The Music of Obadiah the Proselyte
Reprinted from the Journal of Jewish studies, vol.18 (1967), nos. 1-4
Reprinted from the Journal of Jewish studies, vol.18 (1967), nos. 1-4
A short article that details the discovery of Obadiah the Proselyte's Hebrew musical manuscripts discovered in the Cairo Geniza, dating to the 12th c. C.E. The article also includes representations of the manuscripts themselves and a short biographical sketch of Obadiah the Normal Proselyte.
Appeared also in the "Journal of Synagogue Music" 3 (1970).
Recording of Mi 'al Har Hôrev from Obadiah the Proselyte's Hebrew musical manuscripts found in the Cairo Genizah in 1965.
Two recordings of "Baruch ha'gever" from Obadiah the Proselyte's Hebrew musical manuscripts, arranged by Andre Hajdu and performed by the Jerusalem Children's Choir under conductor Yonatan Lesser.
Recording of "Mi 'al har hôrev" from Obadiah the Proselyte's Hebrew musical manuscripts, arranged by Andre Hajdu and performed by the Jerusalem Children's Choir under conductor Yonatan Lesser.
Recording of "Wa-eda mah" from Obadiah the Proselyte's Hebrew musical manuscripts, arranged by Andre Hajdu and performed by the Jerusalem Children's Choir under conductor Yonatan Lesser.
Fifteen chants of various times and counties transcribed and discussed by one of the most eminent scholars of Jewish music. The book contains two melodies by Obadiah the Proselyte.
Born in Oppido Lucano, Italy. At birth given the name Johannes. In 1102 converted to Judaism, and in order to further his study of Judaism traveled to Constantinople, Baghdad, and Palestine, finally settling in Egypt and becoming a member of the thriving Jewish community situated there, where he wrote his memoirs. Obadiah's writings contain the earliest surviving manuscript source of Jewish music notation of synagogue chant.
Sources: Encyclopedia Judaica, Oxford Music Online.
The preparation of this song of the month was inspired by several recent inquiries regarding the musical manuscripts of Obadiah the Proselyte. The staff of the Jewish Music Research Centre hopes that the information provided in the introduction, the accompanying recordings, and the bibliography will provide a general picture regarding this interesting set of early Hebrew musical manuscripts.