Informed and Informative: New Choral Arrangements of Sephardic Music

Abstract

In the choral field, there is an opportunity for greater awareness and understanding of Sephardic Jewish music. A small but significant number of choral arrangements exist, but it is difficult for conductors to acquire the knowledge necessary to inform their singers and audience members effectively. This study discusses how published choral arrangements of Judeo-Spanish, or Ladino, music reflect the Mediterranean heritage of Sephardic Jews, in addition to their origins in medieval Spain and Portugal. Three new arrangements created by the author as a central part of the dissertation show how musical techniques and background information can convey nuances about Sephardic history and culture. They reflect features such as the Turkish makam modal system, heterophonic textures, Mediterranean-inspired vocal production recommendations, and instruments native to the regions of the Sephardic diaspora. The romance “Lavaba la Blanka Ninya,” the copla “Esta Noche de Purim,” and the cantiga de novia “Las Kazas de la Boda” demonstrate how arrangers can be more transparent about the Western influences on music from other cultures.