ROSSI: The Songs of Solomon, Vol.1: Music for the Sabbath. New York Baroque, Eric Milnes conducting. PGM 108 (CD).
The title of this collection, "The Songs of Solomon," appears to be a play on words, having been drawn from the 1623 publication of the same name by the Italian Jewish composer Salamone Rossi. None of the texts is actually from the biblical Song of Solomon; rather, they come mainly from the Psalms of David and other liturgical texts (e.g., the Yigdal, Kaddish, Barchu, etc.).As such, they represent what were among the first attempts to print Hebrew music. And even here Rossi had to compromise, the individual words still being read from right to left but their order corresponding to that of the notes - i.e., left to right.
What he did not compromise, however, was his artistry, as these are some of the most beautiful examples I know of Italian Renaissance choral music, from the gorgeously interwoven polyphony of the opening "Haleluyah" (Psalm 146) to the exalted adoration, yet lyrical flow, of Psalm 92 ("A Song for Shabbat"). In every way this is writing worthy of Monteverdi or Palestrina.
Moreover, it is gorgeously sung by the eight-voice New York Baroque ensemble. Music from this collection has also been recorded by the Boston Camerata, but I cannot imagine a better blend, or clearer diction, than what one hears here.
In fact I have only one criticism - 46 minutes of it isn't enough. But then I guess there's always Vol. 2 - William S. Goodfellow
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT. Various artists. Six Degrees I62-53I069-2 (CD).
Other than "Rock of Ages," included here, there is not a lot of traditional music for the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. But if this collection is not specifically Hanukkah music, it is certainly appropriate for the holiday - and for others times as well. This gathering of original and traditional songs by contemporary Jewish artists and musicians clearly celebrates roots and rhythms of the culture.
From Jan Siberry's stirring vocals, to the very modern "Light Up the World" to Alicia Svigals' plaintive violin in "Dybbuk Sbers" to the fusion of jazz and blues in Rebbe Soul's "Avinu" and the bittersweet melodies of John Leventhal's "1902" or Don Bryson's "Oi Tata," this is music filled with passion and feeling. - Carma Wadley