Search - Malovany, Sherif, Hungarian State Orchestra :: Famous Cantor

First Rate

Robert | 03/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is among the very finest albums of cantorial music recorded in the past 35 or so years. Cantor Malovany is one of the very few individuals around today who has both "legit" classical music training and is a long-time professional Orthodox Jewish cantor. What you get is music that is steeped in the genuine tradition of cantorial singing yet performed with professional technique, musicianship and taste.



While mostly traditional, you will not hear the self-indulgent excesses of historical cantorial singing which many contemporary listeners can't tolerate. Cantor Malovany can sing with, as they say, "a tear in his voice" but it is always in tasteful service of the music and the text. Connoisseurs of classical vocal music still might find the performances a bit emotional by today's standards, but I found them to be moving, deeply at times.



The arrangements are performed by a quality full orchestra and are first rate. The sound quality is also excellent, on par with the major labels' releases from the era. All in all, I can't think of a better contemporary CD of cantorial singing. I've even given copies as gifts."