Mascha Benya was a lyrical soprano whose operatic career was cut short
because of the horrors of World War II. Born Mascha Benyakonsky she originated
from Virbalis and headed off to Berlin in 1931 to study at the then renowned
“Sternches” conservatory where she was a student of the legendary Franceschina
Prevosti. The advent of Hitler made a career impossible save for appearances at
the Jewish Cultural League. Here she sang the lead parts in Don Pasquale
(alternating with Fritzi Jokl), Rigoletto and Si j’étais Roi besides appearing
in concerts and recitals. After the Kristalnacht she left Germany and managed to
get to the States. She still wanted to continue and pursue a career in opera and
the classical field. Yet as in the cases of Fritzi Jokl and Gitta Alpar
this was quasi impossible due to the amount of competition in the
lyrical-coloratura range amongst other factors. As the Holocaust took her entire
family away from her she took it as an incentive to devote her career to the
music of her people. A busy concert career developed in which she appeared along
such other celebrities as Richard Tucker, Robert Merrill, Jan Peerce, Moshe
Koussevitksy and Sidor Belarsky to name but a few. As an expert in all matters
Yiddish she later coached (Judith Raskin amongst others) in the interpretation
of Yiddish music in which she had established herself as one of the greatest
authorities worldwide. Thanks to Barry Serota of Chicago a great part of her
recorded legacy has been preserved. Several cassettes and an LP were issued by
Musique Internationale and Artistic Enterprises issued a record of her radio
b’casts with Sidor Belarsky on WEVD. The Serota productions include mainly
Yiddish song repertoire but also Mozart, Rachmaninov and Hutchinson. Jewish life
in Eastern Europe is no more. Yet the melodies of old were thus preserved by
Mascha Benya and her contribution to Jewish artistic song is enormous and should
not be underestimated. Her vocal delivery had great artistry wedded to a superb
singing instrument. Her tone, enunciation and interpretation were all that one
could wish for. She never attempted to overpower the listener with decibels.
Rather she used the sheer beauty of tone, sincerity and artistry in her
interpretation. Critic Israel Rabinovich wrote about her “Mascha Benya is a
singer with great taste and deep feeling. She demonstrates pathos and solemnity
in her serious songs, while her lighter humorous songs are playful and charming.
Her warmth touches the listener’s heart.”
Mascha Benya had just
celebrated her 99th birthday. She died at her home on Sunday November 4th
2007 and will be sorely missed.
(See soundbites for a sample of her
singing)
Morton Gold, As I heard it. (Jewish post, Indianapolis 18 July
2001)
Morton Gold, Mascha Benya sings superbly (Jewish post, Indianapolis 6
February 2002)
E. Geisel, Premiere und Pogrom, Der Judische Kulturbund,
Berlin Siedler Verlag 1992
Rebecca Rovit, Theatrical performances during the
Holocaust, interview, Baltimore 1999
Barry Serota, liner notes, Jewish Song
treasury, LP M7372
Geschlossene Vorstellung, Der Judische Kulturbund in
Deutschland 1933-1941, Berlin 1992
Radio Documentary, Tempi Passati : Mascha
Benya en Mina Ber, Humanistische Omroep, Nederland
Mascha Benya-Matz (Benyakonsky).
Participe au Kulturbund de Berlin du printemps 1937 à octobre 1938
Emigre aux USA en décembre 1938 |
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Jewish
Song Treasury Vol I
Mascha Benya, soprano
Abe Ellstein
Music Internationale MI 7371 |
Jewish Song Treasury Vol II
Mascha Benya, soprano
Abe Ellstein
Music Internationale MI 7372 |
- A Kholem
- Di Krenitse (Poliansky)
Fefer, Itsik / Poliansky, Motl
- A Doyne
Barditshever, Zelig / Barditshever, Zelig
- A Gut Morgn Dir, Hirsh Dovid
Broderson, Moyshe / Kon, Henekh
- Baym Taykh
Leyb, Mani / Golub, Solomon
- Beser A Melamed
- Der Rebe Hot Oysgeteylt Shraim
- Don Un Donia
Roisenblatt, H. / Gelbart, Mikhl
- Dos Alte Porfolk
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Kivele
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Meshiekh
Reisen, Avrom / Kornblit
- Shprayz Ikh Mir
Kahn, Sh / Teitelbaum, Eliyahu
- In Mayn Gortn
Bialik, Khaim Nakhman
- Zlatke
- Zol Shoyn Kumen Di Geule
Kaczerginski, Shmerke / Kook, Rav Avraham Isaac
- Zol Zayn Shtil
Younin, Wolf / Kon, Henekh
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- Shpilt Zhe Mir Dem Nayem Sher
- Shabos Nokhn Kugl (Folk Song)
- Shtile Likht
Leyb, Mani / Weiner, Lazar
- A Gezangl
Weinper, Zishe / Jassinovsky, Khazn Pinkhos
- Baym Rebns Tish
Ritterband, Khaim
- Bin Ikh Mir A Shnayderl (Humorous)
- Bin Ikh Mir A Shnayderl A Guter
- Dray Tekhterlekh
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Hamavdil (Folk, Poverty)
- Hey Klezmorim
- Hey Tsigelekh
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Khatskele, Khatskele
- Khanele Lernt Loshn Koydesh
Almi, A.
