Composer

:

William Zinn

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

14:06

'Kol Nidrei Memorial' is a composition by William Zinn, an American composer and cellist. The piece was composed in 1985 and premiered on September 15, 1985, at the First Unitarian Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. The composition is a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and is based on the traditional Jewish prayer 'Kol Nidrei', which is recited on the eve of Yom Kippur. The prayer is a solemn declaration of the annulment of all vows made in the previous year, and it is often associated with forgiveness and atonement. 'Kol Nidrei Memorial' is a single-movement work for cello and orchestra, and it features a solo cello that plays the melody of the 'Kol Nidrei' prayer. The orchestra provides a rich and emotional accompaniment that enhances the solemn and mournful character of the piece. The composition is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and melodic motifs that evoke the Jewish musical tradition. The solo cello plays with a mournful and expressive tone, and the orchestra provides a lush and dramatic backdrop that emphasizes the emotional intensity of the piece. 'Kol Nidrei Memorial' is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and it has been performed by many orchestras and soloists around the world. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of music to express the deepest emotions and to commemorate the most profound human experiences.

More....