Selected Songs of Eliakum Zunser: Sung in Yiddish

Eliakum Zunser (1836?–1913) is considered by some to be the “father of Yiddish poetry.” Born in Lithuania, Zunser grew up under the rule of the Russian czars. Many of his songs and poems are a somber reflection of the poverty, oppression, and ethnic hatred of Jews in that place and time.

The songs in this collection are all sung in Yiddish, the primary secular language of Eastern European Jews. Singer Nathaniel Entin, who had both cantorial and operatic training, renders the songs in classical style, accompanied on the piano by Marienka Michna.

Liner notes include an interpretive synopsis of each song along with historical context; the songs’ heavy use of allegory regarding conditions or events not familiar to many listeners calls for something other than strict translation. The original Yiddish lyrics are also provided.

Track Listing

101	Shivas Zion Nathaniel A. Entin	02:40
102	Dos Unshterbliche Folk I Nathaniel A. Entin	04:09
103	Dos Unshterbliche Folk II Nathaniel A. Entin	02:46
104	Die Bloom Nathaniel A. Entin	01:16
105	Dos Lied fun Oig Nathaniel A. Entin	01:18
106	Der Neinzehnter Yahr Hundert Nathaniel A. Entin	03:00
107	Die Levoneh Nathaniel A. Entin	01:52
201	Rochel Mivakoh al Boneho Nathaniel A. Entin	02:03
202	Die Soche Nathaniel A. Entin	01:40
203	Der Potchstover Glekel Nathaniel A. Entin	03:43
204	Dos Lied fun Eizenbahn Nathaniel A. Entin	01:54
205	Der Aristocrat Nathaniel A. Entin	01:34
206	Zu die Schteren Nathaniel A. Entin	03:41
207	A Brief fun der Mutter Zion Nathaniel A. Entin	02:07
208	Meine Gefihle Nathaniel A. Entin	01:50