The Choral Torah: 5 Books in 4 Parts
The Choral Torah: 5 Books in 4 Parts is now available for pre-order!
In 2019, Josh Ehrlich composed one choral piece for each week of the Jewish year by selecting words from that week’s parashah and composing an a cappella setting in four-part harmony. This collection of 54 choral pieces, The Choral Torah: Five Books in Four Parts, is now being published by The Cantors Assembly as a resource for synagogues, day schools, camps, JCCs, university glee clubs and churches. Every piece uses one or two lines of text and includes a title page with word-by-word translation and transliteration so that the music is easily accessible to singers with all levels of Hebrew literacy. Every score features indicators of tempo and feel as well as markings throughout clarifying articulation, dynamics, and form. Finally, every song — crafted carefully with musical gestures to highlight the meaning of the text — is preceded by a program note that weaves together musical explanation and textual interpretation. Drawing from eclectic influences of vocal jazz, barbershop, folksong, madrigals, musical theater and sacred music, this anthology is a must-have for your choir and your community.
Now, he and his team of animated, deeply knowledgeable, and extraordinarily gifted singers and educators — The Choral Torah Collective — are sharing these songs, as well as the lessons contained within them on musical and literary history, with communities throughout the world.
The Choral Torah uses fresh four-part harmony to reanimate ancient texts. Its mission is to promote musical and biblical literacy, using mindful singing and deep listening to foster stronger connections within Jewish communities.
As artist-in-residence, the Choral Torah Collective provides the following services:
• Keynote lecture from Josh with musical demonstrations from the collective: Wordplay and Word-Painting in Biblical and Musical Language
• Workshop with community/synagogue choirs both refining existing repertoire and learning new material to perform with the collective
• Saturday night performance for the extended community featuring eclectic selections and a tailored set for that Shabbat
“[Josh’s] parshah compositions project is brilliant…the whole thing is great on so many educational and Jewish levels, the music is beautiful and singable.”
-Cantor Nancy Abramson, Director of H.L. Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary
“Josh's Choral Torah compositions are powerful and achingly beautiful, novel interpretation of our ancient texts. Hearing Josh's songs performed is a unique experience of sacred study and finding meaning in our inherited tradition.”
-Rabbi Yosef Goldman, Co-Director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute
"Josh is a master at musical Midrash, the art of using music to make meaning of sacred text. He is also a gifted choirmaster, inspiring members of our community to find their unique voice while simultaneously allowing the sum of all voices to rise above the solitary soloist. Josh has been a beautiful part of our communal prayer experience…his contribution to the ongoing story of our people's love affair with the greatest Jewish song — our Torah — is invaluable.
-Rabbi David Ingber, Founder and Senior Rabbi of Romemu
“The Choral Torah Collective is a tour de force. Under the masterful direction of composer and conductor Josh Ehrlich, they co-led the most spirited davening I can remember. It was an unforgettable privilege and joy to hear their renditions of Josh’s amazing and sophisticated compositions. Bring The Choral Torah Collective to your community.”
-Cantor Michael Weis, Highland Park Conservative Temple
For more information or booking, please contact Josh here: josh@joshehrlichmusic.com