Six Improvisations on Chasidic Melodies - Paul Schoenfeld

Composer: Paul Schoenfeld (formerly Paul Schoenfield) Instrumentation: Flute and Piano Duration:  Date Written: 1991 Commissioned: For Carol Wincenc Premiered: 1991 Additional Information: Paul Schoenfeld (formerly Schoenfield) composed the Six Improvisations on Hassidic Melodies for Piano Solo in 1985. They are presented here by the composer in this edition for Flute and Piano. There are six movements: Ufaratsta, Achat Sha'alti, Vah'hi Vishurun Melech, Kozatske, Nigun, and Rikud. Paul on Six Improvisations on Chasidic Melodies: "I was introduced to Hassidic music in 1985, having been given a book of Hassidic melodies and asked to provide dinner music for a synagogue banquet. The tunes -- some ecstatic, others reflective -- enchanted me; being absorbed in them eventually led to the composition of a piano suite, "Six Improvisations on Hassidic Melodies." Although three of the movements are based on Biblical texts, much Hassidic song is wordless, employing only vocalized syllables. This