Klezmer Chamber Music [Import]

1. Zimra

2. Variations For Clarinet A

3. In Chassidic Spirit

4. Celestial Dialogues

5. U'veyom Haschabbat

6. A Gassn Nigun

7. Adoshem Melech

8. The Celestrial Freylach

9. Dienen

Tracks:

Bukovina 212
Lekho Neraneno
Doina Naftule
A Hora mit Branfn
Healthy Baby Girl Hora
Golem Tants
Honga Encore
Nigh
Bulgars-The Kiss
Meron Nign-In the Sukke
Sholom Aleykhem
Khaiterma
Andy's Ride
A Heymisher Bulga-Wedding Dance
Kale Bazetsn (Seating the Bride)-Khusidl (Khasidic Dance)
Fun Tashlikh
A Yingele fun Poyln (A Young Man from Poland)-Di Mame iz Gegangen in Mark Arayan (Mother went to the
Processional/Klezmer Suite-Ale Brider (We Are All Brothers)

Customer Reviews:

A great collection of klezmer favorites!.......2006-09-30

Premiere violinist Itzhak Perlman is joined live in concert by four premiere klezmer groups: Brave Old World, The Klezmatics, Andy Statman, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Vibrant, poignant and distinctly old-world, klezmer is the musical style that developed among Eastern European Jews. Featuring the soulful fire of violin, clarinet, accordion, mandolin and vocal leads, accompanied by cimbalom (a hammered-dulcimer), piano, drums. There are a few soulful slow tunes mixed in amongst the fiery dances, but most of the selections on "Live in the Fiddler's House" are fun and up tempo, full of the instrumental virtuosity one would expect both of this genre, and of a concert violinist of Itzhak Perlman caliber. Klezmer is some of the world's best good-time music, right up there with Irish jigs, Cajun two-steps and country banjo pickin'. But it's not all sweetness and light; inherent in the mournful, minor mode of this traditional music is blend of opposites--both the sorrow of persecution and defiant sense of fun-in-the-moment inherent of a culture displaced, trying to maintain its identity in an ever-changing and often hostile world. And therein lies klezmer's appeal to the soul. For more great Jewish music, try any of the separate releases by Brave Old World, The Klezmatics, Andy Statman and his band, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. You might also enjoy "The Hidden Gate: Jewish Music Around the World," the traditional Sephardic music of the group Voice of the Turtle, and the unplugged world fusion of Basya Schechter and Pharoah's Daughter in "Out of the Reeds."

Best Klezmer album.......2004-11-16

To me, this is the best klezmer album I've ever listened to (and I have quite a few). And it's a live album. Although it's a kind of live version of "In the Fiddler's House", the repertoire is not the same (they only share one or two songs). The bands accompanying Itzhak Perlman are at their best (they are the best klezmer performers!). I prefer, personally, Andy Statman's clarinet and mandolin (Andy's Ride and Meron Nign/In the Sukke are my favorites); then there are great moments with Brave Old World (Doina Naftule and A Hora mit Branfn are beautiful pieces) and the Klezmatics, of course. The 12 minute finale is an absolute well crafted medley, under Klezmer Conservatory Band's leader, Hankus Netsky. I did'n want it to end.
I don't like at all the women voices of Klezmer Conservatory Band, although the instrumental pieces (like Khosidl) are amazing.
There is not a second in this album which is not top klezmer.

This was a fun C.D........1999-01-16

For people who are into Klezmer music this is the finest C.D.! For Klezmer music lovers, this is a masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

Little Known Gems
played with chic and beautiful tone, with the addition of four uncredited, mystery pieces
You get more than you bargained for

Elman Plays Hebrew Melodies

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]
Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

ASIN: B000EQ46IM
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Customer Reviews:

Little Known Gems.......2007-06-24

The pieces by Bonime, Chajes, Achron, and Lavry are gems. Joseph Achron and Julius Chajes deserve to be far better known than they are. Both composers were born in Poland but their music transcends national boundaries.

played with chic and beautiful tone, with the addition of four uncredited, mystery pieces.......2007-02-14

Though apparently remembered only by the devotees of the Collector's Corner, Mischa Elman was one of the great fiddlers of the 20th century. Born near Kiev in 1891 in a Jewish family (ten years before Heifetz) and a child prodigy, he was trained first in Odessa, then in St Petersburg with the famous pedagogue Leopold Auer, teacher of such other violin luminaries as Heifetz, Milstein and Zimbalist. Elman later moved to the United States, and became an American citizen in 1923 - soon followed by Heifetz and Auer. The rising star of Heifetz, with his cooler, more "objective" and virtuosic style, somewhat nudged Elman out of the limelight of his earlier American years, but he was active until his death in 1967.

This program of Hebrew Melodies harks back then to Elman's early childhood years in Jewish Ukraine. As the previous commentator has remarked, in addition to the 9 Hebrew melodies the CD contains four additional and uncredited items. Strangely, access is denied from both websites indicated on the CD's back cover, so that's not were you are going to find the information missing on the CD's booklet.

