Pamela Hickman
Harpsichord Music by Israeli Composers
Harpsichordist Marina Minkin was born in the Ukraine and now lives in Israel. Her recent recording of 'Harpsichord Music by Israeli Composers'
With her choice of high-quality Israel harpsichord music, Marina Minkin has left no stone unturned in this recording of blending the musical traditions from the past with perfumes and flavors of the Middle East in general and Israel, in particular.
Her technique is crystal clean and boasts ease; her ability to interpret very different styles in evident throughout. Above all, Minkin's playing delights the senses. Adding to the listener's enjoyment is the fine technical quality of the recording itself.
Haim Alexander's 'Improvisation on a Persian Song' is melodic and dance-like, with the melody weaving in and out of a constantly spiraling, repetitive accompaniment.
Paul Ben-Haim synthesizes eastern and western music in his sonata for harpsichord, mandolin and guitar.
Jerusalem born Yinam Leef breathes life into a collage of local, familiar motifs, from the call of the Moazzin to prayer, to Jewish prayer, to church bells sounding from the Old City of Jerusalem.
Yehezkiel Braun's 'Four Keyboard Pieces' were written in 1992 and originally composed for harpsichord. They are rich in melody and influenced by 17th century styles.
Other composers represented on the disk are Segiu Natra, Yri Brener and Dina Smorginsky.
'Harpsichord Music by Israeli Composers' (Albany Records, TROY 977)
