Customer Reviews

Jewish Cello Masterpieces

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Perhaps no other instrument captures the sad-sweet contemplative mood of classical Jewish music like a cello. Is this because so many Jewish composers have written for the cello, that we think of it as a "Jewish" instrument? Or did they choose the cello because it sings so beautifully of the Jewish soul? Like the chicken and the egg, this question may never be answered -- but it doesn't really matter. This superb music is an important part of our Jewish legacy in its own right.

On this CD, cellist Richard Locker, accompanied by Susan Walters on piano, brings together 12 classical Jewish pieces, some well-known and others not so, in an absolutely magnificent performance -- so beautiful, that it literally brought tears to my eyes. The CD starts out with a niggun (Hasidic tune) by Ernest Bloch, then moves into to the dark, somber strains of Max Bruch's "Kol Nidre." From there it rises in mood, to end with a playful Yiddish theater piece, "Wie schecht is ohne Gelt" (How awful it is to be without money!) Included is the rarely heard "Meditation Hebraique" by Bloch, which he dedicated to Pable Casals, and a trio of pieces by the lesser-known composer, Zavel Zilberts (1881-1949), who directed the Choral Society of New York and played with the Metropolitan Opera. All of this is performed on a cello made by Nicolo Gagliano, dated 1780. To hear such a fine old instrument played by a talented, sensitive musician is truly a mechayah! (pleasure)

This is one of the most outstanding CD's I've heard in years......in fact I did not believe that any one was making records like this anymore The playing is deeply expressive, extraordinarily impassioned, virtuosic, and distinguished.
Ernest Bloch's "Nigun" is given a white hot reading that certainly ranks among the best, and "Schelomo" has everything one could want; exquisite tone, complete range of expression, and a concise realization of the structure that makes the interpretation compelling from beginning to end. Speaking of tone, this is not just a beautiful sound but a widely varied and subtly nuanced one, and despite the unified theme of the record each piece is given its own, unique voice.
Also on the disc is a strikingly original interpretation of Max Bruch's Kol Nidre and a number of less familiar pieces. Notable among these are the deeply expressive songs by Zavel Zilberts (my favorite is one called V'shom'ru) and a witty example by David Meyerowitz from the Yiddish Theatre, entitled Gelt. The recorded cello sound is exceptionally vibrant. This is a must have record for serious music lovers and for those who prefer the "old" values in music making

Although Locker is not widely known yet, he is a remarkable cellist and has recorded an extremely beautiful CD of music related to Jewish themes. Some of the pieces were familiar to me, like Ravel's "Kadish"; others are more obscure but come to life under his fingers.
In admiring this recording, I imagined hearing the qualities of both Heifetz and Casals. Mr. Locker is clearly a very creative player with a style of playing which is uniquely vivid, honest, and compelling.
The sound quality of the recording is excellent, and I certainly recommend its inclusion in the library of not only those who love the voice of the cello, or Jewish themes, but anyone who admires great string playing.

The playing of Richard Locker is disturbing in that it does not allow you to do anything else while the CD is playing. His tonal beauty and intensity command your entire attention. One realizes immediately that there is substance and meaning in this music. I want to hear more from this gifted, sensitive musician and his equally talented accompanist, particularly from the great library of chamber music.

I recently received this CD as a gift and was simply overwhelmed by how beautiful it is. The music, the playing, and the recording are all stunning. The interpretations of the well known works are magnificent and the pieces by Zilberts and Meyerowitz are a revelation. I cannot recommend this recording highly enough.

This is a wonderful album. The music is beautiful. The musicianship is marvelous. Ernest Bloch is one of my favorite composers. His piece, Prayer, is a very moving piece of music as is the rest of the album.

Anyone familiar with the torturous history of Jews struggling in a Gentile world will find many of the slow and sad notes reminescent of their tearful plight. These composers are all top notch and the music is wonderful to have playing lightly in the house as you go about your business. I really enjoy this purchase.

Cello masterpieces by Bloch, Bruch, Ravel, as well as other great composers make this selection very unique. Leggiero Records deserve recognition which shall be shared by the outstanding performer, Richard Locker.

With sensitivity and command, master cellist Richard Locker, with Susan Walters on piano, captures the depth and essence of the Jewish classical masters on his two-century-old cello. The poignant power of Max Bruch's Kol Nidre, the immensity and precision of Ernest Bloch's Schelomo or the compassionate appeal of Meditations Hebraique is striking. Locker's gripping style leads one deftly through emotive movements, now light, now intense, always expressive and powerful. The sound quality is rich and tonal. Each listening experience reveals a deeper layer of insightful interpretation and musical offering, as though Locker were playing purely for the pleasure of the composer. Richard Locker presents this outstanding collection with compelling passion. Highly recommended.

I love this CD and have bought several for friends. Music is so very beautiful. Toda raba!!!!