Edery, Gerard and Peninnah
Schram. The
Minstrel and the Storyteller: Stories and Songs of the Jewish People.
When Gerard Edery
and Peninnah Schram
performed this program at the 1998 National Storytelling Festival in
The smooth interweaving of story,
song, and instrumental music is a treat for our ears, imagination, and spirit.
There are selections on this CD which demonstrate each artist’s mastery of
his/her specialty. However, I liked the subtle way in which Edery’s
songs and classical guitar blended with Schram’s stories.
Both artists communicate emotions and ideas with conviction and expression.
Additional vocals and instruments such as violin and oud
contribute to the richness of the musical palette.
Themes such as love, peace, and
Shabbat in the stories and songs flow seemingly effortlessly and with
sincerity. There is a variety in the
selections that keeps one interested—a variety of pace, tone (serious or
humorous), and dynamics. For example, a trickster story, “Why Joha Never Got Married” is followed by a teaching story
with Elijah the prophet, “Welcome to Clothes”, followed by a Hasidic tale, “The
Nigun from Habonim”.
In our Jewish world which is too often
fragmented and divisive, this CD is an encouraging example of how two
traditions—Ashkenazic and Sephardic—can be blended
into a richness that is greater than their separate parts.
My only quibble is that I would have
liked the liner notes to be more complete. Although the glossary of Hebrew
words is helpful, the lyrics of the songs (with English translation) would have
added to my appreciation of this work even more.
Highly recommended
for synagogue and day school libraries.
Ages 8 to adult.
© Anne Dublin.
Originally
published in AJL Newsletter, Feb/March
2000.
All rights
reserved.