- Lekoved Dem Heylign Shabos
- Nerenana (Yid)
- Nerot Shabat
Rimon, Jacob Tsvi / Melamud, Nisn Cohen
- Vander Ikh Aleyn
Roisenblatt, H./ Gelbart, Mikhl
- Sunrise Sunset
Tucker, Richard
Harris, Arthur
Allers, Franz
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The Art of Mascha Beyna
Musique International CM 7375
Evelyn Anik, Piano |
Mascha
Benya
A Yiddish Song Recital
Featuring the poetry of Itzik Manger
Columbia OS 3010 (K7)
Michael Brodsky (Acc.) *
Olga White, Piano **
Evelyn Anik, Piano ***
Liner Notes by Barry Serota
1997 |
- Deh Vieni Non Tarder (Italian)
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- The Soldier's Bride (Russian)
Rachmaninoff / Pletcheff, A.
- Old Mother Hubbard (English)
Hutchinson, H.
- M'zogt Es Iz A Land Do
Engel, Yoel
- Unter Di Grininke Beymelekh
Bialik, Khaim Nakhman / Brunoff, Platon G
- Fun Vanen Heybt Zikh On A Libe
- Royz Royz
- Kh'ken Es Nit Farshteyn
Yehoyash / Golub, Solomon
- Hot Zikh Mir Di Zip Tsezipt
- Ma Yisroen (Koheleth 01:03)
- Lekha Dodi (Nathanson)
Alkabetz, Rabbi Solomon / Nathanson, Moshe
- Hamavdil
Khayat, Isaac Ibn
- Khavivele
Greenblatt, Aliza / Ellstein, Abe
- Nerot Shabat
Rimon, Jacob Tsvi / Melamud, Nisn Cohen
- Zol Ikh Zayn A Rov
Rosenbaum, Khazn Samuel
- Oy Dortn Dortn Ibern Vaserl
- Az Ikh Dermon Zikh
- Yerusholaim (Traditional)
Hameiri, Avigdor
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- Eynzam *
- Tsvey Shvesterlekh *
- Vaylu *
- Mame Leyent A Mayse
Weinper, Zishe / Freedman, Yasha
- Sore Zingt Yitskhaklen..
Shloflid Gladstone, Y. *
- Der Badkhn
Kon, Henekh **
- Interview With Itsik Manger
Text
- Ze Dos Kleydl, Tateshi
Kon, Henekh **
- Goles Marsh
Rosenfeld, Morris / Gershowitz, H. ***
- Mayn Yingele
Rosenfeld, Morris ***
- Mayn Rue Plats
Rosenfeld, Morris ***
- Frimorgn
- Bobe Mindele
- Tsigele
- Hoydelke
Shifris, Moyshe / Freedman, Yasha
- Mame Leyent A Mayse
Weinper, Zishe / Freedman, Yasha
- Der Yid Der Shmid
Younin, Wolf / Heifets, Vladimir
- Der Alter Rebe Tantst
Tshernikhovski, Saul / Nardi, Nahum
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Amol Is Gheven A Maiseh - Once Upon A Time
Artistic Enterprises B-107
Women's Circle Education Department WC-101
Sidor Belarsky & Masha Benya
Vladimir Heifetz
Joseph Mlotek, narrateur
1957
19:12 / 19:09 |
Masha Benya & Children Chorus
Famous Records FAM 1007
Let's Sing A Yiddish Song...
Malke Gottlieb, piano
Mikhl Gelbart, Arrangeur
Yosl Mlotek, Narrateur |
- A Brivele Der Mamen
Smulewitz, Solomon
- A Mol Iz Geven A Mayse
- Avremele Un Yosele
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Bin Ikh Mir A Kholetsl
- Bin Ikh Mir A Shnayderl A Guter
- Bulbes
- Dayn Tate Vil Nadn
- Der Filosof
Vevl Zbarzher
- Di Gilderne Pave
- Di Mizinke Oysgegebn
Warshavsky, Mark M.
