Re: Chazan Kasivitzky

[Sheldon Levin <slevin...>]

Adam makes a good point about recordings of Hazzanut not being completely 
authentic without the Kavanah (feeling/understanding) of the prayer 
context. I would go further and say that without the congregation giving 
its feedback and energy the Hazzan is not complete.

Given the prohibitions of recording on Shabbat and holidays the next best 
thing are studio recordings and live concerts.  I should point out that 
Hazzanut is still alive and there are many world class artists giving 
concerts all of the time.  Israel is, of course, a great place for 
cantorial concerts but you will find them in most metropolitqan areas of 
the USA each year.

If you are looking for recordings of current Cantorial practitioners I 
would suggest you contact Tara music 1-800-TARA-400 where I buy most of 
my tapes and CDs. I great new one is Aaron Bensoussan singing  Cantorial 
works with members of the Israel Philharmonic. There are beautiful 
orchestrations and I always like Aaron as an exciting performer. 

The Cantors Assembly 212-678-8834 has two videos from their last 
convention in Israel a few years ago with some very memorable Cantorial 
performances, some with the Johannesburg Men's Choir. The Concert video 
is a great way to see many of today's Hazzanim in action.

Next July the Cantors Assembly Convention will be in Jerusalem with 
several concerts being part of Jerusalem 3000.  Friends of Hazzanut are 
invited to be part of this historic and very special trip.  Call the CA 
office 212-678-8834 and they can send you a brochure if you want more 
info on the trip and a catalog for info about Cantors Assembly recordings 
and videos. 

Cantor Sheldon M. Levin
slevin (at) mciunix(dot)mciu(dot)k12(dot)pa(dot)us