MOSES AND AARON Opera on Film

Moses and Aaron, written in 1932, has long been acknowledged as one of Schoenberg’s most important works. The film’s subject matter had important political significance-that Schoenberg, a Jewish artist, composed a work that explores his cultural roots at a time in Germany when that culture was under attack is remarkable. The opera’s libretto tells of God’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush, the wanderings of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness, and the creation and destruction of the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Charged by the overwhelming emotional power of Schoenberg’s music, directors Jean-Marie Straub and Daniele Hui I let have created an utterly unique film experience.