Biblical musical drama in three acts composed by 
Elam Rotem in the spirit of the early Operas

 Using the musical language and context of the revolutionary musical Dramas by Cavalieri, Caccini, and Monteverdi, the piece tells the story of Joseph and his brethren – one of the most touching stories of the old testament. The piece was composed especially for ensemble Profeti della Quinta, and is set for five voices, instruments, and basso-continuo. The text is taken directly from the book of Genesis in its original Hebrew (subtitles in various languages are available).  

 The piece stresses the implications of taking early music a step further: not only to bring music from the past to the present day, but by acquiring lost skills of music making and attempting to understand the spirit of the time, to create new work of art.

 As written in the preface to Emilio de Cavalieri's Rappresentatione di Anima e di Corpo (1600, Rome), the aim of music is to move the feelings of the listeners: "mercy and happiness, crying and laughter" (à pieta e à giubilo; à pianto e à riso"). The Rappresentatione de Giuseppe e i suoi Fratelli follows this ideal, and aims to move the affects of the listeners, even the doubtful ones. 



   

Elam Rotem is the director of Profeti della Quinta, Harpscihord player, Bass singer and a composer. He completed his specialized master studies at the Schola Cantorum Basel (Basso-continuo, improvisation and composition) with distinction. Apart from his activity in Profeti della Quinta, Elam is currently researching the first musical dramas.

Picture taken from the first performance of the piece, 29th May 2012, Predigerkirche, Basel.
News:

  • 8/3/2013 - New introduction clip with Anthony Rooley

    Posted Mar 9, 2013, 1:01 AM by Elam Rotem
  • 8/3/2013 Label
    RAPPRESENTATIONE DI GIUSEPPE E I SUOI FRATELLI (2CD) will be released by PAN CLASSICS, March 2014
    Posted Mar 8, 2013, 4:25 AM by Elam Rotem
  • 27/12/2012 Tour in Isreal
    After the successful tour in Israel (19-25/12/2012), here are some selected quotes from the critics:

    “It is rare in life to attend a musical event, leaving speechless with emotion and filled with a sense of awe at having experienced rare artistry of the highest level.”
    Pamela hickman's concert critique blog 23/12/12

    “Joseph and his Brethren, in a brilliant performance by the Profeti della Quinta, is a ‘first of its kind’ experience which definitely marks a new path.”
    Yossi Schifman, Radio Reshet Bet 26/12/12
    [translated by Simon Mac Hale]

    “The Israeli premiere of Joseph and his Brethren, as anticipated, revealed itself as one of the most important events of the season – if not the most important.”
    Amir Kidron, MUSIC4AWHILE, 26/12/12
    [translated by Simon Mac Hale]

    “The result achieved by Rotem is stimulating and exciting. It is a combination of this wonderful story- which is an extremely dramatic one, the Biblical Hebrew (accurately enunciated), and thoughtfully composed music. This well-known story gained significant amplification through the, at times, spine-tingling music.”
    Hagay Hitron, HAARETS, 27/12/12
    [translated by Simon Mac Hale]
    Posted Jan 29, 2013, 2:43 AM by Elam Rotem
  • 28/1/2013 Recording
    The recording of the piece has started.
    Posted Jan 29, 2013, 2:43 AM by Elam Rotem
  • 29/1/2013 European Association for Jewish Culture grant programme
    The piece was chosen by the European Association for Jewish Culture grant program.
    The prize (€2500) will support the production of the recording of the piece.
    Posted Jan 30, 2013, 4:22 PM by Dan Dunkelblum
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