The Sephardic melodies used by David Loeb in his "Sephardic Suite" are unique hybrids, blending Jewish, Arabic, and European melodic and rhythmic elements.
Instruments
The domra, a Russian instrument featured on this album, has three strings tuned in fourths and sounds similar to both the balalaika and the mandolin.
Composition History
The "Sephardic Suite" on this album is part of an extensive series of fantasia-type compositions by David Loeb based on over twenty Medieval and Renaissance Sephardic melodies.
Performer Biography
Paul Smith, a guitarist on this album, has previously recorded two albums of David Loeb's solo guitar music and directs the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
David Loeb's composition "I am the Voice of Him that Crieth in the Wilderness" portrays the forebodings of people who believe they have vital messages for humanity but are not heard.
Performer Biography
Ekaterina Skliar, who plays mandolin and domra on this album, has had a domra concerto composed especially for her by Joseph Tamarin.
Composition History
The "Nocturne" on this album originated as one of three duets, each reflecting paintings or wood-block prints depicting night scenes by a particular artist.
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