The new CD actually reproduces the contents of an earlier Vanguard CD, OVC 8030, published in 1992 and more appropriately called "Mischa Elman Collection Volume 3, Hebraic & Russian Melodies" (Hebraic & Russian Melodies). The 9 Hebrew Melodies were recorded in 1962 and had two LP appearances, as Vanguard VRS 1099 and VSD 2137. The four uncredited pieces are (in the CD order) Joseph Sulzer's Sarabande, Cesar Espejo Airs Tziganes Op. 11, Melodie from Tchaikovsky's Souvenir d'un lieu cher Op. 42 No. 3 and Danse russe from Morceaux for Piano Op. 40. Tchaikovsky's Melodie and Sulzer's Sarabande were recorded in October 1959 and came originally on the "Misha Elman Jubilee Album", Vanguard Stereolab VSD-2048 (reissued on CD as SVC 125, Mischa Elman Jubilee Album), with various other trifles, while Tchaikovsky's Danse Russe and Espejo's Airs, recorded in October 1966, came on Vanguard VSD 71173, "The Art of Mischa Elman" with more encores by various others (now CD SVC-126, Art of Mischa Elman). So much for the facts.

The various origins account for the different sonic perspectives, with almost unperceptible tape hiss in the 1962 Hebrew recital, more of it in the 1959 recordings and sonorous piano in the 1966 pieces. But the violin tone always comes out clear and bright. The pieces are by essence unsubstantial trifles - except for Bloch's Nigun, the second of his "Baal Shem, Three Pictures from Chassidic Life, making one sorely regret that Elman didn't record the complete set, and Bloch's other Jewish pieces (Abodah, Hebraic suite.. ) to boot; Elman's own transcription of the Jewish folk melody Eili Eili is also quite beautiful - and their mostly plaintive, doleful mood doesn't allow for much diversity. But Elman plays them with charm and chic, hearfelt emotion, beautiful tone throughout and fine support from Joseph Seiger.

The CD booklet contains good, informative notes about the Hebrew pieces.

You get more than you bargained for.......2006-05-14

Great remastering of classic Jewish-inspired violin recital by the master of mid-20th century schmaltz - but you get more than you expected, because there are 4 more tracks on the album that are not listed on the packaging! Somewhere between the A&R people and the production people, a communications gap opened up. Pop the disc into your computer if you have ipod software and you will find the titles and composers of the additional tracks. (Maybe they're not listed on the album because they are not Jewish-inspired music - two are by Tchaikovsky, after all.) But it's all worth hearing, and even more of a bargain with 20 minutes more music!

Klezmer Concertos & Encores [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]

Average customer rating:

Different Jewish Music

Klezmer Concertos & Encores [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]
David Krakauer , Scott Goff , and Gerard Schwarz
Manufacturer: Milken Archive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | International | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music

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Introducing World of American Jewish Music [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]
Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]
Ellstein: Great Songs of the Yiddish Stage 1 [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]
Brubeck - The Gates of Justice (Milken Archive American Jewish Music)
Bay Mir Bistu Sheyn: Yiddish Stage Songs, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000C508L
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

T'fillot (Prayers)
Rikkudim (Dances)
Manginot (Melodies)
Hakdashot (Dedications)
I. - Scott Goff
II. - Scott Goff
The Maypole - Unknown
Canzonetta - Unknown
Hassidic Dance
Rocketekya

Album Description

K'li zemer means "instrument of song" in Hebrew, and a traditional klezmer was an instrumental musician who entertained at weddings and other festive occasions in Jewish life. In recent times, the extraordinary popularity of "klezmer music" has inspired virtuoso showpieces for clarinet and flute by leading contemporary composers. Klezmer Concertos celebrates this joyous musical tradition with concert works from the 1940s to the present day.

Customer Reviews:

Different Jewish Music.......2003-12-24

This CD consists of "real" classical music. The music of this CD is classical suites INSPIRED by Klezmer Music. It is a really neat collection. My favourite pieces are Manginot and Hakdashot because they feature the bass clarinet, a rarity in solo music. This is a great CD and it is a wonderful way for a clarinetist or Music lover to expand their musical knowledge and tastes.

Average customer rating:

Great individual tracks, monotonous album
Music without Borders
OK, I admit it. . . .
A jazz listener from Algarve
A Great Record

Charms of the Night Sky
Dave Douglas
Manufacturer: Winter & Winter
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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In Our Lifetime
A Thousand Evenings
Strange Liberation
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Soul on Soul

ASIN: B000009QKD
Release Date: 1998-08-04

Tracks:

Charms Of The Night Sky
Bal Masque
Sea Change
Facing West
Dance In Thy Soul (For Charlie Haden)
Little One
Mug Shots: Wild Coffee
Mug Shots: The Girl With The Rose Hips
Mug Shots: Decafinata
Poveri Fiori
Odyssey
Twisted
Codetta

Amazon.com

Trumpeter Dave Douglas works at a tireless pace, releasing a steady stream of excellent solo albums, contributing to John Zorn's Masada, and appearing as a featured soloist on scores of diverse projects. On Charms of the Night Sky, Douglas steps back for an album of restful meditations on the waltzes, polkas, klezmer, and café music of Europe. Playing without a drummer, Douglas leans his breathy horn against the solid foundation of bassist Greg Cohen and trades austere lines with Mark Feldman's violin while the accordion (!) of Guy Klucevsek sets the mood. These beautiful songs, duets, and tone poems are elegantly paced and played with an understated authority that is wistful, romantic, and full of grace. Packaged and recorded with Winter & Winter's unrivaled sophistication and attention to detail, Charms of the Night Sky is one of Dave Douglas's finest moments. --S. Duda

Customer Reviews:

Great individual tracks, monotonous album.......2005-03-17

All the tracks on Douglas' CD play greatly on their own. Taken as a whole album, however, a slight note of monotony might creep in after track 7 or 8 -- many of the tracks share a similar mood and pace, and one might find oneself wishing for a bit of variety after an extended listening. However, that doesn't change the excellence of the performances and composition.

