'
==================================
by Guy Shaked
Keywords: Abraham Casseres (Caseres, Caceres), Shaked, Holland, Adler, Jewish Music
1. Biography
Abraham Casseres (Caseres, Caceres) is a prominant composer of Jewish music in 18th century Holland. Descendent from a Jewish family which probably originated in Portugal (the town of Caceres lays in Portugal), the first time his name appears in documents is in 1718, as the composer of the music for the celebration of the confraternity "lekach tov" (a good lesson/conclusion) which was founded in that year for studying religious texts. Eight years later, in 1726, he composed the music for the inauguration of the synagogue "Honen Dal" (redeemer of the poor) in The Hague. He wrote also the music for two of Immanuel Hay Ricchi 's poems in his book "Hon Ashir" (Rich fortune). Later, in 1738 in the celebration of Simchat Torah , he is mentioned as composer and player.
2. Abraham Casseres's Music
Three pieces by him are known at this time**:
1. "Hishki Hizki" (Desire and get stronger), text by Isaac Aboab da Fonsecaa choral piece for three voices, with instrumental accompaniment
Hear a section of "Hishki Hizki" (ReelPlayer format)
2. "Le'el Elim" (To the God of Gods), text by Moses Hayyim Luzzatto, cantata for solo voice or duet with basso continuo
3. "Hamesiach Ilmim" (He who makes the mutes chat), duo with basso continuo and two violins
----------------------------------------------------------------
* This article is based mainly on: Adler, I., Musical Life and Traditions of the Portuguese Jewish Community of Amsterdam in the XVIIIth Century, Magnes, Jerusalem, 1974, pp. 79-84
** The following three sites offer recordings of Casseres's music (I haven't checked the quality or relaibility of these sites):
A US site for the Hebrew University CD
Hear Psalm 122 by the author in the background of photos of Jerusalem from
www.JerusalemShots.com
Dear visitor, please take a short moment to sign my guest book!
----------------------------------------------------------------
© 2002 Emails are
gladly received
Music in
the Bible
The music of the Chinese Jews from Kaifeng
The harp
as a hidden symbol in Bernini's 'David'
Other
articles by G. Shaked:
ART -
BIBLICAL STUDIES -
BIOLOGY
-
CINEMA
-
LITERATURE
-
MUSIC -
PHILOSOPHY
-
PHYSICS
(ACOUSTICS)