Weihnukka by Andrea Pancur

Andrea Pancur has researched the common roots of jiddish Klezmer music and Bavarian folkmusic with her project Alpenklezmer. Weihnukka is a Christmas album that aims to be a sym-biosis of two festivals “Weihnachten” (Christmas) and Hanukka, although they had nothing in common, except that they both are celebrated around the winter solstice. Hanukkah commemorates the liberation through an armed uprising; whereas Christmas promises „Peace on earth among men in whom he is well pleased.“ The term „Weihnukka“ developed in the 19th century, during the Jewish Enlightenment, when it was in vogue for German Jews to adapt to the German customs: presents, a Christmas tree, and simultaneously Hanukkah celebrations with the Hanukkiah and spinning top games for the children. It could have become a charming German-Christian-Jewish symbiosis. Were it not that this delicate root of a newly founded tradition was badly damaged by National Socialism and the Holocaust. Andrea Pancurs message of both festivals is to call on the people to create a better world. Maybe her music may contribute to this purpose.