Customer Reviews

Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Hmm... Ok, maybe it was not the best reason to want to buy this CD, but I heard one of the songs on it, Hashkiveynu, performed (partially) during an episode of the West Wing, and it sounded AMAZING (it was NOT the same cantor as on this CD). I am not Jewish and not even very spiritual, but I wanted to have that song in my collection.
I immediately searched the web for the info, got the name of the chant and found this CD. I almost purchased it without listening, when I found a different site, where they actually have rather long excerpts (2 min.) of most tracks, so I listened to them.
Boy, was I relieved and disappointed at once! Relieved that I didn't buy the CD and disappointed that I couldn't get the song I wanted (I was willing to buy a whole CD for just 1 song, that's how much it impressed me).
The song sounds very little like the one from the West Wing, although I do believe that the site where I found the info speficially pointed to this CD as having a recording of the same song used in the show. And I'm sorry to say it but the voice also doesn't hold a candle to the one used on the show - way too "operatic", as mentioned by many, and harsh and even unpleasant-sounding to me. It took all the charm and candor right out of the song (in the show, they had a much more natural voice do the song). I also agree that the choir does not mesh well with the soloist.
If anyone knows where and if I can purchase a recording of this song done by a different singer (if it can be the one from the West Wing, I'll be thrilled), please, let me know. In the meantime, I'm passing on this CD...

The Reform movement has such an achingly beautiful cantorial tradition, not sufficiently recorded for my taste. And Cantor Garfein's credentials and reputation are sterling. So I approached this recording with anticipation and a strong disposition to love it. Alas, I find it hard to listen to. The quality of Cantor Garfein's rich mezzo invites me in, but her pitch control and technique quickly shut the door. The vibrato is constant and without nuance, and at times broadens to a wobble. Her attacks are all swoops and scoops (something delicious and effective in small measures) and I'm left longing for her to hit the note head on without sliding into it. Sometimes, as in "Mah Tovu", it seems to take her so long to settle into the note, I'm not sure what note she's singing.

Yet your hearing of this might be different. I am neither a musician nor an expert, but I am sensitive to pitch and control issues that some don't notice. (I adored Beverly Sills in so many ways, but didn't enjoy most of her singing beyond the early 70s). If you share this experience, I would stay away from this recording. Otherwise you might find much to treasure.

For those listeners who want to understand the significance of the Reform movement, this CD is for you. What some of negative reviewers lack is a perspective of the Reform movement. Cantor Garfein eloquently chants the prayers of a movement that was heavily influenced by the secular world and the desire to assimilate. This music is a necessary part to understanding the history of Diaspora Judaism. This is Jewish performance music at its finest. Kol ha'kavod!

Garfein's gorgeous voice interprets a largely unknown repertoire of first-rate reform Jewish liturgical music, with a few old favorites tossed in as a bonus. There are moments so sublime here that I shiver each time I hear them. Not to be missed!

According to Rabbi Steven Franklin of Riverdale, NY, "Cantor Garfein is not only blessed with a voice which is truly a magnificent instrument, but she possesses impeccable musical taste and truly believes that music is a pathway to the Divine."

Regardless of your theological faith, the sound of Rebecca Garfein's voice will free you momentarily from the cares and concerns that make all of us a little grumpy at times.

Her voice seems to break free of the CD and wraps your soul in peace. This collection of 16 Jewish prayers and songs are made more ethereal by Cantor Garfein.

Any serious lover of classical music should add this CD to their collection.

I have heard Rebecca perform in person. If you have the opportunity to see this mezzo soprano, don't forsake the chance to lighten your step.

I highly recommend this CD filled with sacred chants . Cantor Garfein's voice is wonderful and this album is filled with spirituality and soul. A fabulous CD to give as a gift this Hanukkah season !

This CD is truly inspirational. I listen to this CD all during the week as so many familiar Jewish chants and prayers are so beautifully sung. It gives me a sense of pride in the history of Judaism to hear this CD recorded in such a historic Synagogue. I plan to buy a copy for my Rabbi. Having met and heard Gantor Garfein sing in person, she is an extraordinarily warm and charming person which so eloquently comes across in her beautiful music. Thank you, Cantor.

This is a splendid hour-long presentation of cantorial music performed by one of the preeminent young cantors of our generation. For this concert, Cantor Garfein chose a varied and dazzling selection of sixteen cantorial pieces by distinguished liturgical composers and one secular piece by Charles Gounod. With the accompaniment of the excellent Pestalozzistrasse Choir, the Cantor brilliantly displays her vocal virtuosity while simultaneously reflecting a reverence for and sensitivity to the liturgical heritage of the Jewish people. Recorded live from the Berlin Jewish Cultural Festival of 1997, this CD is a musical treasure certain to become a collector's item.

Cantor Rebecca Garfein has a magnificent voice which expresses the oft-overlooked nuances in the music she has chosen for this recording. Able to perform equally well in the metzo soprano and soprano ranges, the cantor delights the listener with thrilling high notes and sultry lower registers.

Organist-Choirmaster Arnold Ostlund, Jr. skillfully chooses registrations which enhance both the cantorial performance and the superb choral blend.

I am sitting here trying to think of something nice to say about this singer's voice; I'm sorry, but I just can't find anything. Despite the training (Bachelor of Music from Rice University) that the album insert says that she has had, she can't hold a pitch, has a wild vibrato, and goes flat so many times I was gritting my teeth by the end of the first track. She's what many of my choir directors would have called a "Screamin' soprano" who can (most of the time... ok... SOMETIMES) hit notes, but lacks anything approaching vocal control. Certainly she doesn't sound as though she's had a voice coach in the last 15 years or so; I hope she gets one.

Meanwhile, I'll be putting the album up for sale, as I can't even stand to listen to it.

Spend your money someplace else.