The Choir at Bevis Marks
It is thought that his decision was influenced by Rabbi Solomon Rossi, who composed much fine Baroque synagogue music.
The introduction of the choir at Bevis Marks was a result of the agitations of the reformers in the mid-1800's, and was at the time viewed by the Mahamad as a compromise. The Snoga at Amsterdam had long had a choir, and there exists some famous synagogal music composed for the choir of the Snoga in Amsterdam from the 1700's. In particular, it was customary to employ an orchestra and choir on Hoshanga Rabbah in synagogues in Italy, and also in Amsterdam. It is unknown if this was ever done in London.
Music for choir and orchestra was also sometimes composed for circumcision feasts, and some fine Baroque music composed to these ends, still exists.
In the service at Bevis Marks, much Mediaeval and Renaissance music is preserved by the congregation. Many of these tunes are to be found in the "Jewish Encyclopaedia" (Funk & Wagnalls), or printed at the back of the relevant prayer books published by the congregation.
A set of cassette tapes of the entire year's prayers, sung by Rev. Halfon Benarroch, were available from the synagogue offices,through the Society of Heshaim. This includes the entire nusach for the whole year,including variations, and is possibly the most comprehensive document of the minhag available. This material is now available online for free in mp3 format.
Synagogue Music
Choirs in synagogues were not customary until the very beginning of the 1600's. This matter changed, when Rabbi Isaac of Modena issued a Pesak (ruling) in a letter dated 1605, permitting the introduction of polyphonic music, and mensurate music into the synagogue service.It is thought that his decision was influenced by Rabbi Solomon Rossi, who composed much fine Baroque synagogue music.
The introduction of the choir at Bevis Marks was a result of the agitations of the reformers in the mid-1800's, and was at the time viewed by the Mahamad as a compromise. The Snoga at Amsterdam had long had a choir, and there exists some famous synagogal music composed for the choir of the Snoga in Amsterdam from the 1700's. In particular, it was customary to employ an orchestra and choir on Hoshanga Rabbah in synagogues in Italy, and also in Amsterdam. It is unknown if this was ever done in London.
Music for choir and orchestra was also sometimes composed for circumcision feasts, and some fine Baroque music composed to these ends, still exists.
In the service at Bevis Marks, much Mediaeval and Renaissance music is preserved by the congregation. Many of these tunes are to be found in the "Jewish Encyclopaedia" (Funk & Wagnalls), or printed at the back of the relevant prayer books published by the congregation.
A set of cassette tapes of the entire year's prayers, sung by Rev. Halfon Benarroch, were available from the synagogue offices,through the Society of Heshaim. This includes the entire nusach for the whole year,including variations, and is possibly the most comprehensive document of the minhag available. This material is now available online for free in mp3 format.
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