Paul Ben-Haim - Great Artists Perform Music from Israel (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Israeli classical music with Paul Ben-Haim's "Great Artists Perform Music from Israel." This captivating album, released in 1989 under the VDE-GALLO label, offers a concise yet profound exploration of Ben-Haim's compositions, spanning a mere 49 minutes.

The album opens with the Violin Sonata in G Major, a three-movement work that showcases Ben-Haim's mastery of the violin. The Allegro energico, Lento e sotto voce, and Molto allegro movements take the listener on a journey through a range of emotions and dynamics. Following this, the album presents the profound and introspective The Twelfth Sonnet (After Rilke) for Violoncello Solo, a four-part piece that delves into the depths of human experience, inspired by the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.

The album then shifts to vocal and instrumental pieces, including A Star Fell Down (Kochav Nafal), a setting of three poems by Matti Katz for contralto and piano, and Florianata, a solo flute piece that is both playful and virtuosic. The album concludes with Taqsim, a solo piano piece that draws on the rich traditions of Middle Eastern music.

Paul Ben-Haim, born in 1897 in Munich, was a prominent composer who made aliyah to Palestine in 1933, fleeing the rise of Nazism in Europe. His music reflects his deep connection to his new homeland and its cultural heritage, as well as his European roots. This album is a testament to his unique voice and his enduring legacy in the world of classical music.