ALBUM REVIEWS

Titled for the Jewish prayer for the dead, this remarkably ambitious project aims at nothing less than an audio impression of the effect of the Holocaust on 20th century life. Conceived and composed by British musicians Richard Wolfson and Andy Saunders, the album was recorded in London and Budapest and forms the backbone of a multimedia stage production.

At its heart are texts written and spoken solemnly by Hungarian poet Endre Szkarosi, drawn from the Book of Psalms, Hitler sound bites and survivors’ memories. But the music itself conveys brutality and despair--and persistent glimmers of hope--with a harrowing richness.

More classical than pop in structure, “Kaddish” juxtaposes Nazi rallies with mournful European folk tunes (featuring Hungarian singer Marta Sebestyen), ambient soundscapes with Metallica-like power chords and the latest technology with ancient chants. It’s a breathtaking technical achievement and a moving, powerful emotional experience.

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