Music without Borders.......2001-11-08

This album is one of the finest fruits of a move in the 1990s among avantgardists like John Zorn towards an eclectic but accessible chamber-jazz. (Other instances would be Zorn's Bar Kokhba & Bill Frisell's _Quartet_ album.) Douglas has rightly moved from obscurity to the first rank of jazz musicians in the 1990s, gaining widespread exposure from Zorn's Masada, & waxing a seeming flood of discs with a variety of bands--an acoustic, string-based quintet; the trumpet/guitar/drums ensemble the Tiny Bell Trio; the larger, more conventional jazz ensemble that recorded tributes to Booker Little, Mary Lou Williams & Wayne Shorter; & many other projects. _Charms of the Night Sky_ announced a new project, which is centred on the duo of Douglas & the remarkable accordionist Guy Klucevsek, who is one of the few North American players who can stand with Europeans like Richard Gilliano or the bandoneon master Dino Saluzzi. Half of this CD is duets of these two players; on other tracks they are joined by the ubiquitous, omnicompetent violinist Mark Feldman (whose c.v. includes everything from country fiddling to work with orchestras) & Greg Cohen (who splits his time between old-fashioned jazz with players like Marty Grosz & Woody Allen, & playing with Masada).

This is a strikingly lovely disc, & even skeptics about accordion are urged to give it a try. Douglas is as always very careful & specific about the inspirations for his music: this disc has a dedication to Charlie Haden, "Dance in Thy Soul" (which is, unexpectedly, a violin feature--after a free-tempo introduction, this settles into perhaps the most exciting & insistently rhythmic piece on the disc, which ends with a simultaneous trumpet/violin improvisation which dissolves into delicate high-pitched tones). There are two covers, Francesco Cilea's "Poveri Fiori" & Herbie Hancock's "Little One"--not simply a great cover (which it is) but an indication of a key source for the kind of subtle & impressionistic jazz on this disc.

This is an album at once innovative & immediately listenable. Highly recommended. I should add that those who enjoy it should check out Tomasz Stanko's _From the Green Hill_, a disc which employs a similar lineup (trumpet, violin, bandoneon & bass, though it's augmented by drums & saxophone); the Polish trumpeter Stanko can often sound like a wilder, more unfettered Dave Douglas.

OK, I admit it. . . ........2001-10-11

I originally chose this CD as my intro to Dave Douglas' solo work because the Winter & Winter packaging is so cool. . . . I overlooked the fact that he would be playing with just bass, violin, and accordion (yes, accordion) and went with CHARMS OF THE NIGHT SKY. Man, what a good call! This CD is all that it possibly could be, and Douglas makes it even more. Great arranging turns some very intriguing melodies into very intriguing and beautiful songs. As I have since discovered, this is pretty mellow stuff for Douglas, but he brings a passion and energy to this seemingly laid-back disc that few, if any, others could do. Tracks 2 & 3, "Bal Masque" and "Sea Change," would probably be my two favorites (I love him jumping the octave in "Sea Change"), but I don't skip over anything. I have seen Douglas play in concert with John Zorn's Masada, and he is just physically and sonically impressive in that setting. What is really cool is that he is equally impressive in a bit more subdued setting such as this. Cohen, Feldman, and Klucevsek should not be overlooked, either, as their support is integral throughout the CD. A beautifully constructed collection, this is worthy to be on the shelf of really special discs that one goes to for a breath of fresh air, a moment just to clear one's head, and/or a deep breath at the end of a busy day. Douglas will reward you, and you'll come away quiet, refreshed, and invigorated. At least I do. . . .

A jazz listener from Algarve.......2001-04-24

If you think acordeon is not your kind of instrument in jazz listen to this CD and I'm sure you will change your mind. My wife hates it, but if you spare a bit time to listen to this a couple of times you will know what I mean. Track nr.2 Bal Masqué and track nr. 4 is excellent music for Kusturica's next film...

A Great Record.......2000-08-19

This is maybe my favorite Dave Douglas recording (could change next week since they are all so good). As the title seems to suggest, I tend to play this one at night after my toddler has gone to bed. It is both stimulating and relaxing. Most of the songs have a slow to medium tempo and are performed in a somewhat relaxed manner. The instrumental combination and their arrangements are wonderful. Somehow, this music allows me to re-engage my mind while calming my body.

