David Montefiore sings Abraham Ellstein's 'VeliYerushalayim Ircho'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSL9fQN68Es
Reviews: Hadassah Magazine August/September 2003 D.K. The proceeds of the sale of the High Holy Day Tradition CDs go to the Temple Beth El of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Music Fund ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hazzan Rishon" Legendary Cantorial Recitativi 21 Song Cycle, Opus I & Opus II Las Altas Fiestas Dos Yiddishe Lied 'Dos Yiddishe Lied' -------------------------------------------------- Press Reviews “The music, alternately joyous, sad, searing, soaring, firm
in its declaration of faith, is vividly brought to life. His voice sounds
rich, full and robust… is tastefully, feelingly presented, and
the quality of the voice is indeed magnificent. Montefiore departs from
family tradition, also being an opera star. This of course carried on
another tradition; many opera stars have recorded similar music - think
Richard Tucker. Why David Montefiore has not been grabbed up by the
larger recording companies is a mystery. Anyone of any persuasion, fond
of good, solid singing will find this set totally enjoyable.” “Hazzan Rishon is some of the most mournful, delicate singing
and music I’ve ever heard. Montefiore’s powerful voice
weaves stories that moved me.” “Informative, musically satisfying program… beautiful
performance.” “Mr. Montefiore has a powerful operatic tenor that has the
benefit of a touch of Yiddishkeit, or Jewishness.” “David Montefiore combines a beautiful tenor versed in both
cantorial and operatic music.” “I’ve always admired his splendid voice and superb
musicianship and after hearing the Cantorial Recitativi I’m even
more impressed… I was profoundly moved by his performances in
the wonderful new album HAZZAN RISHON OPUS II. The emotional experiences
they engendered lifted me out of the mundane and petty cares of the
day.” “David Montefiore possesses a beautifullyric-dramatic tenor…
He sang the famous Cantor Yosele Rosenblatt’s ‘Ad Heino
Azorunu’ with deep understanding and musical clarity. It was
a pleasure to listen to him.” “Kol Hakavod… Bravo! Bravo!” “David Montefiore is the brilliant voice.” “David Montefiore, noted Cantor and bel canto tenor, sings
a fascinating programme of cantorial music.” “Montefiore sang as a boy soprano soloist for the renowned
Cantor Moshe Koussevitsky, and his influence can be heard both in the
voice, the singing style and the music… passionate, thrilling,
heartbreaking.” “David Montefiore is endowed with a beautiful tenor voice
and moves the listener by conveying the true and original intent of
the music. I predict a great future for him.” “Magnificent Record” “Fine tenor voice. A leading bel canto performer.” “Montefiore’s voice and delivery are first rate.” “Outstanding recording… a level of beauty beyond what
one hears today.” “Magnificent voice. A masterful piece of art.” “Montefiore has a glorious voice, fine musicianship and assured
stylistic command.” “Marvelous… it is simply delightful!” “I have enjoyed listening to it again and again, it’s
just wonderful!”
“When Cantor David Montefiore sings, he swathes the listener
in the sonic equivalent of velvet. His rich tenor warms the ears,
eases the heart and seeks to inspire the soul.” ------------------------------------------------------- David Montefiore David Montefiore was born in war-torn London, England to a life of
music, where his father was First Cantor of the United Synagogue in
London. As a young boy, his family emigrated to America. He was boy
soprano soloist for the great Cantor Moshe Koussevitsky at Temple Beth
El, New York, and toured with him throughout the United States. As Cantor,
Montefiore served with distinction in Latin America’s foremost
synagogue, Congregacion de la Republica Argentina in Buenos Aires and
is presently the Cantor of Temple Beth El of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. David Montefiore’s vocal diversity has brought him international
acclaim. His vast repertoire, which includes opera, oratorio, lieder,
musical theatre, and cantorial recitatives, has been performed for audiences
throughout North America, Europe and Israel. The tenor made his Carnegie
Hall debut with the St. Cecilia Orchestra and Chorus, followed by a
European debut with the Rome Festival. In 1985, with the Haifa Symphony,
Montefiore was introduced to Israeli audiences as Alfredo in Verdi’s
La Traviata. Favorite operatic roles include Nemorino, Nadir,
Edgardo, and the Duke of Mantua. His oratorio performances include Handel’s
Messiah and Israel in Egypt, Haydn’s The Creation
and The Seasons, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Mendelssohn’s
Paulus, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass. As Artistic Director and founding member of the American Opera Repertory
Company, David Montefiore directed and performed many of the standard
operas in New York City. Montefiore studied voice with Giulio Gari and Milan Petrovic of the
Metropolitan Opera, as well as with Olga Ryss of the Julliard School
of Music. He received Great Britain’s Charles MacKenzie-Hill
Vocal Scholarship to study opera repertoire with Maestro Manfredi Argento
at La Scala, Milan. Because of Montefiore’s classical training and performance,
he has become a catalyst for combining the cantilena of the classical
line with the fervor of the cantorial recitativo – a new dimension
for the performance of cantorial music. Montefiore is a member of the National Academy of the Recording Arts
and Sciences. BEHAR/BERG |
