Re: Hazanut - Jewish Liturgical Music List?

[Stephen <steves...>]

Robert,

The matter is simply a matter of being practical. I really do
appreciate your comments. However, if there is anyone out there
seriously interested in promoting JLM, a GREAT deal needs to be done.
That is why I started the jewishshulmusic list after thinking about it
for over a year.

My perspective is Israel directed where the vast majority of Israelis
(both secular and religious) haven't the faintest inkling of who
Lewandowski was. Not even those teaching music in some high schools!

When my Kol Rina mixed choir sings, the hiloni (secular) listeners say
"wow!" They had never heard anything like Mombach's 'L'cha Ezbach' or
Lewandowski's "Enosh".

But let's be even more practical.  I went to one of Israel's top
University music libraries. They have a large jewish music section (no
Lewandowski there at all by the way!!) For a laugh I said to the
librarian: I've heard the same tune for Adon Olam in my shul FRiday
night and Shabbat morning since 1979. I can stand it no longer. Please
give me another melody. She looked non-plussed and asked: "Who
composed it?" I can't wait for these low-tech institutions to do the
job.

We had a situation in Israel not long ago that I got on a bus and
wondered if any of me would make it back home. I decided then that if
you want to do it - go for it and don't wait for others.

At the diaspora museum I was standing by the reconstruction of an old
shul listening to several Adon Olam tunes from the loudspeaker. A
teacher with her young pupils came along. "Listen children, this is is
what Jews USED to sing in shul". It is pathetic!

When I discovered that about 1,700 composers wrote shul music I nearly
fainted. Can this number be true? I have several scanned lists
available if anyone is interested taken from Sendry's 1950s book.

A web based JLM scanned music database and MIDI files has to be
produced (with grant financing or a CD library at afforable prices
without grants). This will take a vast effort by many people. A
dedicated channel to coordinate efforts is required. See the Sulzer
project for what could be done. (http://welcome.to/shoreshet)

Recordings can be made by choirs (especially amateur) and RealAudio'ed
or MP3'd. The possibilities are endless. What about a web page for all
shul choirs?

I'm going to have a glass of cold water!

Stephen
_______________________________________________
From:
Stephen Simpson
Tel. +972-8-9456636
Fax: +972-8-9456646
E-mail: steves (at) shani(dot)net
http://welcome.to/shoreshet
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