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This CD
features fourteen tracks of Jewish Sephardic, Ashkenazi,
Israeli, Irish and American origin, capturing the
feeling of Chanukah, a holiday that is rooted in the
belief that when it is darkest, it is always possible to
find light.
This
reassuring thought is reflected in the music contained
within this CD. This is solo piano in its entirety, and
the pieces are very easy on the ear, being both
accessible and highly melodic. Robin Spielberg provides
some background about Chanukah. She says, "A small group
of believers, the Macabees, managed to drive off a far
stronger Syrian army, winning an impossible war in 168
BCE. These soldiers, guided by faith, reclaimed
Jerusalem, overcoming amazing odds. They cleansed the
temple which had been profaned and left in ruins, and
rededicated the sanctuary. Finding only enough oil to
last one night, they kindled what they had and sent for
more. While it took over a week to restock the supply,
the small amount of oil somehow managed to last the
entire week. This miracle of light is the basis of the
story of Chanukah, and it is this miracle we celebrate
when we light a candle on the menorah, for each of the
eight nights of Chanukah."
Regardless of the listener's faith, this CD is a
highly enjoyable affair. It opens with
"Chanukah, Chanukah" and "I Have a Little
Dreydel". Upon first listening, it reminded me
of a gentle lullaby, and Robin explains that the
music brings back memories of her childhood,
when, along with her sister, they were guided
into the attic to feel for a present for each of
the eight nights of the festival. These were
clearly exciting moments for the composer, and
the merriment is carried through into the
playing of this piece.
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem" begins in quite a sombre
fashion, but develops into a beautiful piece.
Written in 1967 by Israeli composer Naomi Shemer
after the six-day war, it tells the story of the
beauty, spirit and love of this ancient city.
Always melodic, the music is a joy to hear from
start to finish.
The album's third track has a hymn-like
quality and one is almost expecting
lyrics to be sung. I'm glad this doesn't
occur, as it would detract from the
beautiful piano playing. Again a piece
steeped in history, Robin explains how
this song started its life as a poem in
the Middle Ages. It was not set to music
until the 19th. Century, in Germany. The
message of the poem- that faith in God
will help us conquer our foes, triumph
over tyrants and "lead us to a time when
all people are free", is a message that
other religious congregations have
adopted over the years, making this hymn
universally popular. Another delightful
piece.
I particularly enjoy the melody from
track four, which comes from an
unexpected source: Fiddler on the Roof!
This is a wonderful piece to enjoy, and
Robin's version is of the highest order.
Another catchy melody is to be found on
the next track, the traditional piece "O
Chanukah, O Chanukah." It has a busyness
about it, and is basically a call of
togetherness in the run up to Chanukah.
The tune, based on a Chassidic melody,
became popularised by Jewish travelling
bands known as Klezmer- and they would
play this during Chanukah. Again this is
a piece often heard with lyrics, which
again demonstrates the melodic qualities
of the track.
It says something about the quality of the
performer that my favourite cut of the CD is an
original piece by Robin Spielberg, entitled
"West Bank Serenade". In many ways, this is a
call for peace, having been composed during the
early terrorist suicide bombing attacks in the
West Bank. It features a lovely melody and some
very impressive piano playing. It is a very
powerful piece, its music and its message not
leaving the listener in a hurry.
Track seven, "Zum Gali Gali" is another
traditional piece. It has a simple melody and
has quite a slow tempo. This song was sung by
the early Zionist pioneers before the founding
of Israel. The tune is very catchy and has an
innocent charm about it. I love this track!
Another slow, but very beautiful piece is to be
found in the eighth cut of the CD, "Chanukah
Prayer". Again, this is a traditional piece. As
it develops, it opens like a Summer flower for
all to enjoy. A similar theme continues in the
next track, "Hanerot Halalu". Once more, this is
a traditional piece, more specifically a
traditional Chassidic melody, sung during the
lighting of the Chanukah candles. It is very
delicate and tranquil, perhaps reflecting the
spiritual significance of the piece.
The second Robin Spielberg original arrives with
the tenth track of the CD. "First Night" has a
catchy melody and again amply demonstrates the
composer's undoubted prowess at the piano. In
the notes, Robin explains how this piece was
originally written to honour the first night of
the New Year, and has since adapted it to fit in
with the first night of Chanukah. As she
explains in her own words, "The song is about
reflection on the past, putting it in its proper
perspective, and looking hopefully towards the
future." It's a song for contemplation and
meditation; very gentle and soothing.
In many ways, the same could be said for "One",
which derives from another unexpected source:
the Irish band U2. This is Robin's own take on
the popular song, and she explains how she was
particularly taken by the lyrics emphasising the
futility of war. The melody is gorgeous, and
this is a song I like to listen to over and over
again. Another favourite! The opening and ending
of the track are very tranquil, again
encouraging the listener to lose themselves in
thought.
The twelfth track, "Hatikvah / The Song of Hope"
has another appealing melody, and is a version
of the Israeli National Anthem. The composer
considers this anthem to be one of the most
beautiful and spiritual in the world, and upon
listening for oneself, it is hard to disagree.
Yet another lovely piece on an album full of
wonderful music.
American Chanukah's penultimate track is
entitled "Ofi'n Pripitchik", and is a Yiddish
folk song celebrating the warmth of the house
when the stove is kindling wood. The song is
also a metaphor: just as the wood brings warmth
to the home, so Chanukah brings spiritual warmth
to the heart and spirit. Another gentle,
undemanding piece, lovingly played by Robin.
This exceptionally impressive album closes with
a traditional song called "Tumbalalaika". I was
about to write that it again reminded me of a
gentle lullaby, only to check the extensive
notes provided by Robin to indeed find that is
exactly what it is! As the listener would
expect, it soothes the soul and is soporfic in
nature. It is the perfect way with which to
close the CD.
The music on
American Chanukah is of the
highest order. I think the project has been so
successful as it is something clearly close to
the composer's heart. Several years in the
making, and aided by all manner of people,
(including Robin Spielberg's 99 year old
Grandmother at the time of the project) the end
result is a stunning CD filled with the most
beautiful melodies imaginable. Extremely
accessible, the album provides highlight after
highlight. There is not a single weak track on
this CD, and most certainly no fillers. The
extensive notes provided allow the more curious
listener to delve deeper into the music and its
inspiration, but it works equally as well to the
casual piano lover, who wants to be entertained
for over fifty-three minutes by memorable,
exquisite melodies. A fascinating, deeply
personal CD, and one that without question is
deserving of the Piano Heaven Gold award. Robin
Spielberg has such a delicate touch with the
piano, and she and it are as one. Bravo, Ms.
Spielberg!
S.C.
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