Monday Matchup :: Yaakov Meets Eisav • Yonatan Razel/Nichoach

We've done this before, but it's still so good!



We've never done this before. It's so good.



UPDATE: A number of people mentioned that they were concerned with the title of this post. In my haste to post and run, I did not delve into the possible meaning. It is, unfortunately, quite humorous. The matchup was certainly not supposed to be Yaakov meeting Eisav.

Katonti • Yonatan Razel

Sruly M. emailed this new mellow and melodic track last night.

My first thoughts: Excellent background listen. Potentially excellent period.

As both Razel brothers have separately proven to be thoughtful composers—inspired by and inspiring to the Chassidic soul of life—I am fine with "reading into" this whole thing like a three-part niggun.

The low part is simple and structured, almost simple enough to be any low part on any slow song of any "Smashing New Superstar Singer", but with a few note-twists that remind me of JEP (hear 1:05).

Often, a slow start from a proven musician is a sign of a great punchline to come. Indeed, besides for the fact that the composer called this song "Katonti", I think it is about "Hatzileni Na." These words are where the emotion and prayer come in. As if to say "it's true that I feel meritless; and it's true that I may be meritful; but Save me on Your terms, G-d!"

Following the prayer is the self-assurance, "Ki chasdecha gadol"—You have saved me before and You will hold me again. Orchestra, gospel, understated but very full.

Hear here.

Your thoughts?