Erik Friedlander - Illuminations (2015)

ILLUMINATIONS, cellist Erik Friedlander’s latest solo release was inspired by an exhibition of ancient books hosted by the Jewish Museum in New York City. The exhibit brought together ancient illuminated texts in Arabic, Latin and Hebrew. “I found myself in this darkened room surrounded by these gorgeous books and manuscripts that seemed to be talking to me,” says Friedlander. “They were telling me a story of patience and craft, ritual and dedication that was inspiring.”

ILLUMINATIONS weaves inspirations from ancient book making with ritual dance movements and Renaissance vocal forms. The listener may sometimes feel they are hearing a lute or a gamba.

Says Friedlander, “I’m always trying to tell a story with my playing and in ILLUMINATIONS it’s all about a world that’s lit by candles and has the smell of leather and parchment.”

Tracklist:

1. Invocation - Seshat (2:40)
2. Prelude - Scriptorium (6:16)
3. Madrigal - Siddur (4:40)
4. Chant - Illuminations (3:51)
5. Cham - Hypnotique (3:08)
6. Tarantella - The Serpent (4:49)
7. Fantasia - Zodiac (3:46)
8. Chant - Kaddish (4:20)
9. Madrigal - The Virgin & the Unicorn (4:07)
10. Pavan - Hildegard (4:35)