistic certainty and high interpretive level.

Helmut Eisel & JEM also includes Michael Marx (guitar) and Stefan Engelmann (double bass). There is no comparable group that combines innovation, tradition, and skill as enchantingly as this trio.

For more information and videos, visit www.helmut-eisel.de