(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)June 19, 2017

MAHWAH, N.J. — On Wednesday, April 19, the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies cooperated with the Ramapo College Open Door Concert Series to present Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time.’

This iconic Quartet was written in 1941 while Messiaen was a German prisoner of war camp. There, Messiaen met three prisoners who were professional musicians – a clarinetist, a violinist and a cellist. He composed the music for these instruments and piano (which he played) and they performed it outdoors in the freezing January cold in front of 400 prisoners.

The Quartet has a historic, symbolic and musical significance as one of the most profound works created in the 20th century.  Although infused with Christian imagery, the piece is paradoxically, probably because of its title, often associated with the Holocaust. It was why the recital was held in conjunction with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).

Joining pianist Itay Goren for this performance were violinist Evelyn Estava, cellist Gerall Hieser and clarinetist Don Mokrynski.  Goren also provided a brief introduction in which he spoke about the origin and meaning of the work.

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