Alman

Sleeve Notes

(Recorded 1984)

CANTOR GEOFFREY SHISLER is a member of that small, but distinguished group, of Bntish-born Chazanim. He studied Chazanut at Jews' College with the late Rev. Leo Bryll and voice production with John Hargreves and Madelaine Finden. Chazan Shisler served at the famous New Synagogue, London N 16 where his illustrious predecessors included Goldstein and Rosenberg.

Since 1973 he has been the Chazan at Kenton Synagogue - one ot the largest communities in the United Kingdom - where he regularly officiates to a very larqe congregation. He has performed at many concerts both in London and the provinces and has conducted services since the age of 16.

Included on this recording are two of Pinchik's compositions - never before recorded - and two of Chazen Shisler's own compositions.

We feel sure that you will enloy this, Geoffrey Shisler's first recording.

Stephen Robins the accompanist is the Chazan of the Wembley United Synagogue. He has an ARCM diploma for singing and is currently studying piano for an LRAM, He was organist for the St. Annes-on-Sea Synagogue from the age of nine.

Recorded by: Warren Recordings

Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya; Mendelsohn

The words of this piece are taken from Mishna Makkot ch.3 and are recited after concluding each chapter of the Ethics of the Fathers;
"The Lord wanted to make Israel worthy therefore He gave them much Torah and many Mitzvot".

Ki Keshimcha; Shaposnick

This is surely, one of the most poignant of all the prayers of the High Festivals; "... for You do not desire the death of the sinner but that he turns from his (evil) way and lives.,. As for man he is from the dust and to the dust he will return.,., he is like a fragile potsherd, like the grass that withers, as the flower that fades and as a dream that flies away".

Veshamru; Faigenblum

This Sabbath prayer is included in tribute to its composer the late Cantor Pinchus Faigenbium z'l. Its appeal is in its very simplicity of melody so making it immediately attractive to the worshipper.
The Children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations.

Sefirat HaOmer; Pinchik

This composition will come as a surprise to all Pinchik lovers, Pinchik, in fact, published two compositions for the Ribono Shel Olam and (as far as we could ascertain) only recorded the one which has now become justly famous as a true classic ot Chazanut. For the first time Chazan Shisler sings on this recording Pinchik's second composition to this prayer;
and you shall count for yourselves.. seven weeks... and through our counting may You sanctity us and purity us from on high..."

Brich Sh'mei; Shaposnick

This is part of a Kabbalisfic prayer which is said in front of the open Ark. In it the Cantor declares that he is the servant of the Holy One, Blessed be He whom he worships at all time;
"I do not put my trust in man or in any angel, but only in the God of Heaven.... Who abounds in deeds of goodness and truth."

Magen Avot; Pinchik

Here is another of Pinchik's compostions which, as far as we know, has not been recorded before. The words are taken from the Friday Evening service,
"...sanctify us with Thy commandment and grant us a portion in Thy Law."

Chanukah Berachot/ Harieirot Halalu; Shisler

On the joyful eight-day festival of Chanukah a special eight-branched candelabra is kindled each night, Here is a new setting of the Blessings which are recited each night and of the prayer which follows;
"We kindle these candles to recall the miracles, the deliverances and the wonders which Thou did for our forefathers"