Ben Zebelman's
Kol Nidre Variations features piano trio works based on the Kol Nidre, the ancient prayer sung on the eve of Yom Kippur. His instrumental interpretations retain the vocal melody's haunting essence, but
Zebelman expands its range, adding contemporary and klezmer elements to the piece's four movements: "The Vow," "Voices of the Heart," "Dance of the Spirits," and "Redemption." In particular, the last two pieces spotlight the deft, moving playing of the string section and particularly cellist Maureen McDermott, but all of
Kol Nidre Variations shines as an inventive, modern interpretation of sacred Jewish music. ~ Heather Phares