EASTER WITH ESTHER

Both on 20 and 21 April Esther sang to sold out houses. Esther's concerts were part of a revival of recent highlights at the Kammerspiele. Further to a renovation and change of management, the theatre is now heading for different directions. Not to worry, though, for Esther will probably continue her successful Hamburg concerts at the St. Pauli theatre in future.
Esther looked radiant, wearing a black jacket over a deux-pièces suit, consisting of a black sequined blouse and gray pants. She was in equally splendid voice and spirits as in the Alte Oper in Frankfurt a month ago, but there were various changes in her choice of songs (see list below). The program was identical on both nights, except that on Easter Sunday she started with Waly, Waly and on Easter Monday she began with Hitragut and Waly came next. It was nice to note Yoni's Rée was included again, effortlessly performed by Esther. A lovely dreamy and nostalgic song written by Esther's arranger, accompanist and good friend Yoni Rechter. Soon after came the big surprise of the evening, Pavane. This piece, originally recorded by Esther thirty years ago with predominantly guitar backing, sounded equally haunting with piano and violin. Michael Paweletz displayed his huge skills as a violinist throughout the song and especially so in a bridge inserted between the second and third verse. It was wonderful to hear Esther sing an 'adult' French song again after so long.
As usual half way the concert Esther took a short break while Yoni sang one of his own songs, which he introduced by saying "I must be very brave to sing after Esther Ofarim"! Esther returned with one of the few optimistic and upbeat songs of her Hebrew repertory, Shtu Adarim. Esther rarely introduces a song and when she does, it is as brief as can be, so she just said "three songs by Kurt Weill" and then sang Speak Low, September Song and Moon of Alabama. She seems to sing these songs better all the time and her perfect phrasing makes you really listen to the lyrics. After Alabama a complete change of mood and pace with the lullaby Shir Eres. There is so much richness in Esther's voice, even when she sings softly there is so much feeling coming across. She then segued into Dodo, l'Enfant Do, another timeless lullaby. Esther closed her 'official' program with Mad about the Boy, but of course the public wouldn't let her go before several encores. The final ending came with Guten Abend, gut' Nacht sung in three different languages. It was truly a voyage through various continents.

Song list:

Hitragut

Oh, Waly, Waly

Layla layla

Reé

Demaot shel Malachim

She’s leaving home

Ten li yad

Dirty old town

Pavane

Cancion para dormir a un negrito

Vocal and instrumental intermission by Yoni Rechter and Michael Paweletz

Shtu Adarim (Me’emek le Givea)

Speak low

September song

Alabama song

Shir eres / Dodo l’enfant do

Bird on an wire

Mad about the boy

God bless the child

Hey Ziuniunei haderech (Shirat Hanoded)

Gruss

Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht  

A big thank-you to:
Robert van Leeuwen / Roel van Nieuwenhoven
Amsterdam, 22 April 2003