Rothschilds Geige

The Klezmer Kapelye, led by clarinetist Franco Mettler, plays Jewish melodies – both joyful and melancholic. It accompanies Jaap Achterberg's recitation of Anton Chekhov's masterful story. The storyThe 70-year-old coffin maker Jakov lives with his wife Marfa in a small town. Since few people are dying, the two are struggling. Occasionally – when a Jew is missing from the orchestra – Jakov earns a few kopecks by playing his violin as a substitute. He constantly gets annoyed with the flutist Rothschild, who plays next to him, because the funniest melody always sounds sad when played by him...Anton ChekhovThere are few poets from the past whose work still feels so alive as that of Anton Chekhov. The characteristics of his stories are extreme brevity, truthfulness, boldness, and not least, human warmth – just like in "Rothschild's Violin". More info about the cultural winter program at www.arosakultur.ch/