Talented and troubled singer/songwriter Shmulik Kraus, who passed away on February 17, 2013 at the age of 77, recorded his final album “Yom Rodef Yom” (One Day Follows Another) in 2002 with close friend and creative collaborator Yaakov Rotblit, and producer Moshik Levy. The documentary film Maase BeTaklit (Israel, 2005, Hebrew), directed by Yasmin Siman Tov, offers a glimpse into the creative process and complex personality of Shmulik Kraus.
EPOS 4, the International Arts Film Festival will present a special screening of the film, in memory of Shmulik Kraus, on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 21:30 in the Asia Hall of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The film is open to the public and admission is free.
Kraus was born in Jerusalem, and began his musical career in the 1960s, joining Esther and Avi Ofarim to become the Ofarim Trio. His second trio, Hahalonot Hag’vo’him (High Windows) formed with Arik Einstein and Josie Katz, became a landmark on the Israeli cultural scene. Kraus brought a folk/rock sound to Hebrew song, from Zemer Nogeh (Sad Song), popularly known as Hatishma Koli (Will You Hear My Voice) written in the 1920s by the pioneer poet Rachel, to poet/playwright/satirist Hanoch Levin’s protest song Hayal Shel Shokolad (Chocolate Soldier); revealing the mysterious depths in the children’s poems of Miriam Yellin Shteklis.
The High Windows sing Zemer Nogeh.
Kraus suffered throughout his life from psychological problems, inflicting pain on those closest to him, plagued by internal conflicts and destructive impulses, yet in his songs he leaves a legacy of beauty.
EPOS the International Art Film Festival will take place from February 27 – March 2, 2013 at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The complete list of films and screening schedule may be found on the festival website.
The High Windows sing “Buba Zehava” (Zehava the doll), lyrics – Miriam Yellin Shteklis, music – Shmulik Kraus.
SHMULIK… 🙂
WE LOVE YOU SHMILIK!!!
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