|   The
latest release from Hu Ra Records, “Music in the Language
of Light” features 48 minutes of the Hebrew-based compositions
from “The Psalms of RA” double CD. Included are
an uplifting chamber orchestra rendition of Psalm 116, a stirring
string quintet setting of Psalm 104, and a mixed Hebrew/Arabic
version of the traditional Hebrew folk song (“Hinay
ma tov...”) derived from Psalm 133. Also included is
an original and beautiful setting of the Kaddish for voices,
guitar and soprano saxopohone, as well as Kaballistic incantations
of the archangels and chants to the dawn light.
The
instrumentation combines chorus, symphonic instruments, and
traditional Middle Eastern instruments like the oud, santur,
kamancheh, ney, and dumbek. Among the featured performers
are singers Sonya Heller, Melanie DeMore and Phyllis Addison,
saxophonist Paul McCandless, and master instrumentalists A.J.
Racy (Lebanon) and Nejad (Iran).
The
CD is accompanied by a 24 page full color booklet with all
the texts written in Hebrew, transliterated, and translated
into English. The booklet is illustrated with photography
by composer Jim Berenholtz, taking on his many journeys throughout
the Middle East and Africa. images of the Sinai desert, of
sacred sites like Petra, Jerusalem, Giza, Persepolis, Axum
and Lalibela, and of the wildlife found in ancient Israel
during Biblical times, bring illumination to the texts and
inspire the listener to imaginings of the sacredness of life.
This
CD is ideal for lovers of classical and world music, for those
with an interest in Judaica, the Kabbalah, and Near Eastern
civilizations, and for all people who work and dream for a
world in peace. |
