Lorenza Ponce & Ben Zebelman
The biblical poem, Song of Songs, has been an inspiration to lovers, poets, and artists for centuries. Drawing on this inspiration, Lorenza Ponce and Ben Zebelman have come together to create the Song of Songs CD, a compelling musical interpretation. The CD, to be released on October 8, 2002 on Spring Hill Music (distributed by EMI) features violin and piano duets composed, performed, and co-produced by Ponce and Zebelman.
The recording incorporates the duo's original compositions with verses from a new translation of the poem by Ariel Bloch and Chana Bloch. The music mirrors the natural progression of a love affair, slowly building the emotional ambience, allowing the listener to re-experience the joys of new love. By balancing the sensual with the spiritual and the celebration of young love with the purity of faith, Song of Songs reflects the eroticism and mystery surrounding the ancient poem.
Song of Songs is the first collaboration between two young composers/performers who have each received wide acclaim for their earlier work. Lorenza Ponce's previous CDs, Imago (Angel/EMI) and Mystic Fiddler (Melodia), have been widely praised by both critics and fans. Her live performances have mesmerized audiences throughout the world. She has performed and recorded with Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, John Tesh, and most recently was featured with Bon Jovi on America: A Tribute to Heroes and The Concert for New York City. Ben Zebelman's prior CDs, Kol Nidre Variations and Suite: Noah's Ark (Madacy) made their live debut to sold-out audiences in New York City, and he has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered.
Song of Songs was co-produced and mixed by Steve Rosenthal from New York's famed Magic Shop recording studio. Rosenthal has helped create numerous innovative recordings, both as a producer (Lou Reed, Alan Lomax Collection, Christine Lavin), and as an engineer (The Rolling Stones, Sheryl Crow, Mariane Faithful, Suzanne Vega).
With this, their first collaboration, Lorenza Ponce and Ben Zebelman manage to combine sweeping, romantic melodies with delicately woven poetic verse, arousing the senses and intoxicating listeners.