YOSSELE ROSENBLATT

by Samuel Rosenblatt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 27, 1954

This has the warmth and love of a son's devotion as he tells the life story of the ""king of the cantors"" and the pater familiar portrait traces a career that started in East Europe where he was a child prodigy, took him to Germany, then America and South America and ended in Israel. Josef Rosenblatt's voice made him famous among the orthodox in Hungary, sent him early on long itineraries and won him enthusiastic audiences. To become chief precentor of Munkacs he married his beloved Taube, took their growing family to Hamburg, and finally followed his star to America where again his voice, his compositions and his cantorial feats brought him unanimous acclaim. Records for Victor, a refusal to appear in opera, the opportunities of concerts extended his generosity and charities and an ill-fated newspaper brought him bankruptcy. His efforts to clear up his debts took him further afield, to South America and into vaudeville and his long awaited visit to Israel was his last. A traditional quality to this emphasizes its appeal for a specific Jewish market while its musicology broadens its audience.

Pub Date: Aug. 27, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Young

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION