University College London
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
An examination of the 'Jewishness' of Meyerbeer, Halévy, Mendelssohn, and Alkan.
Richard Wagner and the synagogue lamp (ner tamid) at Dresden designed by his friend Gottfired Semper; the complex negotiations by Cosima, involving Nietzsche, to obtain a copy
Examines the Jewish 'networking' of Anton Rubinstein throughout - and especially at the beginning of - his career.
A brief assessment of Mendelssohn's association with Britain from a Jewish point of view, on the occasion of the bicentenary of his birth.
On the life and works of Michele Bolaffi, c.1768-c. 1842
The debate on Mendelssohn’s direct influence on British music remains open; that on his sense of Jewish or German identity remains heated. Re-examination of Mendelssohn’s social, as well as his musical, activities in Britain, and an... more
Placing Wagner's attack on Jewish musicians in the context of the developing music industry of the mid-nineteenth century. In Lecture Series of Arizona State University Jewish Studies Dept., in conjunction with Phoenix Symphony's Concert... more
- by David Conway
About my book 'Jewry in Music: Entry to the Profession from the Enlightenment to Richard Wagner', and its background.
- by David Conway
The Jewish heritage of Charles-Valentin Alkan, and how it influenced his life and music. Talk given at Colloquium 'Le piano visionnaire', Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, November 2013.
How Byron was inspired by Nathan to create some of his most succesful poetry.
Review of book by Evan Rapport
The contribution of Jewish composers to grand opera in the early 19th century; how and why Meyerbeer and others established themselves, and the roots of Richard Wagner's musical Judaeophobia