Nigunim:
- Hebrew Melodies
The Hebrew word “Nigun” means melody. And Nigunim is simply the plural.
While Gil Shaham was born in the US, his family is from Israel, and undoubtedly he may have heard some Hebrew/Jewish songs and melodies as a youngster. These things stay with you forever.
Gil and Orli Shaham are brother and sister, and their new CD called ‘Nigunim’ is a wonderful recording of Hebrew melodies. This music, more often than not, vividly evokes troubled origins, the music providing an escape of sorts and the violin the perfect voice which transcends the world from which they sprang.
“One very powerful aspect of this music is its soulfulness”, Orli Shaham says; “Regardless of your background, I don’t think you can listen to it without feeling that connection”.
The selections are:
Achron, J:
- Hebrew Melody, Op. 33
version for violin and piano
- Hebrew Pieces (2), Op. 35
arr. for violin and piano
Bloch, E:
- Baal Shem
version for violin and piano
Bonime:
- Danse Hebraique
Dorman:
- Violin Sonata No. 3 ‘Nigunim’
Williams, John:
- Schindler’s List: Jewish Town
arr. for violin and piano
- Schindler’s List – theme
arr. for violin and piano
- Schindler’s List: Remembrances
arr. for violin and piano
Zeitlin:
- Eli Zion – paraphrase on a folk theme and trop of ‘Song of Songs’
trans. Joseph Achron)
Performed by Gil Shaham (violin) and Orli Shaham (piano)
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