In memory of Michael Marx: A concert full of memories!

In memory of Michael Marx: A concert full of memories!

On August 1, 2022, the important musician Michael Marx died, whose influence on Klezmer music and the polyphonic singing can still be felt today. To honor his contribution to music, a concert will take place in the Merzig city hall on April 27, 2025 at 6 p.m. This event is organized by the district culture center Villa Fuchs and the municipality of Losheim am See. The event promises to offer a moving evening program.

The concert will be a tribute to Michael Marx, in which friends and fellow musicians such as Helmut Eisel, Nino Deda, Stefan Engelmann and Amby have played pieces that they played with him. The tickets are already available in Villa Fuchs Ticketbüro and regionally ticket offices in all ticket. Contact information is available on Tel. (0 68 61) 9 36 70 and on the website www.villa-fuchs.de.

memory and grief in the music

Helmut Eisel, who was closely connected to Marx, describes the music as an important anchor in his grief. Eisel released the album "Prayer", which is a personal examination of the loss of Marx. Originally planned as a light project, the CD developed in a deeper direction after Marx 'death. Pieces like "Micha" by Sebastian Voltz and "Michas Freilach" reflect these emotions.

"Prayer" is not only a collection of songs, but also an expression of joie de vivre and musical heritage. Eisel and his fellow musicians understand Klezmer not only as a style of music, but as a attitude to life that conveys joy and connects people. The trio "Helmut Eisel & Jem" is continued with the participation of the talented guitarist Gilles Grethen.

klezmer music as a cultural heritage

klezmer music has its origin in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe and was traditionally played at weddings and happy religious celebrations. It is an art form that has developed over centuries and combines various cultural influences. The roots of klezmer music go back to Roman times. The genre, which was originally used as a devaluation for musicians, has developed into an important cultural form of expression.

In recent decades, Klezmermusik has experienced a revival, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, which led to the foundation of numerous ensembles. There were over 50 Klezmer orchestras in the United States until 1990, and the music also found popularity in Europe. Klezmer is a living genre that combines melodies from various traditional sources and is characterized by improvisation and ornamentation.

The upcoming “Clarinet & Friends” festival, which takes place in Mühlhausen/Thuringia from June 8th to 11th, will also make a contribution to klezmer music. Eisel will lead the event and has particularly reduced prices to address young people and to facilitate access to klezmer music. The opening is designed by the Czech trio "La Gioia", and further program items will include the presentation of the new CD and the Klezmerband "Vagabund".

The concert in honor of Michael Marx will not only be a celebration of his life and music, but also an opportunity to appreciate the deep cultural roots of klezmer music and to strengthen the community that is created by this music.