Tracks:

African Suite: Mbira
African Suite: Djembe
African Suite: A Furiosa (Maxixe)
African Suite: Gongan
African Suite: Mysterious Habitats
Klezmer Dances: I. Introduction
Klezmer Dances: II. Terkish (der yid In yerushalayim)
Klezmer Dances: III. Freilachs (Medley)
Klezmer Dances: Dredlocked
Fiesta: I. La Fiesta de la Tirana
Fiesta: II. Tarantella
Fiesta: Kojo-no-tsuki
Fiesta: Passage
Fiesta: Muir Woods
Fiesta: Spain
Fiesta: Farewell To Stromness

Amazon.com

The term crossover can mean many things, and, as Sony Classical has proved time and again, attempts to package classical artists as sophisticated dabblers in world music can be as embarrassing as it is, on rare occasions, stunning. On the cover of this, their Sony Classical debut recording, we have four essentially classically-trained guitarists slouching like members of a rock group. The 60-minute disc careers through music inspired by Africa, Brazil, the Balkans, Chile and Japan, with stops in reggae, jazz, and New Music along the way. Despite the obvious talent and technical skill of the L.A.G.Q.'s members, this listener found little to enjoy in this particularly watered-down and superficial-sounding repertoire. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

One of LAGQ's Best.......2003-10-31

This is one of LAGQ's best CDs. My favorite tracks are the African, Klezmer, and South American pieces. There's plenty of variety, along with different accompanying instruments and sound devices.

lyrical style that compels the soul.......2003-01-28

This is the first album by LAGQ that I bought, and actually they are the reason that I got onto Amazon.com- I couldn't find their album anywhere here in Canada. They are truly an amazing group, and they bring out the passion and vibrancy, the energy and life, and the mystique that is possessed by the relatively simple-looking guitar. The African Suite and Farewell to Stromness are by far my most loved tracks on this album. They have crafted masterpieces that any fan of classical music will be able to appreciate. This is a listening experience you won't regret!!

An apparently underscored album.......2000-12-29

If one truly loves the versatility and beauty of the guitar than this album, and the entire repetior of the LAGQ, is an invaluable asset. They yet again astounded me with their fearless headfirst dive into uncharted territory with dazzling effects. I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and seriously question the reliability of any reviewer who considers this album "watered down."

the Amazon reviewer is wrong.......2000-12-08

Unfortunately, Amazon's reviewer is sadly uninformed about the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's history in doing exactly what they have mastered on this CD- dabbling. While not every track is a smash hit, when the quartet is on, they're really on. Their African Suite and Klezmer Dances are dazzling, and these guys have done this sort of thing before: everything from the Main Street Parade to the Nutcracker Suite to a hoedown on previous recordings. L.A.G.Q. is LAGQ at their best- don't let Amazon's review fool you.

Not for everyone.......2000-08-02

Although this album demonstrates the versatility of the Guitar there are pieces that just do not work for me. This feeling is similar to the feeling I get from Elliot Fisk's album on Paganini Caprices...brilliant technique but the translations are forced and not appropriate for the guitar. There are pieces on this album I enjoy and others that irritate. Unfortunately for me, I did not review this album before I purchased it. But hey, one man's garbage...

Average customer rating:

clever...funny...and dare I say, rocking?

Pincus and the Pig: A Klezmer Tale

Manufacturer: Tzadik
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Shirim: Klezmer Nutcracker
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Mommy?
Wonder Wheel

ASIN: B0002XL2F2
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Introductions
Did You Hear Of Boychick Pincus?
The Duck And Birdie
Suddenly, Pincus Spied A Cat...
Zeyde Comes Out
No Sooner Had They Disappeared Inside...
So Now, This Is How Things Stood
Fly Down And Tease The Pig...
Suddenly Cossacks Sprang Out Of The Woods
Now, Imagine The Triumphant Procession
And If You Listen Very Carefully...
Scheherezade
Waltz
Gnoissienne No. 4
Mazzesinsel Strut

Amazon.com

John Zorn's Tzadik label is known for putting out, among other things, a variety of radical Jewish music projects, but there is nothing radical about Pincus And The Pig. Here the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra teams up with noted illustrator and children's book author Maurice Sendak (Where The Wild Things Are) for a decidedly Yiddish retelling of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter And The Wolf. The band (which also did Klezmer Nutcracker) plays a fun style of traditional klezmer with original instrumentation, but it's Sendak who really ups the ante by rewriting the story and narrating it with the hammed-up flair of a favorite Jewish uncle as he tosses in such colorful expressions as "Meshuga" and "Nudnik." (A booklet accompanies the album so listeners and follow along, and there's also a glossary of the terminology.) Sendak also does the artwork, which includes drawings of the characters, and kids even get stickers of the characters. Yes, the kitsch factor on this Bubeleh is up there, but everyone involved seems to be having fun with it, and so should listeners. -- Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

clever...funny...and dare I say, rocking?.......2006-08-31

The concept is quite simple--John Zorn's label, Tzadik, aside from putting out CDs of intriguing music from Japan, also devotes a whole section of its catalog to promoting contemporary Jewish music. Aside from John Zorn's own band, Masada, Tzadik has put out wonderful titles from Jewish composers and music that is deeply connected to (while advancing the cause of) Jewish culture.

