#cantorial

[judygee22]

The Magic of Music

The Magic of Music

I’m not sure if I believe it to be the language of the soul, at least not everyone’s soul – but I would be pretty hard-pressed to let “M” come and go, and not select MUSIC as the topic for my post.

I cannot remember back to a time in my memory producing life, when music did not play a very significant part in it.

I was born into a musical family. Not the type that is financially significant…

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[cantordebbie]

Sitting at a table, my father would record the music I needed as a young cantor. He learned these melodies composed by his father from him, and was eager to teach me. Listening to these recordings thirty years later, brings back the kindness and love my father imparted to me for Jewish prayer. This is what a cantor sounds like- may these sounds continue forever and ever.

[progressivejudaism]

Who travels to Miami in the coldest, rainiest week that Florida has seen this winter? I do. My excuse? I was one of 40 or so composers whose pieces (you can listen to mine here) were selected for presentation at the Fifth International Festival held by Shalshelet, the Foundation for New Jewish Liturgical Music – and I was one of only a few composers there who are not professional musicians.

Needless to say, it was humbling to be included in such lofty company. As part of the festival, I got to sing in ensembles and perform the works of other composers along with talented conductors, cantors, and cantors-to-be. For someone who likes to sing and loves to be where music is happening, it was an awesome experience, despite the dismal weather.

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