Artwork by Mikhail Achkinazi
Be amongst the first to buy the physical copy before its official release and have it signed by Polina.
This new CD release is a captivating collection of vocal cycles set to XX century Yiddish poetry through music by Polina Shepherd. Drawing on the voices of Leyb Kvitko, Moyshe Kulbak, Avrom-Nochum Stencl, and Troim Katz Handler, the program unfolds with three Kvitko poems, the Di Khasene/A Wedding cycle by Kulbak, two Stencl selections and an Erotic cycle of five poems by Handler. Adding a distinct instrumental moment is the hora “Five Brides,” shaped by its original role in the Sound and Light Cinematic Duo B&W film and reimagined here as a warm, traditional klezmer-sounding piece among otherwise intimate art songs. Sung by Polina with harmony lines by Lorin Sklamberg, featuring Merlin Shepherd on clarinets and saxophone, the result is a vivid, genre-spanning journey through lyric drama and Yiddish poetic tradition.
DOWNLOAD CD LYRICS AND TRANSLATIONS HERE: CD Aza Bloye Nakht... lyrics with translations
Yiddish lyrics research, translations and general help - Shoshke-Rayzl Yuni, Claudia Handler, Asya Fruman, Elena Watson, Khayke Beruriah Wiegand, Yifa Yaakov. Artwork - Mikhail Achkinazi. Design - Will Nichols. Recorded in North Brighton Studios. Editing and mastering - Merlin Shepherd.
The CD is released on Borscht Beat, NYC, 2026 and is digitally available through their BandCamp.
This CD is self funded by Polina and will not pay for itself even if all the CDs are sold at the original price. Please consider extra support to this hard working music activist by adding a few extra pounds. Thanks!
Support £2 - please add as many times as you wish, many thanks.
Buy CD in the UK £15 plus postage £5.50
Buy CD delivered to Europe International Tracked & Signed £15 plus postage £11.50
Buy CD delivered to USA International Tracked & Signed £15 plus postage £12.50