This release is no exception. In this, Shirim Klezmer Orchestra work with Maurice Sendak to convert Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" to a klezmer-backed Jewish folktare version, "Pincus and the Pig." The format is all the same--from the instrumental introductions, to the tale being sliced apart by musical interludes, but of course with a Yiddish edge. Sendak himself narrates in the tone of an old storyteller, and he plays with both Yiddish terms and Jewish mannerisms.

While some may look at this disc as a cheapening of Jewish culture in making it fit the form of classical music rather than staying entirely "pure," keep in mind that this is from Tzadik's Radical Jewish Culture series, the philosophy of which is to explore (and expand) the boundaries of Jewish music. This disc, taken as a musical offering rather than cultural one, is just plain fun, with Sendak telling the cossack hunters to "stop shooting everything already," and spitting out some nice Yiddish phrases. Shirim rocks out the klezmer, also in some separate tracks at the end of the CD, and keep the overall tone of this disc lively and avoidant of serious analysis--Pincus and the Pig is a fun, danceable romp even (or should I say especially) for the kids.

Average customer rating:

not your average genius
Simply put- superb.
Book Two : Book of Angels keeps amazing us...
The future looks bright ...

Azazel: Book of Angels, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Tzadik
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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At the Mountains of Madness
Balan: Book of Angels, Vol. 5

ASIN: B000B5UNI8
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Tufiel
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Mibi
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Tabaet
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Symnay
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Mastema
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Bethor
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Uriel
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Gurid
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Gazriel
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Azazel
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Rssasiel
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Garzanal
Azazel, Book of Angels, Vol. 2/Ahiel

Customer Reviews:

not your average genius.......2007-06-15

Any old genius can write music that startles, challenges the mind or moves the heart. Perhaps only a genius like John Zorn can write something that sounds like middle eastern restaurant muzak and still have his fans barking like trained seals at his cleverness. This is unremarkable world music hash warmed over.

Simply put- superb........2005-12-19

"Azazel" is the second in the series of releases for John Zorn's Masada Book Two. In the early '90s, Zorn wrote about two hundred pieces for his Masada project-- a songbook of melodies that could serve as springboards for improvisation all written using the "Jewish scales"-- this lent a slight klezmer bent to the music. In the second half of 2004, Zorn took it upon himself to compose a new book of Masada pieces-- all told he composed some three hundred melodies, naming each after an angel and titling the songbook "The Book of Angels". "Azazel" is performed by the Masada String Trio-- violinist Mark Feldman, cellist Eric Friedlander and bassist Greg Cohen.

One thing immediately notable about the pieces is the diversity of moods on them-- it seems as a composer Zorn seemed to also challenge himself to repeat little ground and avoid sounding, for lack of better term, Jewish. The pieces cover such diverse styles as frantic cartoon music ("Mibi", "Gurid"), lush and romantic ("Mastema", "Garzanal"), patient yet foreceful ("Tabaet"), moody ("Symnay"), dramatic ("Bethor") and just plain exciting and fantastic ("Uriel", "Aheil"). Of course, this is all helped by having just purely virtuoso performances-- these guys have been playing together (and playing Zorn's compositions) for nearly a decade and it shows-- they approach the material with an unusual sensitivity and vigor-- really digging deep inside the pieces. At times, each receives a spotlight and performs admirably, but its really the collective play that pans out, whether it be cartoon explosions and frantic improvs ("Mibi") or one outdoing the other as they trade solos ("Symnay", "Azazel", "Garzanal"), it seems that every time you think they've reached a peak, someone brings it just a bit higher.

When I first listened to this, I thought to myself that it really isn't quite as good as the live performances,b ut as I listen to this more critically for this review, truthfully I can't find anything bad to say about it-- this album is just utterly fantastic-- its not so simple as to say it's "chamber music" or "jazz on strings" or any other label, its just fantastic music performed admirably. Highly recommended.

Book Two : Book of Angels keeps amazing us..........2005-12-04

You hear people sometimes say that JZ has stopped to surprise us with his various Masada recordings and that there are "too many" Masada records ...
I could'n disagree more. JZ wrote a new batch of around 300 Masada tunes in a few months time : "The Book of Angels". These tunes will not be played by the acoustic Jazz Quartet "Masada", but by various groups. This CD, the second volume, has the Masada String Trio playing 13 new Masada tunes. They do not cease to amaze me in their quality of composition, arrangements, playing, improvising...
The character of the Masada tunes of Book II is a bit different from the first book : they are as versatile and brilliant as those of book one, but also very refined and sometimes a bit less agressive. (more mature ?)
Some pieces have the theme in pizzicato, like "Uriel" and "Tabaet", which reminds us a bit of the famous "Abidan"-theme, but very pleasing indeed. And then there are the lyrical ones, like "Mastema" and "Garzanal", which has some Klezmer violin-playing influence.
On the CD are some jump/cut cartoon-like pieces that are played brillantly. The improvisation is brilliant and very convincing. You feel and hear that these guys have worked a lot together and are at the top of their playing.

If you have not yet tasted the Masada String Trio, this is a must-have. If you know the MST, buy it and you'll be fascinated by the new roads they take with the Book of Angels.

