Reviewed by Tony May

Few things address the deeper places of spiritual thirst as powerfully as the best of Messianic music. Typically, this session from the master violinist, superbly accompanied by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of London, encapsulates the sorrow and pathos of the Jewish soul, as well as that people's fire, fighting spirit and capacity for a rather unique brand of rejoicing. The programme offers some real gems. The theme from Schindler's List is superb, though for me it did not need Billy Sprague's "Via Dolorosa" tacked onto it. Other highlights are ecstatic renderings of "Sabbath Prayer" from Fiddler On The Roof, "Sheep May Safely Graze" and "There Is A Balm In Gilead". The slight disappointment was the medley of "Go Down Moses/Joshua Fit The Battle" which offered little to relieve the boredom of two greatly over-familiar tunes. Overall, a fine recording of timeless music of great beauty.

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