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May 12, 2005
Seraphic Sounds Part II
As a follow up to my blog about the music we listen to, let me add two wonderful CD's by the Yeshiva of Flatbush HS Choir: Nashir B'ron, and Triumph of the Spirit. Both discs are stunning choral works with songs that cover a wide range of emotional notes. There are lovely ballads, and rockin' tunes. There are traditional songs of praise to HaShem and original songs and arrangements that are simply stunning. The music on both discs are directed by the talented Hillel Henkin and both are absolutely superb.
How good is the Flatbush choir? Once, in the car with Ariel ZT"L, I punched the CD button and the Flatbush choir blasted from the speakers. It's a mixed choir, boys and girls, and so I apologized to Ariel, and moved to turn the music off. But Ariel stopped me, explaining that since he could not distinguish the male from the female voices, well, then it was sort of okay for him to listen to the music. I stole glances at Ariel as we drove along and saw him moving his head rhythmically in time to the music. Now, whenever I listen to the Flatbush choir, I think of that moment, and I am grateful to the boys and girls of the Flatbush choir for giving Ariel so many hours of musical joy.
I cannot find any links to purchase these discs, so I recommend calling the school directly: I believe that Bebe Levitt, the Director of Flatbush Alumni, is the right person to speak to. Tell Bebe that I sent you: (718)377 - 1100
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at May 12, 2005 08:54 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
Have you heard the Ramaz choir's CD? How does it compare to Flatbush? I've never heard the Flatbush CD, but Ramaz's biannual effort is consistently worth hearing.
Posted by: David I. Cohen at May 12, 2005 10:02 AM
I have not heard the Ramaz Choir. If someone would send it to me, I'd be pleased to review it. It is true that Ramaz is a fine school and if they do something, it's usually done well.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at May 12, 2005 10:09 AM
Greetings!
One of the best Jewish albums I have heard is the Voices for Israel double CD - it's a variety of many artists and the proceeds go to help the Jewish victims of terror in Israel. It's got everybody, including The Chevra, Yehuda!, Safam, and even has a song that everyone sings on (Chazak!) - it's just beautiful. One of the most inspring songs is one written by Malki Roth, who was killed in the Sbarro attack - it was made into a most beautiful & inspiring song - you can read/hear more about it on www.voicesforisrael.org
Also, I have another double CD album called The Hidden Gate, which has Jewish music around the world (Zimbabwe, Iraq, Australia, USA, etc). One CD is completely sephardic and the other ashkenaz. Since I am ashkenaz, I like to listen to the sephardic one more often - I find it more exotic & mesmerizing (the Moroccan song Mama by Sfatayim is just heaven to listen to!). There are a few kol isha songs on this CD, FYI. It's worth it for just the sephardic CD!
Have a good Shabbos!
Rachel :)
Posted by: Rachel at May 13, 2005 06:06 AM
I agree with rachel
Voices of Israel is the "We Are the World" of Jewish music, a well done CD (and the proceeds are for a good cause --defintely a win-win).
Posted by: David I. Cohen at May 13, 2005 12:13 PM
Thnaks so much for the music tips. Karen and I plan on going out to our local Jewish store--613 The Mitzvah Store--here in LA and putchasing the CD's Seraphic friend Rachel recommends.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at May 15, 2005 08:49 AM
I also have the Hidden Gate album, it's great. If you listen to women's voices, let me plug my friends Divahn.
Posted by: Yehudit at May 17, 2005 10:58 PM
I forgot, Robert, if you are looking for new liturgical melodies, you also have to get this one. (I am one of the background singers on this CD but you can't hear me - there were 20 of us. Can you believe we recorded this in 3 takes/song in the auditorium of the Upper West Side JCC?)
(I take quiet satisfaction in the fact that the lead singer of Divahn and the lead singer on the Hadar CD both lead davening, including High Holy Day services.)
Posted by: Yehudit at May 18, 2005 09:31 PM
PS And we didn't rehearse the harmonies, we just have lots of people who like to sing.
Posted by: Yehudit at May 18, 2005 09:33 PM
Here are two that all your frummest friends can enjoy, from Richard Kaplan. I think "Tuning the Soul" is better, but they are both wonderful. (I haven't heard the "7 Beggars" CD, I think it's more of a spiritual workshop with interspersed music.) As with my other recommendations, you can sample sound clips.
Posted by: Yehudit at May 18, 2005 10:16 PM
for new flatbush choir songs visit flatbushchoir.tk, the recordings are not perfect but some of the songs (yehiyeh shalom!) are amazing
Posted by: ashelly at July 25, 2005 06:06 PM
Glad you liked those albums, although I thought "Triumph of Spirit" (which my voice is on) was not as good as "Nashir b'Ron". Also, "Triumph of Spirit" comes a little too close for comfort to "Triumph of Will". 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Mr Simen at June 11, 2006 04:34 PM
Mr. Simen:
Thanks for your comment. In truth, I like both albums enormously. Yasher koach.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at June 12, 2006 07:15 AM