The Golden Dreydl: A Klezmer Nutcracker for Chanuk

Ellen Kushner (Artist), Michael McLaughlin (Artist), David Harris (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B00006K0CA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #124,137 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Hanukkah

Track Listings

1. Introduction

2. It Was the Holiday Season...

3. All of a Sudden, The Door Blew Open...

4. In the Middle of the Chaos...

5. Now the Whole Room Was Looking...

6. Sara Couldn't Sleep...

7. Off in the Distance...

8. Come Back!

9. It Seemed Like Hours...

10. You Poor Child...

11. She Was Picturing It All So Clearly...

12. Road Seemed to Spin by...

13. It Was Funny, Though...

14. We Want the Golden Dreydl! ..

15. Oof!

16. As the Dreydl Danced...

17. When Sara Woke Up...

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Ellen Kusher, the award-winning writer and producer for PRI's Sound and Spirit series, has joined forces with Boston's Shrim Klezmer Orchestra and turned Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet into a modern mythic tale that rivals anything in C.S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles. The Shrim Orchestra rearranged Tchaikovsky's masterful score, but Kusher did not retell the classic story with a Yiddish spin. Instead, she created the glorious, imaginative tale of Sara, a young girl who confides to her mother that she pines for a Christmas tree and loathes the family's annual Chanukah celebration. Shortly after her admission, Sara receives a magical golden dreydl, which transports her into a fantastical world peopled with demons, sorcerers, and sages. Beginning a holiday she will never forget, Sara goes on a mysterious quest and discovers the true meaning of her heritage and the holiday. A remarkable story filled with wit, humor, and wonderful irreverence. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent story for the ears and the heart!, December 17, 2002

By A Customer

I had the good fortune to attend a live performance of the Golden Dredyl with my twelve year-old nephew. What a wonderful show. Not only was the music excellent, but the story, told by Ellen Kushner, was enchanting. I think it's about time someone brought the rich tapestry of Jewish myth and tradition to the ears of contemporary children. Plus, there was enough of a 'presence' to endear the entire event to adults.

I cannot recommend this more... not only as a Hanukkah gift for children to listen to, but also as a special present that deserves to be played any time of year.