SKU: GI.G-8282G

English. Text source: Based on Song of Songs. Text by Michael Mahler. Scripture: Song of SongsNmixed references.

SKU: OT.26114

ISBN 9789655051049. 8.27 x 11.69 inches.

Ariel Lazarus
Guitarra Liturgia
Two pieces based on music from the Spanish and Portuguese tradition.
Contents:
Jerusalem de Sefarad - Suite for Guitar
Contrapunto Sefardi
The composer writes:
For many years I wanted to compose a piece for guitar which would inspire interested students to expand their repertoire in the direction of Jewish music. The most natural thing for me was to write a suite based on themes from the synagogue in which I grew up – the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue of Gibraltar. My beloved grandfather served all his life as hazzan (cantor) of this synagogue, and I always felt as a composer and educator that I had a special obligation to continue his tradition and pass it on to a new generation. In this composition, I let the guitar echo the piyyutim (semi-liturgical poems) that were part of my childhood: Adon Olam, Sh'charchoret, Achot K'tana, Yigdal, Borei ad Ana, all of which are sung in the Spanish and Portuguese tradition from Gibraltar to London, and from New York to Jerusalem. I let myself dream the piyyutim, take them apart and reconstruct them as a short suite for guitar, the results of which you are invited to hear here. As a conceptual idea for the suite, I choose to suggest about the cultural continuation between the Diaspora and the land of Israel by way of referencing the well-known melody of Naomi Shemer, which is also popular among the hazzanim.
Dr. Ariel Lazarus is a unique voice among Israeli composer-performers today. Brought up in a family with Jewish musical roots both in Gibraltar and Westphalia, he began composing and playing the guitar in his teens, and has been committed to developing his own compositional language ever since, always maintaining an open dialogue with his traditions.
Lazarus received his BMus and MMus degrees from Oklahoma City University in classical guitar performance and composition where he studied with American composer Dr. Edward Knight. He earned his PhD from Bar Ilan University, studying composition with Prof. Betty Olivero and Prof. Gideon Lewensohn and conducting research under the supervision of Prof. Edwin Seroussi from the Hebrew University. His symphonic works have been premiered by the Raanana Symphonette Orchestra, and his chamber works have been performed by various ensembles in the United States, Central Europe, Portugal, Gibraltar, Scandinavia and Israel. Lazarus performs regularly as Art Ambassador on behalf of the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora affairs Amiel BaKehila program.
His solo album A Hebrew Capriccio was released by the German boutique label SmoothFactor and was awarded critical acclaim, among others, in Haaretz, and Neue Westfalishe.
Dr. Lazarus is the musical director and co-founder of the Israeli Ladino Orchestra. His work with the orchestra has been recognized by the official Carta de España. He teaches at the Academic College for Education Givat Washington, and the Rimon School of Music. Lazarus’s work has been awarded by the Israeli Pais Art council and ACUM.

SKU: SP.TS348

ISBN 9781585607327.

Classical Masterpieces for Fingerstyle Guitar is a rare compilation of carefully selected masterworks from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods arranged for Classical Guitar. While there are many collections which feature lesser-known works for Classical Guitar, we believe none comes close to our complete collection of these most well-known and beloved works created by the greatest composers that ever lived. These great works of the masters from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries have stood the test of time as they continue to be revered to this day. Classical Masterpieces for Fingerstyle Guitar eliminates the need for multiple teaching resources and musical supplements, since many of the greatest pieces ever written are now contained in this one outstanding publication. Each piece has been carefully transcribed and specifically arranged in a classic style perfectly suited for guitar. Extreme care was given in the choice of key signatures and fingering demands of the left-hand, with a careful focus on understanding octave ranges, and placement of page turns in order to make every arrangement extremely playable. The recording that accompanies this book is performed by one of the greatest classical guitarists working in the Miami area today. We are confident that you will be impressed by the performance, but even more so by the exceptional work of the arrangers and editors involved in making this recital collection. It is truly the only curriculum choice for every one of your students today, and for many years to come.

SKU: GI.G-10336G

English. Text by Carol Browning.