Title: Igor Levit's Musical Response to Rising Anti-Semitism
In the heart of Berlin, acclaimed pianist Igor Levit has released an album, aiming to combat the surge of anti-Semitism worldwide. With his heart still heavy but determination growing, he declared, "I'm not doing well, but I'm taking action and finding a sense of purpose."
The album, available for download initially, will generate revenue to support two distinguished organizations dedicated to combating anti-Semitism - Ofek, an advisory center addressing anti-Semitic violence and discrimination, and the Kreuzberg initiative, actively working against anti-Semitism in its local community.
The inspiration behind the album came swiftly, in response to the question, "What can I do to bring meaning to this despair? How can I help those who are doing more important things than me?" Two months have passed since October 7, when Hamas perpetrated a massacre in Israel, but the pain remains as vivid as ever. Levit embraces his faith in people, emphasizing, "I only have trust in individual people - those who see the suffering on both sides."
The 36-year-old pianist, of German and Israeli heritage, has steered away from political movements, claiming, "I'm standing in front of a pile of broken glass." Music, he believes, is not a sole healer; it is the compassionate individuals and their actions that hold the power to heal.
The album's composition comprises 15 pieces centering around Mendelssohn's "Songs without Words" and a prelude penned by French Romantic composer Charles-Valentin Alkan. "The melancholy in the pieces resonates with me, and I've been playing them frequently," Levit shared.
While sources indicate Levit's music continues to touch hearts and stir emotions, they did not reveal any specifics regarding his album or donations to opposing antisemitism. For a comprehensive understanding of Igor Levit's musical response to this regrettable issue, it is essential to closely monitor updates from him and his official platforms.
