134 Israeli Composers Marc Lavry (1903-1967) 2023 marks the 120th anniversary of composer Marc Lavry’s birth. Lavry, a prolific Israeli composer, wrote over 400 compositions from operas, symphonies, chamber music to popular songs. He created a new musical style that became the foundation of Israeli music. Practically every major event in the State of Israel between the years 1935-1967 was chronicled in music by Lavry, who was considered the National Composer. A significant portion of his musical work documented events, illustrated landscapes and demonstrated the Israeli experience. Lavry composed the first Israeli opera “Dan Hashomer” (Dan the Guard) and wrote the Israeli Defense Force’s first march Kitatenu Balayla Tsoedet (Our Squad Marches at Night). He co-founded the Kol Zion LaGola radio station and was the resident composer and conductor of many artistic institutes such as the Ohel Theater, the Israeli Folk Opera and more. Lavry, a gifted pianist, wrote many compositions for piano including Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1, Opus 201, and Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2, Opus 210. Variations for Piano, Opus 350 A late, mature piece, a culmination of Marc Lavry’s musical language and style. The theme is quintessential “Lavry” - it is melodious and uses harmonies typical of the composer. Lavry treated the piano as an orchestra, which is evident in quite a number of his piano compositions, like the Variations for Piano Opus 350 and his two piano concerti. Starting with the theme, orchestral dimensions are revealed; wide harmonic ranges and massive doubling are used to create the maximum sonority from the instrument. The inner voices are rich with dense counterpoint using, at times, different rhythms or a fugal technique. Each variation displays a unique character through color, texture and style. The piece switches between late romanticism, neoclassicism, impressionism, expressionism and even Jazz. The movements require precise technique and they challenge the pianist to move swiftly between registers. With his symphonic scope and gravity, Lavry is forever the master of improvisation and of dramatic characterization.
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