The future looks bright ..........2005-11-28

Now in a holding pattern, John Zorn has long since left behind the post-modern jump cutting aesthetics of his initial game pieces and Naked City hard cross-over band to focus solely on his two greatest loves, composing and his Masada project. What once started out as an acoustic jazz quartet modeled on Ornette Coleman's infamous piano-less quartet, albeit fuelled by Yiddish scales and melodies, has now grown into Zorn's primary passion. With over three thousand individual compositions to his credit, Zorn has debuted his second book of compositions, "The Book Of Angels: Masada, Volume Two." This string trio recording is the studio debut of a number of new, never before recorded Masada compositions.

Fitting in seamlessly with the rest of Zorn's discography, these tunes conjure the same sort of timeless magic that the Masada songbook has always enjoyed. Modal in nature, with a primal and naturalistic drive, Masada tunes have proven to be Zorn's most popular project, even despite their sometimes intense and discordant delivery. Veering from haunting balladry to frenzied interplay, the trio accepts all of the composer's compositional challenges with glee. Featuring Mark Feldman on violin, Erik Friedlander on cello and Greg Cohen from the original Masada quartet on bass, the trio is never at a loss for virtuosic creativity. Strings are bowed, plucked and scraped in a passionate commingling of ancient Yiddish harmonics and post-modern compositional aesthetics.

"Azazel" is a stunningly beautiful example of the power and persistence of Zorn's vision and a welcome reminder of the composers abilities. "Azazel" is the first of many potential recordings featuring the second book of Masada tunes, as such it is a wonderful introduction to this familiar old world.

Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Sorry - I ran out of cliches!
mmm...Issachar is better...
Superb live set from the Masada String Trio.
A brilliant performance

Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Tzadik
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 11
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Bar Kokhba
The Circle Maker [2-CD Set]

ASIN: B0001886JI
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Tahah
Abidan
Lachish
Sippur
Malkut
Meholalot
Kedushah
Ner Tamid
Karet
Moshav
Khebar

Customer Reviews:

Sorry - I ran out of cliches!.......2006-02-23

I've been listening to Zorn's music for a while now, and it took a Live Masada String Trio performance, in person, to finally get me to purchase this. I saw the trio perform a few weeks ago at Zorn's club, The Stone, in lower Manhattan. From the first couple bars of the first song, I was hooked. I would say I listen to this live record more often than any other music I've picked up in a while - which is a pretty big deal considering my vast music collection.

For those unaware, John Zorn has had a group since the mid-90's called Masada which combines Klezmer music with avant-garde 'Ornette Coleman-style' jazz. The group performs out of two books of songs, all of which have been written by Zorn himself. There are literally hundreds of Masada songs out there, and in addition to the regular quartet, there are several other ensembles that also perform Masada songs - the string trio is one of these groups.

The Masada String Trio consists of Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Greg Cohen (bass). Zorn sits in and conducts them. I've seen it in person as he literally opens up a Masada song book and randomly pulls out pieces. "Number 65," Zorn would say and Mark, Erik, and Greg would pull out that song and play it as if they had performed it thousands of times before. This is not classical music - it has a foundation in jazz, so it's basically jazz being performed on instruments not normally used for that style of music. There is definitely improvising going on, and Zorn picks which musicians improvise and when. His conducting goes far beyound that, though, and he will often cue one or two musicians to play just one note, or a series of individual notes broken down between the three performers. It is easier to pick up on these elements if you have had the privelage of actually seeing it in person. Zorn also does this for his other groups such as Electric Masada, except in that group, he is also a performer!

The sounds emanating from my stereo when I listen to this cd are some of the most beautiful and majestic I have ever heard. I could listen to this for the rest of my life and never get bored with it. If you are somewhat familiar with the Masada catalogue, you may recognize some of these tracks. The most impressive element is the switch between arco and pizzicato on tracks such as 'Abidan,' 'Meholalot,' and 'Khebar' - the last being a real barn-burner! The trio is masterful on more digestable tracks as well like the opening, 'Tahah' or the relaxing 'Sippur'.

I also believe this record is evidence of Zorn's superb song writing abilities. He has written hundreds of Masada pieces but they can be performed for all sorts of different ensambles that span several different styles of music. No matter what the vehicle of delivery is, the performances are always breathtaking. This is a great place to start if you are not familiar with Zorn's music - most indviduals I have played this for loved it immediately. If you are not new to Zorn and don't own this, you are doing yourself a major inconvenience. Pick it up.

mmm...Issachar is better..........2006-01-11

...a couple of errors but it's a fine recording...Of course, Issachar is better. To me...three stars and a half.

Superb live set from the Masada String Trio........2005-04-26

This album, the first volume of releases from a series of concerts in September 2003 at Tonic celebrating John Zorn's 50th birthday, brings forward the Masada String Trio-- Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Greg Cohen (bass), conducted by composer John Zorn. The trio plays pieces out of the Masada songbook, bringing a chamber aesthetic to the music, but maintaining the largely improvised concept behind the music-- in many ways, this highlights the genius of these players, to be so far out of the accepted domain for their instruments and formation-- string trios improvising on jazz?-- and yet still produce something of such magic and beauty, sometimes aggressive, in your face, as much so as Zorn and Dave Douglas wailing on two horns ("Malkut"), sometimes delicate, passive, truly chamber-like ("Abidan").

