Ramón Jaffé's "Méditation Hébraïque," released in 1995 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, is a captivating exploration of chamber music that seamlessly blends Jewish musical traditions with classical compositions. This album, spanning a concise yet impactful 51 minutes, showcases Jaffé's virtuosity and his deep connection to both Jewish and classical musical heritage.
The album opens with Ernest Bloch's "From Jewish Life," a three-movement suite that evokes the spiritual and cultural essence of Jewish life through music. Following this, Jaffé presents his "Melodisch-Kontrapunktische Studien," inspired by Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier," demonstrating his mastery of counterpoint and melody. The centerpiece of the album is the complete "Sonata in D Minor, Op. 2 No. 12," a work that highlights Jaffé's technical prowess and emotional depth.
The album also features three meditations from Bloch's "Mass," offering a contemplative interlude before concluding with Jaffé's own "Méditation hébraïque," a piece that encapsulates the album's fusion of Jewish and classical influences. Throughout the album, Jaffé's performances are marked by their sensitivity, precision, and profound musicality, making "Méditation Hébraïque" a standout release in the world of chamber music.
From Jewish Life, B 54: I. PrayerErnest Bloch, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
From Jewish Life, B 54: II. SupplicationErnest Bloch, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
From Jewish Life, B 54: III. Jewish SongErnest Bloch, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Melodisch-Kontrapunktische Studien, Op. 137b: No. 10, Prelude in C Minor (After Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier, No. 2, BWV 847)Ignaz Moscheles, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Melodisch-Kontrapunktische Studien, Op. 137b: No. 1, Prelude in C Major (After Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier, No. 1, BWV 846)Ignaz Moscheles, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Sonata in D Minor, Op. 2 No. 12: I. AdagioGiacobbe Cervetto, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Sonata in D Minor, Op. 2 No. 12: II. Allegro sostenutoGiacobbe Cervetto, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Sonata in D Minor, Op. 2 No. 12: III. Bourrée con variazioniGiacobbe Cervetto, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
3 Meditations from "Mass": I. Lento assai, molto sostenutoLeonard Bernstein, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
3 Meditations from "Mass": II. Andante sostenuto - Var. 1-4 - CodaLeonard Bernstein, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
3 Meditations from "Mass": III. Presto - Fast and Primitive - Molto adagioLeonard Bernstein, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Baal Shem: II. NigunErnest Bloch, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich
Méditation hébraïqueErnest Bloch, Ramón Jaffé, Andreas Frölich