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Five Hebrew Love Songs – The Solo Soprano Version – Coming Soon
Posted on May 2, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Well, it only took 13 years…
Finally, finally, the solo soprano/piano/violin version of these pieces will be in print. They’ll be available from Chester Music in Europe and the rest of the world this summer. (I think it will be G. Schirmer here in the States). I’ll also release a version for solo soprano and string quartet.
Here’s a re-post of the video of Hila and I discussing the poetry:
And here’s a beautiful, recent performance from our concert at Cal Lutheran University, featuring violinist Ruth Bruegger and one of my favorite pianists, Tali Tadmor. Be sure to hit the HQ button (
) for high quality:
19 Comments
Patricia Shanks on May 2, 2009 at 11:18 am
This is so bizarre and wonderful! I visited here a few minutes ago to look for information on obtaining the solo version of the Five Hebrew Love Songs. I left, briefly, to visit your wife's Website. I came back, and you posted, "The Solo Soprano Version – Coming Soon." I don't know if there's anything to this synchronicity stuff … (up TWILIGHT ZONE theme). Thanks!
philnkt on May 2, 2009 at 12:10 pm
gorgeous.
John Hairel on May 2, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Eric , thanks for posting this video. There is so much bad information out there on the internet. It's nice to see and hear beautiful music that will inspire others. Thanks again.
Kelsey Hanley on May 2, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Hila's performance was nothing short of perfection! I love how much fun she was having, and how much you can sense her love and devotion to the piece as she sang it! Very well done! Also, it was perfect to hear you guys explaining the song, as I've personally had a few incorrect thoughts on the words. Thanks so much!
Kelsey Hanley on May 2, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Boo, I shouldn't have posted before I finished listening to the second video! Eyze sheleg brought tears to my eyes, and give me tons of shivers. Wooo, must listen to it again!
Christopher Keene on May 2, 2009 at 10:42 pm
They always clap after the second movement, even in the solo version! The Five Hebrew Love Songs are beautiful and the chamber choir I conduct absolutely adored them. Thank you so much for sharing your music with the world.
bgerberick on May 3, 2009 at 12:40 pm
You know what I'll be recommending to my voice-major friends for their senior recitals. =)
Caitlin on May 3, 2009 at 8:25 pm
These are my favorites of anything. Anything.
Felicity on May 4, 2009 at 8:28 am
Eric! they are stunning and I can't wait till they're availble. Please let Hila know how beautiful I find her voice; so free and crystal quality! Utterly gorgeous! Thanks so much for this!
Felicity xox
Preston on May 4, 2009 at 1:45 pm
It feels as though the music is food, and her soul is just eating it up!
Wendell Clarke on May 12, 2009 at 3:14 pm
The funny thing about this Eric, is the visual I get every time I hear Eyze Sheleg. When the hums begin and break into the four parts, I imagine celestial perfection…and darkness. The speaker begins and I see and angel addressing the universe. Then the strings come in with the wailing seraphs that fly around in wonder as God slowly(yet with suprising quickness that suggests excitment) bends to the ground and begins to craft man out of dirt, with the love and devotion the potter has to his clay. The segment where the strings and voices echo the "snow is falling" theme from Winter, shows varying parts of His sculpting, with angels gathered, hard pressed around peering in on the masterpiece God is making. Their wings flutter everytime the strings do, like pigeons in the vatican square that crowd over a morsel. Then in the great expression, where the song reaches its volumetric apex, God breathes into Him as the view pans around the pair. Every exhalation makins Adam's chest rise and fall in tune to the strings, while angels watch in wonder. Every breath causing another body part to flicker with life…a finger, a knee, an eyebrow…a toe until at the end of the song (and beginning of Larov), Adam sits upright. I see this vividly every time I hear this song…an expression of love that defies mortal bounds…the very creation of man.
Thank you for being ubiquitous in your musical expression. And to Hila, Arvo Part puts it best…you have the power to give and take life in your sound.
Yimei on May 13, 2009 at 7:39 am
Never fails to tingle… Just love this piece! Is it available on CD???
Elizabeth on May 14, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I had the pleasure to sing Five Hebrew Love Songs
with the Womens Choir at UNLV a few semesters ago and just fell in love with it. It is hauntingly sweet and passionate. It still makes me cry and will remain on of my favorites along with She Weeps Over Rahoon.
Amy on June 30, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Hello Eric! Any word on when the Five Hebrew Love Songs for soprano might be published? The blog says sometime the summer, but am curious to know
if a more specific date might be available. I'm getting married in August, and would love to feature these pieces during my ceremony.
Kelly Burns on October 24, 2009 at 8:37 pm
So, it’s October now… and there are no “Five Hebrew Love Songs” for solo soprano in Europe or the United States… what gives? :) I love these pieces so much and I want my cool soprano friend to see them. We just finished watching the video of Hila singing them on YouTube; my friend fell in love with them.
Have they been pushed back again?
Eagerly awaiting,
Miss K
Rebecca Davidson on December 1, 2009 at 7:45 am
Dear Eric & Hila:
My fantastic colleague, Kristin Symes taught the choir version this piece to her middle school choir here at Singapore American School and I had the privilege of playing the piano part tonight. It was so well received by the audience, and it is such a moving piece to perform. It's definitely one that will stay with me for many years to come.
Your work is wonderful, beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you!
kinney on December 14, 2009 at 7:43 am
when will the soprano version be out?! i am like dying.
kinney on December 14, 2009 at 7:44 am
i mean i can't say it enough.
Rachel on July 5, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Oh, I cried. Beautiful. I’ll be performing this in October. “Kala” is amazing.