One thing that should be noted for anyone who hasn't seen this ensemble live, Zorn conducts to a great level, signaling soloists, accompaniments, when the head comes back around, etc. He'll cut off the musicians, start them back up, elicit a single note from them, or keep them on the tracks until the point of derailing, switch them at once from arco to pizzicato and back again, and generally keeps tight control of the proceedings-- to watch the three string players with their focus intently on Zorn and yet playing with such sympathy for each other is really something to behold.

The music itself is impressively performed, most of the songs are drawn from "The Circle Maker", each is given an expert reading, filled with briliant soloing and accompaniment ("Meholalot"), the Masada soloist-counter soloist concept remains firmly in place with the trio. To discuss the pieces individually is almost without point, the Masada songbook has a quality where each piece is really a vehicle and is almost less essential than the power of the performance-- a stunning array of technique is shown here, these three, particularly in my assessment Friedlander, are masters of their instrument and have a real passion for the material, getting deep into it. It also I feel is the best of the Masada chamber pieces, highly recommended.

A brilliant performance.......2004-03-30

In September 2003, the club Tonic hosted a month-long tribute to John Zorn's music. Zorn and all of his favorite musicians were involved. This CD is the first in a series documenting that celebration.

At first glance, this is a live version of The Circle Maker --- and that fact alone makes it worth buying. The Masada String Trio (Mark Feldman, Erik Friedlander, and Greg Cohen) plow through eleven well-known Masada tunes, with Zorn conducting from the sidelines. The performance is fast and creative. You can tell that these musicians love to play these songs.

After I heard it a few times, I noticed something else. This is a great LIVE album. It's right up there with the live albums from famous rock bands. Listen to this on headphones and you'll hear the band playing to the crowd. After each track, you hear the crowd respond, then the band dives into another intense Masada tune. By the final track, you're a little worn out, but in a good way.

Average customer rating:

Amateurish

Beautiful, moving, uplifting

Stunning

Waiting for more from the composer

Kol Nidre Variations

Kol Nidre Variations

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music
Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music
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Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue

Secunda: Kol Nidre Service

ASIN: B00001IV8K
Release Date: 1999-09-01

Tracks:

The Vow
Voices of the Heart
Dance of the Spirit
Redemption

Amazon.com

Pianist Ben Zebelman has attempted something remarkable with Kol Nidre Variations, a disc of piano trio compositions based on the ancient Jewish prayer sung on the eve of Yom Kippur. While Yiddish klezmer music has seen plenty of spinoffs and branches (it can be heard in jazz, classical, and even pop tunes), the haunting melody of the Kol Nidre hasn't been too exploited: Schoenberg used it in an orchestral score, and Beethoven's Op. 131 begins with the Nidre theme. Zebelman's project, however, is much larger. It's entirely focused on the ancient prayer. With its soft focus and mesmerizing piano line, the first movement "The Vow" is a cross between contemporary instrumental music and classical. At five and a half minutes, "Dance of the Spirits" is the shortest but perhaps most interesting movement on the disc. Filled with soulful passages courtesy of the string section, its quick pace is riveting. "Redemption," the work's final movement, is surprising, filled with peppy movements where cellist Maureen McDermott is able to show her skills. Does it work? Yes. The simple, centuries-old chant--transformed here into chamber music in four pieces--ends up sounding fresh and (thankfully) still powerful as an instrumental work. In all, it's 39 minutes of moving, serene, and soulful music. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Amateurish.......2007-07-09

I feel compelled to write this because I cannot believe so many people find this recording a good investment.
First of all, the playing of all involved is amateurish, to say the least. There is no refinement by any of these musicians, especially the composer, who is definitely not a better pianist.
The sound leaves much to be desired. It sounds almost as a good home recording, not more. Dryish, no ambiance, and enphasizing the shortcoming of the performers.
The music? I found it too much sugar, no meat. The premise looked interesting on paper.
Lastly, the CD is a skimpy 38'58". But that's OK; it reminded me of the two Jewish ladies complaining. The first 'how bad the food was...' the second 'and the portions so small!' I was glad this was over.
After reading the reviews, I expected something more profund & spiritual. I should be careful next time.
Bruch, take me back...

Beautiful, moving, uplifting.......2002-04-15

This is hands down the most beautiful piece of music I have felt in a very long time. It takes me through a variety of emotions as I listen to it. I would highly recommend it.

Stunning.......2000-03-31

I wasn't certain what to expect from a variation on Kol Nidre by a Zebelman, a McDermott, and a Chang. What I got exceeded any expectation. The music is beautiful in its own right, creating tremendous complexity with a very simple combination of instruments, but it also manages to capture the introspection of the High Holy Days in a way that is very touching and timeless. We used a selection of this recording as a meditation at our Kol Nidre service this year. I am hoping that Mr. Zebelman will be encouraged by this acheivement to create more works of this kind. Somehow, his compositions bring clarity to the uncertain nature of modern Judaism. I don't know what he might make out of "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" but I would love to hear it.

Waiting for more from the composer.......1999-12-16

I waited what seemed like a long time to receive this after it came out and was not a bit disappointed. Beautifully done...talented new composer and equally talented musicians...this music speaks to the soul.

