Max Stern: Seven Voices (1993)(9:54) Text: Psalm 29 soprano, strings, percussion In this dance of the earth seven primordial voices of the Almighty awaken the powers of creation. Max Stern: Sabbath (1995)(12:27) Text: Psalm 92 soprano, strings An expression of spontaneous beauty and poetic depth, this setting of Psalm 92, Song of the Sabbath Day, is a unique integration of contemporary music, mysticism, and paraphrase after traditional synagogue melos. Performers: Kristyna Valouskova is the outstanding interpreter of contemporary vocal music in the Czech Republic. The Talich Chamber Orchestra is a reconstitution of the historic ensemble in Prague. recorded in Prague 29.8.99 Max Stern: Jacob and the Angel (1997) (14:40) Tone Poem based on Genesis 32:24-32 harp and piano who simultaneously use their voices and play percussion instruments and kazoo The biblical episode of Jacob and the Angel is a contest between a battle of stone-age brutality and an embrace of eternal love - ethical wisdom and sensual beauty struggling for an expression of truth. It is a partially aleatory work in which the performers sing, hum, hiss, stomp, blow kazoos and play conventionally with fists and fingers. Performers: DAS DUO - Brigtte Langnickel Kohler, harp and Reinhard Langnickel, piano are among Germany's finest husband and wife duos. Their masterful performances of contemporary music have been heard throughout Germany at International Festivals. recorded 12.12.98 in Germany Max Stern: Arise, Shine! (1998) Symphony Orchestra This two-part orchestral tone poem begins in the darkness of a slow ascent that leads into light, a jubilant outburst. Performers: The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the world's great orchestras Conductor Arthur Post is active as today music director of orchestras in Europe and the United States. recorded at Mann Auditorium, Tel Aviv, 3.1.99 Max Stern: Eshkolot (1984)(8:23) trumpet, horn, and trombone This semi-aleatory brass trio opens on a shofar call and goes on from there, evolving into an organic non-repetitive form. Its various strata of duration and sonority derive from a three note tone cluster. Performers: Igal Meltzer and Yaaron Herring are members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Zohar Sheindorf plays principal horn with the Rishon LeZion Symphony Orchestra. recorded at Beit Lessin, Tel Aviv, 25.4.98