Highly recommended by Jewish music critics, this cd provides a pleasant and uplifting experience of pure, authentic Jewish music from Jerusalem, the world's spiritual center.

20 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Klezmer, SPIRITUAL: Judaica



Details:
Beautiful Jewish music has accompanied us from the time the Levites sang in the Holy Jewish Temple, over 3000 years ago. After its tragic destruction, Judaism gifted the rest of the world with the seven- note scale1, upon which the entire existence of classical music, as well as Western and Middle-Eastern folk music is based. For thousands of years, our gift has been developed and enriched by our hosting nations, and influenced by them. In the past music was used for deep spiritual and religious purposes; King David and the prophets used it for religious inspiration. It was used in the Holy Temple itself, and has always been played to bring joy to the bride and groom. In Chassidism, new tunes were accepted only after they passed the scrutiny of the rebbe, and were then used to create spiritually uplifting experiences.

We can still elevate ourselves through music. The JEWISH FAMILY ENSEMBLE's music is steeped in our past. Perhaps it can offer a link toward our future.

Neshama Yeteira by Shevet Achim includes the elements of classical music known to stimulate the brain, while rousing the soul. The album has been highly recommended by a number of noteworthy professionals. Prof. Andre Hajdu, an internationally respected authority on Jewish music, and composer said: âthe traditional melodies [are] clothed in handsome arrangements and highly professionally played and recorded. As one who hears many attempts at arranging melodies from the Jewish musical tradition, I did not expect to hear a disk as beautiful and simple as this. I am convinced that this disk will be appreciated by the cultured Jewish population.â

Beautiful counterpoint melodies enrich the beloved traditional Sabbath songs. The precious antique melodies are arranged and played by Jewish Israeli, deeply religious musicians on natural (acoustic) instruments, and recorded with high quality analog recording, producing an extraordinarily pure sound. Appropriately, the recording was done at Keshet Recording Studio, located as close as possible to the spiritual center of the world, just outside the Old City Walls of Jerusalem. The entire disk capacity, of 75 minutes was filled, and an exquisite 16-page insert included, adding a few words about each of the songs to help the listener appreciate the music more. These factors combine to offer the listener a deeply spiritual and inspiring experience of outstanding Jewish music.

THE MUSIC
Love and respect for the traditional melodies is apparent not only in the playing, but in the arrangements themselves: In Anâim Zâmirot, the playful young child (who traditionally sings alternately with the congregation), is represented by the high pitched, and fast moving piccolo. The dazzling Niggun S'machot leaves the listener with the feeling of exhilaration of a Jewish "simcha" (happy occasion). Tzamaâah Nafshi, begins with a flute and clarinet duet, representing the spiritual and physical which âthirst for G-dâ in the words of King David). It is then invigorated with a constant forward-moving momentum, and a modulation (rise in key), both representing progressive movement toward closeness to G-d. In Ya Ribon Olam, the beauty of G-dâs world, and the beauty of His music merge. The thrilling El Mistater is hauntingly reminiscent of the depth and wonder of mysticism.

THE GROUP
One of the unique features of the Shevet Achim Family Ensemble is that it is indeed a family ensemble. The group is made up of musicians, and artists who are also siblings, each of whom contributed a unique talent to the ensemble. For Daniel Kohn, the clarinetist, charisma is innate, clearly apparent in his playing, while depth and symbolic meaning in the music are part of his personal expression. For Ruchel, the violinist, absolute sincerity and purity are essential. Dvorah, the flautist, synthesized her siblingsâ skills and creativity into the arrangements, adding her own optimism and deep joy. Yitzchakâs exquisite and sensitive photography embellishes the cover and insert, enriched by Dvorahâs graphic work. Thus, just as in every family the different personalities of the family members enrich and build the family, so, too, in this family ensemble. The result blends their individual skills, creating for the listener, a unique experience in Jewish music, which not only directly touches the emotions and soul, but uplifts them.
The clarinet, flute, violin and piano make up the basis for the group. This basic group is expanded by a wide variety of instrumental combinations throughout the disc. Shevet Achim also included harp, viola, darbuka and cello into their ranks. While a large portion of the album is made up of various well-loved Chassidic and Ashkenazic traditional melodies, 3 harp and flute duets, with darbuka, are played in the Sephardic traditional style.

ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR INFANTS
During the fetal stage and the first year of infancy, the hearing is highly developed, and the brain development is extraordinary. Although language per se is not yet acquired, music, which does not require language capabilities, is an ideal means for brain stimulation. The classical style elements in Shevet Achimâs arrangements include countermelodies, which interweave with the main Jewish melody. This complexity in the arrangements, not present in most Jewish music, provides outstanding stimulation for the young oneâs brain, as well as exposing him to deeply rooted traditional Jewish tunes.

ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR ALL
Clearly, music at every age influences us both emotionally and spiritually. While intellectual material is filtered before we allow it to be incorporated into ourselves, music touches our emotions and soul directly. The melodies on âNeshama Yeteiraâ are inspiring and original arrangements of traditional Sabbath melodies. Playing the disk during Sabbath preparations will not only expose the family to magnificent Jewish music, but can affect the listener and help him receive the Sabbath from a more profound place. As we now enter the Shemittah year, this music can help deepen our awareness and relationship to the special âSabbath year".

footnote-
1.The scales of Western music have been comprised mostly of seven-note scales since the beginning of Christianity (these scales and other musical materials were derived from Jewish musical practices). http://trumpet.sdsu.edu/m345/Elements_of_Music3.html
http://trumpet.sdsu.edu/m151/Elements_of_Music3g.html
***********************************************************

The following is a warm letter of recommendation, the Kohn family (the Shevet Achim Family Ensmeble) received from the internationally respected authority on Jewish Music,
Professor Andrei Hajdu:

Andrei Hajdu, composer,
Professor Emeritus,
Bar-Ilan University

Dear Kohn Family, Shalom,

Thank you for the compact disk ["Neshama Yeteira"] which you brought me.
I was happy to hear the traditional melodies clothed in handsome arrangements and highly professionally played and recorded.
As one who hears many attempts at arranging melodies from the Jewish musical tradition, I did not expect to hear a disk as beautiful and simple as this, without the taste of commercialism (drums, rock) and also without the sentimentalism which often characterizes this type of production.
The instruments: flute, clarinet, violin, and piano, are chamber instruments and are an example of how a Jewish family who grew up on chamber music, while simultaneously connected with Jewish tunes and songs, can create a sort of environment, protected from the infiltration of unwanted elements; âfood coloringsâ which are generally added in order to season the melody to todayâs taste.

I am convinced that this disk will be appreciated by the cultured Jewish population. I wish you success in the production and distribution of the album.

Respectfully and with friendship,
Andrei Hajdu

NOTE: Unfortunately the email address listed on the disk is incorrect. Please email us at neimot@gmail.com