It is a rare treat to be able to play Jewish traditional music on flute in such a beautifully arranged collection as Michael Isaacson’s (1946 – present) “Jewish Wedding Suite” for flute, violin and cello. Isaacson is the third 21st century composer represented in our program for April 14. As the title indicates, this collection was arranged with a Jewish wedding in mind, though it’s a beautiful set of pieces for any occasion. Each tune was selected due to its popularity for Jewish weddings, with specific selections recommended for specific portions of the ceremony. Dodi Li (my beloved) is recommended for the attendants, Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) for the Grandmother or Mother, Ma Navu (The Messenger of Good Tidings) for the Groom, and Erev Shel Shoshanim (An Evening of Roses) for the Bride’s entrance. A truly rousing arrangement of Siman Tov, Mazal Tov serves as the recessional in this collection, and will be the grand finale of our concert!
The introduction to his biography at http://www.michaelisaacson.com/bio.html states:
“Founding Artistic Director of The Israel Pops Orchestra, and the Milken Archive of American Jewish Music, Michael Isaacson enjoys a distinguished career as a composer, conductor, producer, author, and educator with over 500 Jewish and secular musical compositions published, including instrumental, vocal, sacred and secular arrangeÂments, editions and educational works, the three volume, 750 hundred page Michael Isaacson Songbook, and over 50 produced CDs and album recordings. The American Society of Jewish Music, Hebrew Union College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary honored him as one of the ten most influential living composers of Jewish music. On the faculty of AJR/LA and a frequent guest lecturer in Jewish Studies on University campuses, he has also authored Jewish Music as Midrash: What Makes Music Jewish? Now completing its third printing, it is available from michaelisaacson.com. The audio- book version is available on Oysongs.com”
In addition, he’s composed numerous themes to popular television, film and other media projects, including Rich Man, Poor Man II, Little Women, Bionic Woman, Hawaii 5-0, Loving and Days of Our Lives, and has worked with the likes of the Boston Pops and John Williams.
He has way too many accomplishments to list here, so for more detail AND a GENUINE BROOKLYN EGGCREAM SECRET RECIPE, check out his website!
