Re: Kol Nidre

[Eliott Kahn <Elkahn...>]

>But accurate or not, we associate Kol Nidre, including the change of wording 
>from vows taken in the past to vows that might be taken in the future, with 
>our feelings about forced religious conversion.  If that's not what we're 
>thinking about when we're singing Kol Nidre, then maybe we shouldn't sing it 
>at all.

Doesn't this seem like a bit of a personal statement made universal? I've 
arranged Kol Nidre for string quartet and cantor; conducted this version plus 
other  choral versions; and sung in accompanying choirs on several High 
Holidays. I've never believed the text to be about forced conversion nor have I 
heard any cantor mention this interpretation.

I've always believed Kol Nidre to be more a state of mind--a very spiritual and 
distinctly Jewish one on the holiest night of the year. Whatever a cantor is 
"feeling," if he/she can't convey this spiritual essence, perhaps then they 
shouldn't sing it at all.

As for that empty headed conductor, he/she is probably trying to just keep this 
ametric piece together so the hazzan can be free to emote .....  "Kolllllll 
honnnnn!"

Eliott Kahn



>Zayt gezunt (be healthy),
>
>Yosl (Joe) Kurland
>The Wholesale Klezmer Band
>Colrain, MA 01340
>voice/fax: 413-624-3204
>http://www.WholesaleKlezmer.com
>

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