The Shofar, or ram’s horn, is one of the world’s oldest musical instruments with multiple mentions in the Old Testament. The Jewish community continues use of the Shofar to this day; it plays a central role in the observance of the Jewish high holidays including Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). The Ba’al Tekiah, or practitioner of the instrument, is a specialist and held in high regard by the Jewish community. In this 1957 recording, David M. Hausdorff demonstrates the instrument’s basic sounds, rhythms, and combinations in addition to reciting the Jewish prayers, in Hebrew, associated with an instrument that continues to induce excitement and wonder.

Track Listing