Kol Nidre Variations.......1999-12-04

This ia a wonderful piece of music. The three talented muscians (Zeblman, McDermott & Chang)take a Jewish holy prayer and develop it into a musical inspriation that anyone can appreciate and enjoy. It is a very moving experience to just sit quitely and listen! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to mix classical, jazz and new age music on their CD players.

Average customer rating:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!)
The Real Deal
Re-living the past

Bartók Album

Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music from Hungary

ASIN: B00000JZ15
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Dunantuli Friss Csardasok
Jocul Barbatesc
Violin Duo No.32, 'Dance Of Maramaros'
Maramaros Dances
On The River Bank
Swineherds' Dance
Dunantuli Ugrosok
Shepherd's Flute Song
Forgacskuit Lads' Dance
My Horse's Shoe
Violin Duo No.28, 'Sorrow'
Bonchida: Slow Lads' Dance
Magyarbecei Oreges Csardasok
Pe Loc
Bota Dance
Torontal Dances
Ardeleana
Vioiln Duo No.44, 'Transylvanian Dance'
Fuzes: Lads' Dance
The Churchyard Gate
Kalotaszeg Dances
I Left My Homeland

Amazon.com

Hungarian composers were among the world's most diligent in using folk resources to inform their classical compositions, and no composer was more involved in his nation's folk music than Bela Bartók. His recording expeditions into the Hungarian countryside in the early years of the 20th century preserved a musical heritage that might have otherwise been lost. While his main interest was finding inspiration for radical new music, his recordings lived on to inspire generations of modern folk revivalists. This album is a tribute to Bartók's work. The songs he recorded are born anew in the strings of Muzsikás and singer Márta Sebestyén. They play and sing these old songs in a traditional style but never fail to stamp a strong personal mark on the material. In addition to Muzsikás's own renditions, the CD includes a few special tracks of the original Bartók recordings that let you hear the old style of playing and singing in the purest form. There are also a few Bartók compositions, performed by Muzsikás fiddler Mihaly Sipos and Romanian classical violinist Alexander Balanescu. The old recordings and the Bartók works add a unique perspective to the folk songs, offering us a timeline from the oldest sources to the most modern interpretations. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!).......2003-04-05

An absolutely stellar recording! It simply doesn't get any better than this in terms of musicianship, vocals, performance quality or ethnomusicological value.

A sort of concept album, Muzsikas and Marta Sebestyen perform some serious musical detective work in The Bartok Album, juxtaposing original phonograph field recordings from a century ago by Bartok himself alongside excerpts from his works which clearly reflect these folkloric influences. Finally, we are treated with Muzsikas' own renditions of these classic folk pieces, executed with the perfect mix of flawless technique and earthy exuberance, not to mention the magnificent haunting vocals of Sebestyen.

Particularly intriguing are the swineherd and shepherd songs, among the most ancient styles in the Carpathian Basin. The long flute on the Shepherd's Flute Song, beautifully played by Zoltan Juhasz, has an ethereal otherworldly quality and contrasts most favourably with the spirited ugros dances that precede it. The carefully chosen clips from Bartok's musical archives clearly show the link between his field recordings and subsequent compositions, such that the listener gets an idea of just how influential folkloric elements were in Bartok's work. Fascinating for anyone with even a casual interest in Bartok, ethnomusicology, or the unique musical styles found in Transdanubia and Transylvania, or just for anyone who needs a frenetic folk-dancing workout.

All in all, an absolutely top-notch album in every sense of the word, and highly recommended to any fan of great music!

The Real Deal.......2002-06-28

One day, in adventurous mood and tired of RAWK, I decided it was time to investigate Gypsy fiddle music and stumbled onto this CD (who says you can't judge a CD by the cover art?). It became my happiest discovery in years. There's nothing hokey about the performance of these re-worked folk tunes; the album is passionate and exhuberant and visceral, and the violin work often soars into the stratosphere.

I've seen other reviewers express disappointment that the ensemble didn't perform/arrange the work in the fashion Bartok himself would have, ie, classical mode, but that would have diluted the whole point: the people who performed the songs for the Bartok's microphone (clips of the original field recordings Bartok made are presented inbetween the modern renditions) didn't make music for upper-crust performance halls and Sony Classical, they played it in the intimacy of their everyday lives and communities. By presenting the songs in this context, the album reminds us of a time and place when popular music had real communal value not measured in units sold.

Re-living the past.......2000-06-20

This newest Muzsikas album includes 4 excelent elements:

- Bela Bartok's genius for documenting folk melodies

- Muzsikas orchestra whish reproduces traditional music with passion

- guest star Marta Sebastian, passionate voice to reveale sadness from Transilvania

- and last but not least - Alexander Balanescu, precious performer and great experimentator.

I was lucky enough to see the concert in Budapest. May 2000, where many songs from "The Bartok Album" were introduced. On the recording it is possible to hear only the echo of the stomping dance that gives the rythm to the music, and you can only imagine antiend and rude instruments that, played together with virtuose violine, compose timeless tunes that Bartok saved from extintion.

Still, the advantage that CD has over the live performance are recordings from the museum archives, valuable historical docuemntation of traditional music from Hungary and Romania, as well as very well equiped booklet with descritions and translations of many songs.

Highly recomended album, that offers diverse types of joy - to listen, to read and to dance along :-)

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