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New Oratorio of The Eternal Road a Sensation in Germany

Mar. 06, 2013

New Oratorio of <em>The Eternal Road</em> a Sensation in Germany

A new oratorio version of Der Weg der Verheißung (The Eternal Road) debuted to ovations and critical acclaim on February 28 at the Anhaltisches Theater Dessau, conducted by Antony Hermus. Conceived and edited by Ed Harsh, the oratorio, Die Verheißung (The Road of Promise), distills Weill’s largest stage work into a two-hour concert work for five to six vocal soloists, two speaking roles, large chorus, and orchestra, including organ and guitar.

Der Weg der Verheißung, which premiered in New York as The Eternal Road in 1937, combines a story about a modern synagogue under threat of a pogrom with stories from the Old Testament that define Jewish heritage. The new oratorio consists of fourteen scenes, in which the congregants, led by their Rabbi, draw strength from the stories of Abraham, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph, Miriam, Moses, Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hananiah to deal with their oppressors. The oratorio is available in both English and German versions.

In fourteen musical numbers, which occasionally flow directly into another, the composer manages to create gripping images of happiness, struggle, doubt, hope.… Weill’s musical idiom never strays from tonality, although it sharpens many a chord, and creates many dramatic and forceful accents, but also holds back and occasionally lets solo instruments such as the organ accompany the action. Where the dramatic situation allows it, one can hear familiar Tango sounds from the Threepenny Opera and song-like strains such as in The Seven Deadly Sins, cheeky tunes from Berlin, or 1920s battle songs in the style of Eisler.… Ed Harsh’s adaptation made a seamless, two-hour oratorio out of the massive, four-act stage work.… Kurt Weill was an expressionist, a communicative artist. His musical idiom is lively, understandable, immediately appealing. Music like monumental building blocks at the shout, ‘Messiah where are thou?’—and simple as a folk-song at the prayer, ‘O king of the world.’ That’s what one wants from good contemporary music—and that’s why the audience in Dessau rewarded the performers with long, heartfelt applause.
– Mitteldeutsche Zeitung

The hugely celebrated world premiere of the oratorio Die Verheißung, adapted by American composer Ed Harsh, caused a sensation.... Despite the necessary cuts to the original version, the audience could easily follow the plot.… Weill’s score—which is based on original Jewish music and also connects with modern influences—was played by the orchestra in all its facets and inherent fascinating nuances with great engagement. Under the concentrated overall direction of General Musical Director Antony Hermus, music and story blended into a strong overall statement.
– Magdeburger Volksstimme

Visit www.kwf.org for more on the music of Kurt Weill.

Kurt Weill
The Road of Promise
Oratorio adapted from The Eternal Road, by Ed Harsh
Original German text by Franz Werfel; English lyrics by Ludwig Lewisohn, William A. Drake, 
and Charles Alan
2.1.3.2-4.3.3.1-perc.timp-hp.pno.synth.gtr-str
105'

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