Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Amy Winehouse, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed are just some of the artists who have written musical history. Jewish musicians have characterized the music business of the 20th and 21st centuries and made an important contribution to entertainment culture. The exhibition “Stars of David” focuses on different genres, portrays important exhibits and returns to the time of the Imperial and Royal monarchy. Because that’s where the important roots of musical history are to be found.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the USA and Europe exerted a reciprocal influence on entertainment music. However, the emigration of many Jewish artists during the Nazi era clearly shifted creative innovation into the Anglo-American domain after 1945. Because most of the emigrants who had enjoyed success in Hollywood never returned to Europe. But their music did. This “internationalization” is also the topic of the exhibition at the Jewish Museum and is illustrated with reference to important composers such as George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and a variety of genres such as the musical, jazz, rock and pop. In addition to the international stars, the Israeli, French and Viennese scenes are also highlighted: from Serge Gainsbourg to the Sabres as well as Arik and Timna Brauer.

Stars of David

13 April – 2 October 2016