"Acis has spared no expense in giving these heartfelt performances the proper framework in which to be heard...One can hardly imagine how this collection could have been better conceived or implemented.”
“All of us, including those who are not a part of this faith and cultural tradition,
should be very grateful that this recording has been given to the world.”
”…one of the most important musical statements of our day."
Gregory Berg, Journal of Singing
“The repertoire requires intense changes of vocal character.
Ian Pomerantz catches the fleeting moods and intentions like a master story-teller.”
“Haunting atmosphere…evocative translations and helpful notes.”
Philip Greenfield, American Record Guide
“extraordinary…a dazzling variety of poetry and music...”
“Just as satisfying: the fact that so much on the disc was unfamiliar...I have “listened” to so-called Jewish music for decades; this CD provided a look at composers I hadn’t ever come across. Even better, some really compelling music was accompanied by equally compelling backstories...an album that I heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys heartfelt music making, stunning booklet artwork, and serious scholarship. This is a recording that you want to listen to again and again.”
Susan Miron, The Arts Fuse
“This beautifully documented disc…is conveyed with immediacy by both performers.”
Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb International —Recommended
"A compelling account of the full range of human experiences and emotions. Listeners seeking a musical encounter that is deeply researched and historically informed, performed with undeniable insight and expression, and edifying in its emotional arc and storytelling would do well to spend time with this remarkable album."
Rebecca Cypess, Early Music America
Early Praise for the Album (release date: Purim, March 23, 2024):
“A masterfully performed and recorded selection of Jewish art music.”
Dr. Zisl Slepovitch
Musician-in-residence at Yale University’s Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies.
“Schenkman and Pomerantz capture the yearning of the Jewish spirit as it peers out through the windows of classical art song…invites the listener into the deeper mysteries of the Jewish soul.”
Matt Austerklein
Cantor and musicologist, Beyond the Music
“A brilliant mosaic of the Jewish musical experience in all its variety and splendor…each song is a gem.”
Gloria J. Ascher
Associate Professor Emerita, International Literary and Cultural Studies, Judeo-Spanish, Tufts University
“Wide-ranging repertory, insightfully presented…Warmly recommended!”
Joel Bresler, Publisher, www.sephardicmusic.org “over 100 years of recorded Sephardic music”
Album: Art Songs of the Jewish Diaspora
Three Sephardic Songs by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
1 Montañas altas
2 Ven y veras
3 Una noche
Six chansons populaires by Léon Algazi
4 Hinné ma tov!
5 Shur, dodi!
arr. Sidor Belarsky
6 Papir iz dokh vays
7 Dem Milners Trern
8 Zol shoyn kumen di Geule
Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 19 by Joel Engel
9 No. 1, Nigun
Lazar Weiner
10 Es brent, briderlech, es brent!
11 Unter dayne vayse shtern
The Seed of Dream, Lori Laitman
12 4. Beneath the Whiteness of Your Stars
Yehudi Wyner
13 Psalm 119
Three Pieces for Piano, Op. 12 by Joel Engel
14 No. 2, Mazurka in F# Minor
Darius Milhaud by Poèmes Juifs, Op. 34,
15 No. 2 Chant de Sion
Six Chants Populaires Hébraïques, Op. 86
16 No. 3 Chant Hassidique
Impressions by Henriëtte Bosmans
17 No. 2, Nuit Calme
Ilse Weber
18 Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt
19 Wiegala
Recorded: Futura Productions
Roslindale, Boston, MA
January 28 - February 1, 2023
Total Time: 51:15
Links: Ian Pomerantz, bass-baritone | Byron Schenkman, keyboards | Sarah Freiberg, cello
Ian’s EMA article
Press Release | Cover Art