Guy Yehuda Between Two Worlds CD

Cheer & Comfort for Our Times on CD!
Three Works from the Early to Mid-20th Century!
Reference Recordings is very pleased to release this beautiful musical program of three works from the early to mid-20th century, which they hope will provide some joy, especially to those who love Jewish music, history, and folklore.
Guy Yehuda is one of the most outstanding clarinettists on the international concert stage and a prizewinner of various prestigious competitions. On "Beetween Two Worlds" there is rare music from the early to mid-20th century for clarinet, strings, percussion and piano to discover.
The pieces are based on Jewish themes and folklore by Engel (1922), Prokofiev (1919) and Ben-Haim (1941/1965), beautifully played and recorded. There is only one recording of Engel so far, Prokofiev's "Overture on Hebrew Themes" is one of his least performed works, and Ben-Haim's work is also a rarity on CD. An exciting compilation for music lovers and collectors of rare works!
Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953) wrote his Overture on Hebrew Themes for the Zimro Ensemble in 1919–1920, when he was in New York, and they were performing in America. Scored for clarinet, string quartet and piano, it showcases Prokofiev's mastery of musical form, harmony, and color, as well as his ability to capture the spirit and character of the Jewish melodies. The Overture on Hebrew Themes is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between this great Russian composer and a group of dedicated musicians who shared a passion for Jewish culture. This work influenced other composers who were interested in Jewish music, such as Aaron Copland, Darius Milhaud, and Leonard Bernstein.
Joel (or Yoel) Engel (1868–1927) was not only a music critic, composer, and teacher, but also a visionary leader who had great influence on the Jewish art music movement. One of Engel's most notable works was the incidental music for The Dybbuk, a play by Shloyme Ansky based on a Jewish folk tale and a remarkable achievement in the history of Jewish culture. The drama, also known by its other name Between Two Worlds, premiered just over a century ago and captivated audiences with its mystical drama of love, death, and redemption. Unfortunately, Engel's music including The Dybbuk Suite (1922) was largely forgotten by later generations, until recent efforts to revive and perform it.
Paul Ben­-Haim (1897–1984) is considered one of the most prominent Israeli composers of the 20th century. Rooted in the Western Germanic musical canon, his music reflects his dual identity as a German­-born Jew who emigrated to Israel and embraced its diverse cultural heritage. One of his most notable works is the Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet, composed in 1941 and revised in 1965. The quintet is a tour de force of Ben-­Haim's mastery of texture, musical lines and rhythm, from both worlds.
Between Two Worlds features clarinetist Guy Yehuda. Hailed by composer John Corigliano as "One of the most awe-­inspiring clarinetists today," Mr. Yehuda is recognized as one of the most outstanding and unique talents on the international concert stage today. He has won several international competitions, including the Heida Hermanns International Woodwind Competition and the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Mr. Yehuda has toured extensively in Europe, North and South America, Israel, South Korea and China. As a principal clarinetist, he has performed with the Israel Philharmonic, Lucerne Contemporary Festival Orchestra, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Haifa Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, among others. On Between Two Worlds he performs with an outstanding ensemble consisting of Dmitry Berlinsky, violin; Yvonne Lam, violin; Eric Nowlin, viola; Suren Bagratuni, cello; Kevin Brown, bass; Jon Weber, percussion; and Eric Zuber, piano. This release, also featuring the Jewish visual artist, author, and maggidah, Shoshannah Brombacher, is a showcase of masterful artistry and emotional depth.

Features:

• CD
• Recorded December 14-15, 2022 at Cook Recital Hall, College of Music, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
• Comprehensive Booklet
• Total Time: 59:09
• Made in USA

Musicians:

• Guy Yehuda, clarinet
• Dmitry Berlinsky, violin
• Yvonne Lam, violin
• Eric Nowlin, viola
• Suren Bagratuni, cello
• Kevin Brown, bass
• Jon Weber, percussion
• Eric Zuber, piano

Selections:

Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953)
1. Overture on Hebrew Themes (1919), Op.34 for clarinet, string quartet and piano
Joel Engel (1868–1927)
The Dybbuk Suite (1922), Op.35 for clarinet, strings and percussion
2. For What Reason? - From Song of Songs (Mipnehi Mah? – Me'Schir H'aschirim)
3. Beggar's Dances (Me'choloth Hakabzanim)
4. Wedding March (Marsch Chatunah)
5. The Veiling of the Bride (Chipuy Hakalah)
6. Hassidic Melody (Nigun Chassidim)
7. For What Reason? (Reprise) - From Song of Songs (Schir H'aschirim – Mipnehi Mah?)
Paul Ben-Haim (1897–1984)
Quintet (1941/65), Op.31A for clarinet and string quartet
8. Molto moderato
9. Capriccio. Molto vivo
10. Tema con Variazioni – Tema. Sostenuto e dolce –
Var.1 La stesso movimento
Var.2 Molto grazioso
Var.3 Piu calmo
Var.4 Allegretto, poco a poco accelerando
Var.5 Adagio assai e misterioso