Kol Nidre Variations

Editorial Reviews
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

Kol Nidre Variations, Music, Maureen McDermott, Ben Zebelman, Ben Zebelman, Chamber, Classical, Jewish Music, Jewish: Trad. & Klezmer, Religion, Vocal

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
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Bruch: Dol Nidrei; Bloch: Schelomo

Legendary Cantors

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Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue

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.

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