Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Israel with Paul Ben-Haim's "Great Artists Perform Music from Israel." This captivating album, released on January 1, 1989, under the VDE-GALLO label, offers a diverse collection of compositions that span nearly 50 minutes of enchanting melodies and intricate arrangements.
The album opens with the Violin Sonata in G Major, a three-movement piece that showcases Ben-Haim's mastery of classical forms and his unique melodic sensibilities. The sonata's energetic opening movement, "Allegro energico," gives way to the introspective "Lento e sotto voce," before culminating in the lively "Molto allegro."
Following the sonata, the album presents "The Twelfth Sonnet (After Rilke) for Violoncello Solo," a four-part work inspired by the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. This solo cello piece is a testament to Ben-Haim's ability to convey deep emotional resonance through a single instrument.
The album continues with "A Star Fell Down (Kochav Nafal)," a setting of three poems by Matti Katz for contralto and piano. This vocal work adds a lyrical and poetic dimension to the album, showcasing Ben-Haim's versatility as a composer.
The final two tracks, "Florianata" for flute solo and "Taqsim" for piano solo, highlight Ben-Haim's ability to create evocative and expressive music for solo instruments. These pieces demonstrate his deep understanding of the expressive capabilities of the flute and piano, respectively.
Throughout the album, Paul Ben-Haim's compositions blend classical traditions with Middle Eastern influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. "Great Artists Perform Music from Israel" is a testament to Ben-Haim's enduring legacy as one of Israel's most celebrated composers.
Vinylscout