Fifty Gates of Wisdom (Yemenite Songs)

Ofra Haza's voice was warm and wonderful, and in this recording she offers a selection of traditional music from Yemen that range from Armenia, Arabic and Jewish texts and tunes. Most of them are happy and sweet (praises to God, dialogues between two young lovers in courtship, etc...), and even if you don't understand the lyrics you will be carried away by the joyous music and beautiful vocals. It will make you want to clap your hands and dance, for it lightens the spirit.I highly recommend it to Ms. Haza's fans, to Middle Easte music lovers, and to anyone who wants to feel better listenting to music

the voice,oh that voice,what a beautiful sound

Long one of Israel's most popular singers, Ofra Haza broke through to international recognition during the mid-1980s when her traditional music found favor on the U.K. club circuit, its success leading to a series of unlikely pop projects. Born in Tel Aviv on November 19, 1959, Haza was the daughter of Yemenite parents forced to flee from their native country's Muslim regime; at the age of 12 she joined the renowned Hatikva theatrical troupe, and with the group cut a number of award-winning records before serving a compulsory two-year tour of duty in the Israeli army. Upon her discharge, in 1979 she mounted a solo career, becoming a star not only at home but also in neigboring Arab nations; in 1983, her recording of "Chai!" placed second in the annual Eurovision Song Contest.Inspired by the ancient melodies taught to her by her mother, in 1985 Haza recorded Yemenite Songs, which featured traditional instruments as well as lyrics drawn from the 16th century poetry of Shalom Shabazi; not only a major hit at home, the album was also a worldbeat smash in England as well. With 1988's Shaday, she turned away from traditional sounds to pursue more dance-flavored material, and the single "Im Nin'al" even reached the Top 20 on the U.K. pop charts, additionally becoming a club favorite in the U.S. Haza's music was also sampled on the Eric B. and Rakim rap classic "Paid in Full," and her vocals later found their way into M.A.R.R.S.' seminal "Pump Up the Volume" as well.1989's Desert Wind was sung largely in English, and its release corresponded with Haza's first American tour. For 1992's Grammy-nominated Kirya, she teamed with producer Don Was, and welcomed guests Iggy Pop and Lou Reed; that same year, Haza also recorded the single "Temple of Love" with British goth-rockers the Sisters of Mercy. Despite her success, however, she was silent throughout the middle of the decade, finally resurfacing in 1997 with a self-titled LP issued on her new label BMG Ariola. Haza died unexpectedly of AIDS-related complications on February 23, 2000

Not what i was expec ting this time from Ofra. Too much arabic influence, but maybe i should have expected this really.

Compelling eastern rhythms, a haunting voice of unbelievable flexibility and power, mysterious (to most of us!) lyrics and the sort of melodic twists and turns that leave your entrails in knots of pleasure... Ahem. Sorry. Got carried away there. This is an album unlike any others I've heard: a beautiful rendition of traditional Yemenite songs using all the latest recording techniques so that the sound is smooth and rich, slipping down like thick black coffee, while the rhythms make your feet itch to dance. The percussion is unusual: some of it tin trays, etc, arising from the banning of traditional instruments by Orthodox Muslim administration in the past - the result is complex, crisp-sounding and layered - not the heavy thudding drumming some traditions give you. Melody is frequently up-beat but there is a wistfuless about some songs, arising from their yearning - some are love songs, some songs of exile. The words are fabulous - some of these songs are about the love of God: others celebrate "The crowning of man and woman in married bliss" and read like the Song of Solomon. Imagine singing "Sand-lily of the Sharon, Rose of the Valley/ She slipped through my aching fingers with her head upturned/ And left only the pain" to your beloved late at night! This album is a delight, from one of the foremost singers of her time (I *think* she died last year, in fact.) Her voice is powerful and melodic and expressive - she seems to have the ability to sing forever without taking breath. It's for atmosphere, for singing along with, for dancing to.. If you like Middle Eastern music, then you'll love this.

This wonderful album features traditional and modern instruments with songs based on the 16th century poetry of Shalom Shabazi. The opening number Im Nin'alu is a catchy mid tempo ballad and is followed by the buoyant Yachilvi Veyachali, a faster song with a complex arrangement.Ofra's voice displays its impressive diversity on A'salk, a great interplay of mostly percussion and vocals.The medley of Tzur Menati, Se'i Yona and Sapri Tama has a catchy twirling melody and Galbi is another tuneful song with a compelling rhythmic structure. Ode Le'eli is a slow ballad with repeating patterns while Lefelach Harimon is my favorite with its sweeping melody line and hypnotic percussive textures.Yemenite Songs is a pioneering album that successfully integrated traditional Middle Eastern songs with modern arrangements and pop appeal back in the middle 1980s. There is a moving spiritual undertone to many of the songs and Haza's voice is warm and engaging. If you like World Beat or the music of bands like Transglobal Underground, you will love this album.

Lieferung und Service sind sehr gut gewesen.Ich kannte die Maxi-CD deshalb ein Kauf ohne Risiko.Sie gefällt mir gut.Ein empfehlenswerter Kauf!

The songs are fabulous. This album is what transformed Ofra Haza from an Israeli star into a global music star. It is hard to even pick favorites among the songs. The lyrics are Arabic, Hebrew, and Aramaic from classic Yemenite Jewish poetry and music. You may not understand the words, but the passions, the rhythms, and the beauty of the songs are universal and timeless. A few of the songs like "Im Nin Alu" have been redone with more of pop sensibility on other Ofra Haza albums. These versions are very much worth the listen.This is a great primer for Middle Eastern and Mizrahi music. She uses Middle Eastern vocalization on several songs, which may sound a bit 'off' to American listeners who are not accustomed to the trilling vocal sounds.This may be the greatest release by the greatest Israeli singer ever.

I remember this woman from many years ago. A good friend (Jewish) informed me she had died and from what, I was so shocked!

This collection of songs is beautifully sung as always and is a momento of Ofra Haza's short but memorable life. I am thrilled to have it in my music library.

For those who love music to relax by, this is a songstress to collect. Fantastic voice & wonderful talent. A must for all enjoy good music