Living Torah, the popular weekly video magazine watched around the world, is about to get a new segment.
‘Music Notes,’ – a collage of newly-recorded Chassidic Nigunim accompanied by still photographs from Jewish Educational Media’s vast photo archive will be a once-monthly segment. The name derives from the clip’s unique format: The photos are accompanied by ‘notes’ – information on the Nigun, photos, or background of the scene.
The new segment was underwritten by Uri and Bassie Laber of Miami Florida.
“Uri wanted to make modern recordings of Chassidic Nigunnim, while keeping closely to their original tune, without ornamentation or deviation from their true roots,” says Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin, JEM’s Director. Bentzi Marcus, an accomplished musician, vocalist and producer, was brought in to produce the music. While making the modern recordings, the producer was tasked with verifying the veracity of every note. “It got to the point where we were seeking out older Chassidim and Chassidic musicologists to verify that our emphasis on a certain note was accurate. Then Uri would challenge me further – to verify that a certain kvetch was not added, but was part of the original Nigun,” said Marcus.
In envisioning the recording project, the producers recognized that they had something very special on their hands, and wanted to find a proper showcase for the work. “Uri has been a key supporter of our archival preservation efforts, and we realized that the natural fit would be to put the Nigunnim to photos from our archive.” Although each Living Torah DVD features 12-15 new photographs from the JEM archive over the credits, they had been seeking a platform to display more of them. He turned to JEM’s senior researcher Rabbi Akiva Nussbaum, and video editors Yanky Ascher and Yossi Margolin. Together they came up with a theme for the first segment, entitled ‘Prayer,’ featuring memorable scenes of the Rebbe in prayer at 770.
Laber then took it a step further, suggesting that they add the free association notes to the scene.
The end result, says Shmotkin, is inspiring. “Our Living Torah audience will now get to enjoy a unique combination of three elements: beautiful recordings, stunning photos, and great information.
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Thanks to the Editor of this wonderful clip
Eli Lipsker paved the way for all you guys he was the first to bring yiddisha chassidisha music to all your wedding he was singing for the rebbe at all occasions rallies Lag baomer chanukah purim shimchas bais hashoavah he started on a milkbox ten minutes after the rebbe said that Simchas bais hashovah should be a celebration he should definetly be involved in this project because he had so many brochas from Rebbe regarding music and he knows the real nigun and how it should be sung and notated
Sounds like the arrangements will be beautiful as usual!
Eli Lipsker is the Beethoven of Chassidic music.
Kol Hakovod. This is what we need, More chasidishe music. keep it flowing
I agree with number 12 Eli Lpsker was the first to any of the music stuff all around the world and is a pro in chassidic music
To make sure that the nigun is correct it would be wise to consult wiyh Eli Lipsker who is a real musicoligist
What a beautiful project. Kol hakavod to everyone involved. I think the first singer is Shlomo Simcha of Toronto.
gooo bentzy! best voice in jewish music ever!!
Its about time they did something like this..
the model number on the headphones of the lady playing violin is DI 770
Folks, it’s obvious from the video that Avremi’s writing and conducting the music. Don’t take it so personally — they also didn’t mention the many other people such as the vocalists, musicians, technicians, archivists, etc., etc. involved with the effort. It’s a short, light, news piece. Let’s not get too bent out of shape here!
Uri Laber is a behind-the-scenes baal tzedaka whose love for the Rebbe is expressed in his support for jem and lahak. I can tell you that he has been involved with almost every recent major initiative involving the Rebbe and his Torah. One of the heads of a Mosad recently complained to me that Uri doesn’t allow himself to be honored or recognized for his work.
I’m glad to see his support for jem is continuing and growing! We all benefit from it — and our children especially do!
…and who’s singing (other than bentzy)?
“The article made no mention of Avremi G, the arranger ”
That was probably an oversight, half the vid is about him!
The article made no mention of Avremi G, the arranger