Aspects of the Cantor's Art
posted 8 September 2006

Yossele Rosenblatt

Techniques for Prayer Leading – that are not taught in Cantorial School. A series of 4 talks/workshops for cantors and those interested in the cantorial art by Cantor Joseph Levine, Philadelphia at Central Synagogue, 36 Hallam Street, W1N 6NW

Wednesdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 November 2006
8.00pm – 10.00pm

Singing the sacred chant of the synagogue – no matter of which denomination – to certain melodic and rhythmic modes, offers the solace and stability of long standing Jewish tradition in the midst of our rapidly changing lives. 

Starting 8th November, in four weekly sessions, Joe Levine the distinguished cantorial scholar from Philadelphia, will examine with us what it is about the famous cantors of the Golden Age – that makes their renderings both timeless and timely, on the theory that ancient ways may yet have something to teach us….

In the sessions will spend some time listening to the greats such as Yossele Rosenblatt and Pierre Pinchik - then with musical handouts from several eras that Joe has prepared, attendees will be invited, if they wish, to perform in a workshop setting, applying the freshly learned chant patterns to their own singing, and listening and reacting to their fellows.  All of the chants can and will be applied in the classes to several other texts common to all branches of Jewish practice.

The course is open to all who love and have an interest in cantorial music, and will be of especial interest to practising cantors.  Singing by students will be encouraged, but not mandatory. Non-professional lovers of cantorial music might think of this as a mini-course in "participatory listening."
Joseph A. Levine holds a doctorate in Sacred Music and has taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Academy for Jewish Religion, and the Jewish Music Institute's School for Liturgical Music at the University of London. He serves on the Rabbinical Assembly’s High Holiday Mahzor Committee, and is Editor of the Journal of Synagogue Music. His latest book, Emunat Abba—The Sacred Chant of Abba Yosef Weisgal, was recently republished by the Cantors Assembly in a 25th-Anniversary Edition.

£20 for the complete series - £7 for an individual session.
To reserve your place fill in the Registration form or
T 020 8909 2445 or email jewishmusic [at] jmi.org.uk 

Download registration form