Synagogue Organ Music – Works on Jewish Themes CD

Performed by Stephan Lutermann (organ) · Assaf Levitin (cantor)

UPC: 761203512720 

MPN: cpo 555 127-2 

Brand Name: cpo

Overview

This unique recording, Organ Music for the Synagogue, explores rarely heard repertoire on Jewish themes composed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Featuring solo organ works by Hugo Schwantzer, David Nowakowsky, Ernst August Beyer, Siegfried Würzburger, Joseph Sulzer, Max Wolf, Arno Nadel, and Heinrich Schalit, the program highlights the fusion of synagogue tradition with European organ artistry. Performed by Stephan Lutermann on the historic Romantic gallery organ (Furtwängler & Hammer, 1916) in St. Maria and Cäcilia, Verden, and enriched by the expressive cantorial contributions of Assaf Levitin, this SACD brings sacred Jewish-inspired organ music to life with reverence and authenticity.

Product Features

• Format: Hybrid SACD (playable on all standard CD players)
• Total Time: 73:34
• Release Year: 2019
• Performers: Stephan Lutermann (organ), Assaf Levitin (cantor)
• Instrument: Romantic west gallery organ (Furtwängler & Hammer, Hanover, 1916)
• Label: cpo
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Sound: Surround & Stereo (DDD)

Interesting Facts

• The organ tradition in synagogues was cultivated in the 19th century, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, to enrich worship with instrumental color.
• The composers featured in this album represent an often-overlooked chapter of Jewish sacred and cultural expression, blending Western art music with synagogue themes.
• Assaf Levitin, a distinguished cantor, brings authentic liturgical presence to this program, bridging historical practice and modern performance.
• The featured organ in Verden, built in 1916, is a prime example of German Romantic craftsmanship and perfectly suited to this repertoire.

Publishers

℗ 2019 cpo. Recording: Dom zu Verden, August 16–18, 2016. Producer/Engineer/Digital Editing: Gregor van den Boom. Executive Producer: Burkhard Schmilgun. Cover Photo: Organ of the Lugoj Synagogue (Banat, Romania), built by Carl Leopold Wegenstein. Design: Lothar Bruweleit.

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#SynagogueOrganMusic #JewishSacredMusic #StephanLutermann #AssafLevitin #SacredOrganWorks #19thCenturyMusic #20thCenturyMusic #cpoRecords