13-Mar / Unpackaging! / 1 COMMENTS

My grandfather stayed with us some weeks ago for a few days in between his travels. Since he was coming I asked him if he could play the score- mule, and bring with him a musical bounty from across the Mediterranean . Although I did know about this amazing bundle being prepared for me, I wasn’t sure what it would contain when I open it. But I am getting ahead of myself, this story begins at a different time and place.

 

During my last visit to Israel, I was very fortunate to meet with a dear family friend. I was invited to her house for the first time- for a post holiday lunch along with rest of my family. As you can imagine, food was abundant, and as we sat at her hearty round table, conversation flowed. Between one subject and another, our hostess mentioned her thesis, which she based on music from the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam during the 18th century.

 

Living in the Netherlands and specializing in historically informed performance, my curiosity was definitely piqued. Even more so since, and I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, even though I come from Israel, I know more about music played during the Protestant and Catholic mass, than I know about music in the Jewish synagogue. These days I get to sing way more of J.S. Bach than of S. Rossi.

 

It was almost the end of our visit in Israel, and there was no time to look for the thesis. Bear in mind, it was written before the digital age, and wasn’t seen for a long time. Our dear friend did look for the thesis at a later date, but was not able to find it. However, during the great search she found books and scores she thought I might find interesting. A bounty was made and sent with my grandfather.

 

 

Looking through these books now, my mind is blown. This is so kind and generous! I am truly grateful to have this person in my life.