Ori Harmelin - Neshima (2021) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

Neshima is Hebrew for breath. Our breath is our constant friend, it accompanies us through every moment of our lives, in our wake as well as in our sleep, through joyful times and in sorrow. Most of the time we might not give it any heed, but it is always there. While breath is universal in that it is what connects us with life, it is also extremely personal, my breath is my life. As children, we often cry when we are overcome by emotions, and as we gasp for air, our breath regulates us, bringing us back to ourselves. I have been trying to learn to pay closer attention to my breath, to hear what it is telling me about my state of being, about my feelings, my emotions and where I am, to allow it to occur freely in times of distress, and observe how it brings me back to myself.

I have often been told that when I play, I breathe heavily and audibly. It is not intentional, it just happens. The more I find myself in the music, the more intense my breath.

This is perhaps the most personal project I have ever undertaken. It has been a wonderful challenge to allow myself to create this body of work and to present it, as if saying, “I am allowed to be”. Such a statement is surprisingly difficult to say, though it is as simple and as basic as breathing.

Tracklist:
1. Ricercar (02:53)
2. Madrigals, Book 1: No. 9, Amor, ben mi credevo (Arr. for Solo Lute by Orí Harmelin) (03:42)
3. Ballo del granduca (04:34)
4. Passacaglia (05:04)
5. Fancy (01:37)
6. Cantiones quae ab argumento sacrae vocantur: No. 9, O sacrum convivum (Arr. for Solo Lute by Orí Harmelin) (04:09)
7. La Monica (04:49)
8. Madrigals, Book 1: No 25, Ancor che col partire (Arr. for Solo Lute by Orí Harmelin) (03:18)
9. Cancionero Musical de Medinaceli: Sicut cervus desiderat (Arr. for Solo Lute by Orí Harmelin) (03:28)
10. Chansons musicales à quatre parties - Paris, 1533: No. 18. Mille regretz, NJE 28.25 (Arr. for Solo Lute by Orí Harmelin) (02:14)
11. Simon's Piece (07:05)


Thanks to the Original customer!