FROM THE EDITORS

Our first article in this issue truly begins "in the beginning."  From the opening chapter of Genesis, to Rabbi Judah Löw ben Bezalel, the Maharal of Prague (1525-1609), to John Milton (1608-1674), to Haydn's Creation (1798), Adena Portowitz discusses the symbol of light, uncovering a revealing path, hitherto unknown, of direct influence from the writings of the Maharal and Milton to Haydn's celebrated oratorio.  From this innovative excursion into the history of ideas, we proceed to the life and work of a gifted composer of synagogue music, David Nowakowsky (1848-1921), wherein we also learn that an edition of his complete works is presently in preparation.

Two articles follow which offer insights into specific aspects of the Jewish liturgy: the first, by Boaz Tarsi, explores the complexities involved in defining the Magen Avot mode, while the second, co-authored by Rachel Mashiah and Uri Sharvit, examines the divergent ways of chanting Biblical texts according to the Morrocan, Jerusalem-Sephardic, and Eastern European traditions.

With great sorrow we note the passing of Alexander L. Ringer (1921-2002), who for many years, served on the Editorial Board of Musica Judaica.  Prof. Ringer was an internationally renowned musicologist.  His career and scholarly contributions are movingly summarized by his longtime friend and colleague, Amnon Shiloah.

To round out this issue, we present a report by Mark Kligman on two recent and important conferences, held in New York, which commemorated thelife and works of the Italian composer, Salamone Rossi and the German-American scholar Eric Werner.  Finally we are pleased that Judith Pinnolis has compiled a selected bibliography of recent publications devoted to Jewish music.  We have translated all non-English titles (unless their meaning could easily be deciphered), and wish to thank the individuals who kindly assisted us.  The bibliography contains a remarkable variety of topics, which are discussed in the standard languages of international musical scholarship, and many other tongues,

We sincerely thank Michael Leavitt and the officers and members of both the Society's Executive and Editorial Boards.  As always, we look forward to receiving comments and suggestions from our readership.

Israel J. Katz and Arbie Orenstein        

Last updated: April 25, 2007.