Song Divine

with Abe Ellstein at the organ

Published by Maloh Records

Song Divine was one of many records published by Maloh Records featuring some of Leibele Waldman's most popular selections.

About the Cantor from the liner notes:

Great cantors are few and far between as the requisites are a combination of not only fine voice but the flexibility of the voice to ideal interpretation of prayers through musical fantasy adaptable thereto. It is this combination that has given Leibele Waldman the well deserved recognition and acclaim. His reputation and stature as a cantor, while known to connoisseurs for years, has steadily grown, and through his personal concert, screen, and radio performances and recordings he has become internationally famous. 

Born in New York City, he was reared in an orthodox environment. He studied at the Yeshiva and it was there that one of the Rabbi’s heard his unusual alto voice. It became apparent to his teachers that besides possessing this beautiful voice, the child indeed had great talent in cantorial singing unusual to one so young. With the sponsorship of his teachers and admirers he became a child protege, and at the age of nine he officiated at the pulpit with a choral background. Within years his voice matured into a rich, beautiful lyric baritone. Studies in voice culture, music, theory, and liturgy were resumed and at the age of eighteen he accepted his first position as a full fledged cantor in Cambridge, Mass. 

The heart-warming qualities of his interpretations and musical fantasies were received with admiration by the critics. Public appearances, while still a young man, with internationally famous cantors followed. He shared honors with such great cantors as Rosenblatt, Hershman and others. 

During the thirties when radio was seeking fine talent, this cantor was the first to make a nation-wide name for himself. His voice became known, and his program which lasted many years, became a tradition in millions of homes. His inspiring cantorial and folk singing established him in the hearts of his listeners and he became known as “The Sweet Singer In Israel”.

Concert appearances in leading cities have drawn tremendous audiences and by their acclaim established the cantor, without question, as a great artist. To the present day the cantor’s work is divided between Sabbath officiations in all parts of the world and concert work for various occasions. 

He appeared as a cantor in twelve Jewish motion pictures, including the famous “Kol Nidre”. Other performances at Madison Square Garden in New York for the “Night of Stars” and “Parade of Stars”, and other worthy benefits, have been high spots for the audiences. He has held positions considered to be the finest in the country, and the warmth of his performances and personality have endeared him to his audiences. Whether his audience is strictly orthodox, conservative, reformed or a combination of all three, it is agreed that his appeal is universal!

The program:

Uvo L’Tziyon Goel 

- A redeemer shall come to Zion and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, says the Lord...

Tal

- Bless our sustenance with dew: let no ill befall our flocks: bestow Thy favor on the people whom Thou didst lead like a flock...

V’al Hamdinos (Atoh Zocher)

- On this day (Rosh Hashonoh) sentence is pronounced upon countries for war or peace, for famine or abundance. On this day, mortals are recorded for life or death...

R’tzei Vimnuchosenu

- Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, be pleased with our rest. Sanctify us with Thy commandments and grant us a share in Thy Torah...

V’chol Hachayim

- All the living shall ever thank Thee and sincerely praise Thy name, O G-d, who art always our salvation and help...

L’fichoch Anachnu Chayovim

- Therefore, it is our duty to give thanks to Thee, to praise and glorify Thee, to bless and hallow Thy name, and to offer many thanksgivings to Thee...

Al Horishonim

- Alike for the first and the last generations this faith is good and valid forever and ever; it is true and trustworthy; a law that will not pass away...

To listen to a recording of any of the above selections, please visit the Recorded Sound Archives of FAU.