<<  -- 3 --  Jennifer Paull    AARON RABUSHKA

'Turn our captivity, O Lord: as the rivers in the south'

An Old Testament hoedown leads us to a kaleidoscope of orchestral turmoil which underlines and overtakes the soprano's words as the waters gush lavishly.

'They that sow tears in tears: shall reap in joy'

Her soaring melodies remind me of the opening soprano statement 'Fluxit Labor Diei' of McCabe's Notturni ed Alba, yet again. There continue to be echoes in my memory as Rabushka's melody rises and is born aloft by beautiful, skilful orchestration and undiminished interest throughout. It is a tremendously moving, inspired piece.

Apollinaire (1880-1918) is said to have coined the word 'surrealist' to describe the works of Marc Chagall (1887-1985). The artists is known for his fanciful painting in which a potpourri of objects, animals, characters from the artist's past life, from his dreams, and from his everyday life are evoked.

Rabushka has hosted a radio programme for many years, and founded the weekly 'Spectrum of Jewish Music' in 1985. His Religion's history, and his dreams and heritage, people his compositions. The past and the present, the East and the West intertwine simultaneously in a blend of time and place settings, etching their own rainbow. One is captivated by this rich, imaginative tapestry.

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