Max Bruch: Kol Nidre for solo double bass & cello and db (arranged by Alden Cohen)

A Note from Alden Cohen

It has always been a goal of mine to perform this piece during the Yom Kippur Eve at a synagogue.  Since 2017, I’ve been performing the first half of Max Bruch’s “Kol Nidre” with a harpist for my synagogue (Temple Beth Abraham (in Oakland)). Last year, I was unable to perform with a harpist due to COVID precautions, which inspired me to combine the accompanying and solo part into an unaccompanied bass solo. 

A dictionary definition of the piece: a liturgical prayer for recitation at the beginning of the service on the eve of Yom Kippur asking that all unfulfilled vows to God be nullified, and all transgressions are forgiven.

Instrumentation

Each download includes an arrangement for solo double bass, and cello and double bass

About the arrangements

This arrangement excludes the second half of Max Bruch’s “Kol Nidre,” which is when the harp enters in the orchestra edition, arriving at a major key.  This theme and section of the movement could be thought of as Yom Kippur day when all is forgiven and we’ve reached the “light” at the end of the tunnel.

About the Composition

Kol Nidre (Aramaic: “All Vows”), a prayer sung in Jewish synagogues at the beginning of the service on the eve of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). The name, derived from the opening words, also designates the melody to which the prayer is traditionally chanted. Though equally ancient versions exist in Hebrew and Aramaic, the Aramaic is generally used in the predominant Ashkenazic and Sephardic rites. The prayer begins with an expression of repentance for all unfulfilled vows, oaths, and promises made to God during the year. Some Jewish authorities contend that even fulfilled vows are included since the act of vowing itself is considered sinful.  Source.

About Alden

A San Francisco native, Mr. Cohen is a professional double bassist in the San Francisco Bay Area. A graduate of the Peabody Institute (B.M.) and San Francisco Conservatory of Music (M.M.). In 2018, Mr. Cohen won the Oakland Symphony Assistant Principal bass audition. In 2008, he won the Santa Cruz County Symphony principal bass audition. In 2004, Mr. Cohen won a spot on the San Francisco Symphony Double Bass substitute list. He is also a member of the Berkeley Symphony and Modesto Symphony and acting Principal Bass performances with the Berkeley Symphony, Fresno Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Symphony Napa Valley, Pacific Chamber Symphony, San Francisco Lyric Opera and West Bay Opera.

As a soloist, Mr. Cohen performed with Stephen Tramontozzi, San Francisco Symphony Bassist, at the San Francisco Bass Bash in 2016 & 2005. He has also performed with other double bassists for donor parties and other special events. Connect with Alden on his website.