Herman Berlinski's Avodat Shabbat
Milken Archive of American Jewish Music, Naxos, (2005), $6.98
by Stephanie Persin
Avodat
Shabbat is one of Herman Berlinski's final contributions to
American Jewish music. Berlinski, who died in 2001, was known for both
his secular and Judaic compositions. His secular music, however, always
contained pieces of his Jewish heritage. Berlinski received many awards
during his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the
American Guild of Organists, and the Commander's Cross of the Order
of Merit from the president of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Avodat Shabbat is part of the collection of the Milken Archive
of American Jewish Music. The disc is more than seventy-two minutes
and it contains twenty-two Shabbat songs. The symphony plays at times
in swelling harmony, and at other times as barely audible background
music. The talented voice parts (Robert Brubaker, Constance Hauman,
and Elizabeth Shammash) sing well both with the symphony and a cappella.
The most impressive voice in the piece is that of tenor, Robert Brubaker.
It is Brubaker's sound that brings an operatic tone to Berlinski's music.
Brubaker's voice, along with the well-trained chorus, turn this Friday
evening service into, "Shabbat: The Musical." The listener
should be forewarned; Avodat Shabbat is not "Fiddler on
the Roof." Do not expect to be able to sing along with this CD.
Much of Berlinski's composition is based on traditional and very recognizable
tunes. He has the ability to intermix traditional sound with a style
that is rather unconventional. While the music itself is very moving,
it is probably best to listen to this CD around the Shabbat dinner table,
or when preparing to pray. This is not the music to listen to when stuck
in traffic or when waking up in the morning.
Still, Berlinski's Avodat Shabbat serves its purpose. It makes
the classical Friday evening service into a production that showcases
the talent of this great Jewish composer. It is clear that Berlinski's
music belongs in a collection of great American Jewish music.
The disc comes with a detailed
booklet that describes the life and achievements
of Herman Berlinski. It also contains English
translations of the Friday evening prayers.
More information is available on the Milken
Archive website. The Milken Archive
contains a collection of American Jewish
music that represents both Jewish and secular
contributions of great Jewish artists.
We will be reviewing more from this collection
in the coming weeks.
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