Four Sabras
| Four Sabras | |
|---|---|
| Composition for piano byLeonard Bernstein | |
| Written | Possibly1948-1957:Israel |
| Duration | 6 minutes |
| Movements | 4 |
| Scoring | Solo piano |
Four Sabrasis a short composition for solo piano by American composerLeonard Bernstein.Each Sabra (in Hebrew, צבר, "tsabár" ) refers to vignettes or portraits of different fictitious Israeli children.
Background
[edit]The conception of this composition is yet unknown. However, best evidence suggest it was written throughout the years in the early 1950s (the first piece, for example, was written in 1953).[1]It was initially entitledSix Sabras,which indicates Bernstein expected to write a total of six short pieces (a kibbutznik and a boy scout, both unnamed), but these two pieces were never eventually written. It was probably written at the request ofIsraeli Music Publications,possibly as a set of pieces for children.[2]The cover of the original manuscript, where the list of pieces was specified, could be found among Bernstein's papers in Israel in 1948. The set would be eventually finished by 1956.[2]The set of four pieces was never formally premiered, but it was recorded for the first time byJack Gottliebin May 1993.[3]It was eventually published many years after the composer's death, in 2010, byJalni PublicationsandBoosey & Hawkes.
Structure
[edit]Four Sabrasconsists of four short pieces for solo piano and takes a total of six minutes to perform. The list of movements is as follows:
- Ilana, the Dreamer.Andante teneramente
- Idele, the Chassidele.Molto moderato
- Yosi, the Jokester.Poco allegretto
- Dina, the Tomboy Who Weeps Alone.Allegro — Lento — Tempo primo
The first movement is a slow and pensive piece, generally playedp.It was initially conceived as anAnniversarytoCesarina Riso,but, as many other anniversaries composed by Bernstein, remained unpublished.[4]It would also become the basis forCandide's Lament,using much of the musical material. This piece is in3
4,with a few tempo changes towards the end. The second movement uses the term "Chassidele", which means "little Jew" (in Hebrew, חסיד, "Hasid"). It is basically a two-hand dialog between arav,a teacher who intones lessons in a melody that is similar toModest Mussorgsky's"Samuel" Goldenberg,played by the left hand, and Idele (possibly coming from Yudel, Bernstein's paternal grandfather's name), a young boy who is distracted, played in octaves by the left hand. The time signature is
,and it is markedRubatoin the score, while the right hand is expected to playRhythmically.The third movement is a dance-like piece, possibly referring to a friend of Bernstein's, Yossi Stern, an Israeli artist known for his cartoons. It is markedPesantein the score and bears many time signature changes. Finally, the fourth movement is a three-part piece, the middle part later being arranged forOn the Waterfront.[1][2]
Recordings
[edit]Here is a complete list of recordings ofFour Sabras:
- Jack Gottliebpremiered the piece withNaxosin May 1993. The recording was taken at the Kilbourn Hall,Eastman School of Musicat theUniversity of Rochester,New York.It was released on CD Audio in a Jewish-themed album entitledLeonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacyon October 21, 2003,[5]and was later featured in theMilken Archive of Jewish Music.[6]
- Leann Osterkampreleased a complete collection of works by Bernstein on September 15, 2017, underSteinway & Sons.The recording was taken at theSteinway HallinNew York City.[7]
- Andrew Cooperstockalso recorded the piece underBridge Records.The recording, which was taken at the Grusin Recital Hall, inUniversity of Colorado Boulder,was included in a complete collection of Bernstein works for piano on June 13, 2017.[8]
- Katie Mahanalso recorded the piece withDeutsche Grammophon.The recording took place at theMeistersaal,inBerlinin November 2017. It was released as a digital-download-only album with Bernstein's complete solo works for piano on April 27, 2018.[9]It was later re-released on May 4, 2018, as part of a 29-CD box set with Bernstein's complete works recorded on Deutsche Grammophon.[10]
- Michele Tozzettiperformed the piece forPiano Classicsat Musicafelix - Studio Benelli Mosell, inPrato, Italy.The recording, taken between December 8 and 10, 2017, was released on CD Audio as part of a Bernstein complete piano music album on May 24, 2019.[11]
References
[edit]- ^abLaird, Paul R.; Lin, Hsun (31 July 2019).Historical Dictionary of Leonard Bernstein.Rowman & Littlefield.ISBN978-1-5381-1345-5.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^abc"Works | Works | Leonard Bernstein".leonardbernstein.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"BERNSTEIN: Jewish Legacy (A)".naxos.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^Shawn, Allen (30 September 2014).Leonard Bernstein: An American Musician.Yale University Press.ISBN978-0-300-21017-0.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"BERNSTEIN: Jewish Legacy (A) - 8.559407".naxos.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"Milken Archive of American Jewish Music in Series and Sets. Enjoy Milken Archive of American Jewish Music Music in classical cds".naxos.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"Complete Solo Piano Works of Leonard Bernstein - Steinway & Sons".steinway.Retrieved13 January2022.
- ^"Leonard Bernstein: The Complete Music for Piano; Andrew Cooperstock, piano; BRIDGE 9485A/B".Bridge Records.Retrieved13 January2022.
- ^"BERNSTEIN Complete Piano Works / Mahan".deutschegrammophon.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"BERNSTEIN Complete Works".deutschegrammophon.Retrieved17 January2022.
- ^"Bernstein: Complete Solo Piano Music - Brilliant Classics".piano-classics(in Dutch).Retrieved13 January2022.
