When Piet Swerts had the idea of composing a work based on klezmer music, he first undertook a real detective work, searching both for the original melodies that would be most suitable for use as a theme and for melodies that would create an appropriate contrast.

After a dark and mysterious opening, he introduces several melancholic melodies in oriental colours, including the tune "Zemer Atik". The melody of another traditional Jewish song is then exposed. By juxtaposing this melodic line wi...