More on Reform 'Nusach'

[Rachel Gurevitz <rgurevit...>]

Hi all,

>On the subject of 'Reform Nusach'.  I don't know if this applies in the US,
>but here in the UK, you'll rarely find actual 'nusach' being used; one of
>the downers of hardly having any trained cantors here in the progressive
>movements.  But our Reform and Liberal movements use Lewandowski melodies
(ie. tunes, not what most people call 'nusach') to prayers incessantly
(which is one of the reasons why Hava Nashira is
>such a breath of fresh air each year).  Actually, HN helped me get over
>some of my aversion to his music with the spectacular Tsadik Katamar we
>sang this year with Debbie (which I think is one of his) - I've never heard
>it sound like that with a UK choir who sings it week in, week out.
>
>Anyway, this is what we'd probably think of as 'traditional' over here and
>there is a complete book of Lewandowski's music for choir available.  It is
>not complicated in the musical sense - very predictable C19th classical
>style - but most congregations can't just do it unless led by a formal
>choir (which is one of the reasons I dislike it so much - the choir ends up
>'performing' and the congregants become an audience). And it's simplicity
>means that it sounds a bit thin if you just sing the soprano 'tune' - the
>harmonies make it work better for me.
>
>And whilst I'm mailing - hi Ellen!!  Just spoke to a jet-lagged Zoe on
>Sunday - sounds like Kutz was amazing again and I'm looking forward to
>'downloading' all the new material from her!
>
>Love to all,
>
>Rachel
>
>