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Replicating Ezra Laderman’s Single Voice

Fans of three-time Guggenheim Fellow Ezra Laderman might notice a pattern: A number of his chamber works bear the title A Single Voice -- including one for solo cello, one for flute and string quartet (1991), and the one recorded for the Milken Archive and presented here, for oboe and string quartet that dates from 1967. Laderman, who turns 88 on June 29 and who teaches music composition at Yale School of Music, has explained that he uses the title much in the same way that Luciano Berio uses the title Sequenza -- for multiple works or occasions, as titles of pieces in a series, each featuring different solo instruments. Hear the Milken Archive’s recording of A Single Voice.

Captured on Film: Abraham Ellstein’s Hassidic Dance

Abraham Ellstein is best-known for being one of the “big four” of Yiddish Theater’s Second Avenue, working as an arranger and conductor for Molly Picon as well as creating hits like Abi gezunt (So Long as You’re Healthy) and Oy, mame, bin ikh farlibt (Oh, Mama, Am I in Love!). But Ellstein, born on New York’s Lower East Side -- one of the most concentrated eastern European Jewish immigrant areas -- and trained in the hazzanut, was also a highly skilled composer of classical music—much of which was born of Jewish experience. His Hassidic Dance serves as an example. Recorded live at a 2006 performance, this video exclusive from the Milken Archive features conductor Gerard Schwarz and clarinetist Zinovy Goro with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Watch it here.

New Improvements on the Milken Archive Website

We’ve taken your suggestions to heart and have made significant changes to MilkenArchive.org. These include a new site search engine that produces streamlined, intelligently ranked and categorized results, as well as a custom auto-fill tool to help users find exactly what they’re seeking. A new, simplified purchasing process means you’ll no longer need accounts or logins to download music from our site. Simply click the “Buy” button next to the title of the work or album you’re interested in, and you’re one click away from making a purchase on Amazon, iTunes, or Classics Online. Additional improvements to the music player and navigation structure allow for a more seamless listening and multimedia experience. Check out the changes and let us know what you think.