David Krakauer: Jewish music, clarinet and cinema in one multimedia spectacle

The world-famous American clarinettist, renowned for magnificent performances of klezmer music, will present “The Big Picture”, a multimedia show connecting Jewish music and cinema. Familiar melodies from iconic films, arranged for the jazz sextet led by David Krakauer, will be heard on 19 November in the beautiful White Stork Synagogue, accompanied by specially prepared visuals incorporating excerpts from the original films.

Krakauer has previously received praise and distinctions for groundbreaking work in classical, klezmer and jazz music. Now he stands at an artistic crossroads, ready to take a bold step into a new phase of his career. His new project, Big Picture, may be his riskiest yet.

With a star-studded musical cast, Krakauer presents familiar themes by renowned film composers such as John Williams, Marvin Hamlisch, Randy Newman, Wojciech Kilar and Vangelis, alongside interpretations of melodic gems by Sidney Bechet, Sergei Prokofiev, Mel Brooks, Ralph Burns, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Jerry Bock, among others, that have appeared in popular films.

“Big Picture is a very special kind of undertaking,” Krakauer says. “It's a journey through Jewish history, and an exploration of how films show us the universality of our individual quests. I want this experience to offer an opportunity for everyone. I'm honoured to be the guide on this incredible journey.”

This cinematic concert presents selected soundtracks and musical themes from iconic films, chosen for their Jewish content, whether explicit or hidden. Pioneering filmmakers supplied all the original visuals, created especially for these musical arrangements. The film is projected full-screen while Krakauer’s sextet play live on stage. The project recently debuted in New York to enthusiastic reviews.

During the concert, we will hear music from classic films that approach Jewish themes in different ways: from Bob Fosse's “Cabaret”, Alan Pakula's “Sophie's Choice”, Roberto Benigni's “Life Is Beautiful” and Roman Polański's “The Pianist” to a collection of Woody Allen films.

To realise his musical vision, Krakauer formed a new band, with Jenny Scheinman on violin, Rob Burger on keyboards, Adam Rogers on guitar, Greg Cohen on bass and Jim Black on drums.

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