The Poetics of God - A Torah Oratorio, by Jean Goldenbaum
Goldenbaum's latest work is also his largest work. An Oratorio on a libretto about the Tora, developed by the composer himself.
This work for symphony orchestra, soloists (SATB), choir and children choir will is part of a large Jewish-Christian project, a partnership with the protestant church of the Holzminden region in Germany.
Goldenbaum's latest work is also his largest work. An Oratorio on a libretto about the Tora, developed by the composer himself.
This work for symphony orchestra, soloists (SATB), choir and children choir will is part of a large Jewish-Christian project, a partnership with the protestant church of the Holzminden region in Germany.
Introductory Remarks on the Jewish-Christian Cooperation Project
Pastor Andrea Maiwald
Dr. Jean Goldenbaum
The main concept of our project is not only to create moments of fellowship between Jews and Christians, but also to offer the congregations a profound theological experience. Learning and deepening one's understanding of Holy Scripture will form the basis of this collaborative work. Therefore, theology will be central to the activities offered throughout the year.
Since one of the project's founders, Dr. Jean Goldenbaum, is a musician (composer and musicologist) as well as a teacher of Jewish culture and religion, music appears as a supporting instrument of this project. It will not only serve as an artistic expression of theology, but will hopefully also open new aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual horizons for the participants.
One of the goals is to perform a work composed specifically for this project by Goldenbaum as the culmination of the first project year (2026). The work for orchestra, choir, and soloists is entitled The Poetics of God – A Torah Oratorio. Goldenbaum himself wrote a libretto for this project, based entirely on the Torah and thus fundamental to both Judaism and Christianity. The libretto will be one of the study materials offered to the congregations and all project participants. The idea is to hold a series of workshops throughout the year, introducing and discussing these themes. The parallels between the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the New Testament will be emphasized, as the former is closely connected to the nature and essence of Jesus' life and ministry.
The workshops are also intended to be opportunities for community, offering not only presentations and discussions but also space for relaxation, spontaneity, and fellowship among the participants. To ensure the project's sustainability, each meeting will be documented in text and images and published in the church newsletter or city newspaper.
This is the core of the project, but it will also have other effects (which will be revealed gradually) that will hopefully be a source of great spiritual enrichment for all involved.
Pastor Andrea Maiwald
Dr. Jean Goldenbaum
The main concept of our project is not only to create moments of fellowship between Jews and Christians, but also to offer the congregations a profound theological experience. Learning and deepening one's understanding of Holy Scripture will form the basis of this collaborative work. Therefore, theology will be central to the activities offered throughout the year.
Since one of the project's founders, Dr. Jean Goldenbaum, is a musician (composer and musicologist) as well as a teacher of Jewish culture and religion, music appears as a supporting instrument of this project. It will not only serve as an artistic expression of theology, but will hopefully also open new aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual horizons for the participants.
One of the goals is to perform a work composed specifically for this project by Goldenbaum as the culmination of the first project year (2026). The work for orchestra, choir, and soloists is entitled The Poetics of God – A Torah Oratorio. Goldenbaum himself wrote a libretto for this project, based entirely on the Torah and thus fundamental to both Judaism and Christianity. The libretto will be one of the study materials offered to the congregations and all project participants. The idea is to hold a series of workshops throughout the year, introducing and discussing these themes. The parallels between the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the New Testament will be emphasized, as the former is closely connected to the nature and essence of Jesus' life and ministry.
The workshops are also intended to be opportunities for community, offering not only presentations and discussions but also space for relaxation, spontaneity, and fellowship among the participants. To ensure the project's sustainability, each meeting will be documented in text and images and published in the church newsletter or city newspaper.
This is the core of the project, but it will also have other effects (which will be revealed gradually) that will hopefully be a source of great spiritual enrichment for all involved.
PRESSE:
Täglicher Anzeiger Holzminden (German):
Täglicher Anzeiger Holzminden (German):
Eisvogel Magazin (German):
