Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1907 in New York City, NY

Death

:

1963

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Abraham Ellstein was a prominent composer of classical music, particularly in the Jewish music genre. He was born on March 7, 1907, in New York City, to Jewish immigrant parents from Poland. His father was a cantor, and his mother was a pianist. Ellstein grew up in a musical household and began playing the piano at a young age. He showed a natural talent for music and began composing his own pieces as a teenager. Ellstein attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition and piano. He graduated in 1928 and began his career as a composer and arranger. He worked for various music publishers and wrote music for films, radio, and television. He also composed music for the Yiddish theater, which was popular in New York City at the time. Ellstein's music was heavily influenced by his Jewish heritage. He was particularly interested in the music of Eastern Europe and incorporated elements of klezmer music into his compositions. He also wrote many pieces for Jewish holidays and celebrations, such as Hanukkah and Passover. One of Ellstein's most famous works is the song "Dona Dona," which he wrote in 1940. The song tells the story of a calf being led to slaughter and has become a symbol of Jewish resistance and perseverance. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Joan Baez and Chaim Topol. Ellstein also wrote several operas, including "The Golem," which premiered in 1962. The opera tells the story of a legendary creature from Jewish folklore and features music that combines elements of classical and Jewish music. The opera was well-received and has been performed in many countries around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Ellstein was also a conductor and arranger. He conducted several orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic. He also arranged music for many famous singers, including Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. Ellstein continued to compose music throughout his life and was recognized for his contributions to Jewish music. He received many awards and honors, including the Jewish Cultural Achievement Award from the National Foundation for Jewish Culture in 1983. He died on March 22, 1963, in New York City, at the age of 56. Abraham Ellstein was a talented composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music, particularly in the Jewish music genre. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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