One important moment in the Jewish calendar is the opening of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) with the ‘Kol Nidrei’. Sung in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, it is not a prayer but a declaration to shed "all vows" (the literal meaning of "kol nedrai") from the year before, with the intent to pre-emptively avoid breaking vows with God. Its stirring melody is not only a fitting setting to the reverent moment, it is also the music that has caught the essence of the Jewish soul and spirit and is the most characteristic tune of the synagogue.

The ‘Kol Nidrei’ melody is one of the ancient melodies in Jewish liturgy. It traces back to the early Middle Ages and is therefore often referred to as one of MiSinai tunes (melodies from Mount Sinai), together with other canonic High Holy Days melodies. It is an amalgam of musical motives, the most recognizable is the iconic opening motive.

Though ‘Kol Nidrei’ text is a mere renouncement of vows, the melody associated with it has been loaded with the grave spirit of Yom Kippur and the emotions evoked by repentance. In the late 19th century the tune reached a critical point when it became appealing to composers beyond the Jewish community and effective over and above the meaning of its words. Composers began to use the tune in various instrumental pieces. Many of these works featured the cello as the chosen instrument (such as in Max Bruch’s concerto for cello, Op. 37) to convey an expressive sound and emotive quality that serve as imitation of human cry. In the 20th century ‘Kol Nidrei’ also found its way to the arts and popular culture. The first talkie, The Jazz Singer (1927) feature ‘Kol Nidrei’ chanting as the tug of tradition in the conflict between loyalty to the Jewish past and acculturation into the American culture.

The arrangement of ‘Kol Nidrei’ presented here was created by Cantor David Lefkowitz and Raymond Goldstein. It features a dialogue between voice and cello. Cello part echoes in well-known Max Bruch’s setting and the cantor presents traditional elements of chanting with modern virtuosity. This dialogue serves as a genuine expression of the spirit of Yom Kippur, bringing about the essence of both instrumental and vocal traditions that speak to the Jewish soul in the most solemn day of the year.

Recorded at Park Avenue Synagogue
Music Director: Colin Fowler
AV: Doug Yoel

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