Anastasia (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

Still

Close the Door

Crossing a Bridge

The Neva Flows

In a Crowd of Thousands

A Rumor in St. Petersburg

Land of Yesterday

Learn to Do It

Once Upon a December (Reprise)

The River Between Laughter and Sorrow is an experimental hybrid work for voices and chamber ensemble, staged in two contrasting acts. It weaves together elements of folk balladry, comic opera, lyrical chanson, and reflective classical writing.

Rather than presenting itself as a “traditional opera,” this piece explores lyrical manipulation and thematic transitions — the way words, tone, and setting shift meaning as they move from lightheartedness to despair, from public chaos to private reflection. The comic patter of a pub-side encounter collides with the weight of lament, and the result is less about adherence to form than about the experience of transition itself.

Listeners may recognize familiar genres — folk, chamber classical, operatic aria, even pub song — but the work deliberately resists categorization. It is a study in transformation, asking how laughter dissolves into sorrow, and how musical language can both mirror and blur that journey.

1. Between Laughter & Sorrow – Act I Scene 1 – Listener’s Opening • Folk Opera

"Song of Solomon," a truly monumental release from Century One Records, a Laurence Mehlhorn Group company, has just been unveiled, offering a profound and multi-faceted journey into the heart of ancient Hebrew scripture. This record is a masterpiece, not only for its meticulous dedication to the original text but also for its innovative approach to bridging the gap between antiquity and modernity.

The album is entirely in Hebrew, honoring the very language in which the "Song of Songs" was originally conceived. One half of this extraordinary record is a faithful rendition of the original writing, brought to life with instruments that meticulously replicate those of the time. Listeners are transported back millennia, experiencing the raw, unadorned beauty and emotional depth of the ancient hymns as they might have been heard by their original audiences. The careful selection and use of period-appropriate instruments create an authentic soundscape that resonates with the hopes, prayers, and praises of the original writers and people who called upon God with their songs.

The other half of the record presents a daring and brilliant modern interpretation. This version features a contemporary arrangement, infused with modern classical instruments, yet still maintaining the profound spiritual essence and poetic integrity of the "Song of Solomon." This innovative approach allows the timeless themes of love, devotion, and divine connection to speak to a new generation, proving that these ancient texts are as relevant and moving today as they ever were. The blend of traditional reverence and modern musicality is a testament to Century One Records' commitment to artistic excellence and spiritual depth.

Released in honor of the ancient hopes and prayers of the writers and people of the time, "Song of Solomon" is more than just an album; it is a sacred offering, a bridge across time, and a testament to the enduring power of faith expressed through song. It is a vital and moving experience for anyone seeking to connect with the spiritual heritage of the past through the universal language of music.





The Song of Solomon._ part 6

The Neva Flows

Ramin Karimloo

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