- Dire Gelt
- Es Brent
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Firt Men Im Arayn
- Fonye Ganev
- Fort A Khosidl
- Her Nor Du Sheyn Meydele
- Hey Hey Daloy Politsey
- S'falt a Shney
- Keshenever Progrom
- Ikh Vil Nit Geyn In Kheder
Sholom Aleichem / Cherniavsky, Joseph
- In Kheyder
Milner, Moses
- In Zaltsikn Yam
S. Ansky
- Leyg Ikh Mayn Kepele
- Lomir Beyde A Libe Shpiln
- Mayn Heylig Land
- Mazl Tov (Der Eybershter Iz Der Mekhutn)
- Mekhutonim Geyen
Warshavsky, Mark M.
- Mit A Nodl
- Nigun
- Papir Iz Dokh Vays
- Oyfn Veg
- Patshe Kikhelekh
- Shlof Mayn Kind Mayn Kroyn
Sholom Aleichem / Kovanovsky, David
- Tif In Veldele
- Vakht Oyf
Edelshtat, Dovid / Schaefer, Jacob
- Yoshke Fort Avek
- Zog Nit Keyn Mol
Glik, Hirsh / Pokras, Dan / Pokras, Dimitri
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- Shabos Oyf Der Gantse Velt
- Ale Brider
Winchevsky, Morris
- Der Yid Der Shmid
Younin, Wolf / Heifets, Vladimir
- A Yingele, A Meydele
Gebirtig, Mordkhe
- Akht A Zeyger
- Ale Montik
Gelbart, Mikhl
- Bin Ikh Mir A Shnayderl (Humorous)
- Der Vinter Iz Gekumen
Charney, Daniel / Engel, Yoel
- Eliyahu Hanovi (Kumt Tsu Geyn...)
Goichberg, Yisroel / Mark, Yudl
- Emek Emek
Wolf, Ari (Alfred) / Amiran, Emanuel
- Es Blien Di Beymer
- Eyns Un Eyns
- Homen Tashn
Pirozhnikov, M.
- Gut Morgn Aykh
- Haynt Iz Purim
- Helo Der Friling Iz Shoyn Do
- In Dem Land Fun Piramidn
Edelshtat, Dovid
- In Kamp Arayn (In Shul Arayn)
Plotner, A. / Gelbart, Mikhl
- Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydl (Yid)
Gelbart, Mikhl
- Ikh Bin A Yidish Kind
- Ikh Hob Lib Tsu Zingen
- Khad Gadyo
Lukovski, I. / Gelbart, Mikhl
- Khanike Oy Khanike
Rivesman, Mordkhe
- Kumt Ale In Shul
Platner, Ayzik (Issac) / Gelbart, Mikhl
- Lomir Bargrisn
- Ma Nishtana (Heb, Yid)
- Mame Leyent A Mayse
Weinper, Zishe / Freedman, Yasha
- Mir Geyen Shpatsirn
- Ot Azoy Neyt A Shnayder
- Oyfn Pripetshik
Warshavsky, Mark M.
- Peysekh (Yid)
Pirozhnikov, M.
- Peysekh Avek
Rivesman, Mordkhe
- Purim Lid
- Shalakhmones
- Shtey Oyf Du Foyler Bokher
- Shteyt In Feld A Beymele
Peretz, Yitskhok Leybush / Gelbart, Mikhl
- Tayere Malke
Warshavsky, Mark M.
- Tsu Dayn Geburtstog
Goldfaden, Avrom
- Zum Gali
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Lider Fun Boydem
/ Yidishe kinder lider
Songs from the Attic Vol.5 / Yiddish children songs
Hobn mir a nignd’l / Sing me a melody
לידער פֿון בוידעם / ייִדיש קינדער לידער
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/webbin/freedman/lookupalbum?hr=&catlg=A-060(c)
Israel Music ICD 5118
2004
Mascha Benya-Matz selections on the CD : Nos 8-15
Freemorgen /
Ketzel un Hintel /
Bube Mindele /
Zigele /
Hoidelke /
A Maiseh /
Zipale /
A Tanz
(Courtesy of Bret Werb, USHMM, Washington) |
Rhymes
Nursery
Kinder Velt 2545B (78 rpm) |
- Lomir Ale Zingen -- לאָמיר אַלע זינגען (Let's All Sing Together)
Artist: Walters, Isobel
Length: 2:25
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Ikh Bin Poyzn Ayvey -- איך בין פּױזן אײַװי
Author: Bitter, Albert -- ביטער, אַלבערט
Composer: Suhl, M.
Artist: Walters, Isobel
Length: 2:32
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Oyfn Pripetshik (Warshavsky) -- (ואַרשאַווסקי)
(אױפֿן פּריפּעטשיק) (By the Fire Place)
Also known as: Der Alef Beys
Also known as: In The Fireplace
Also known as: Afn Pripetshik
Author:
Warshavsky, Mark M. -- װאַרשאַװסקי, מאָרק מ.
Author: Max Rosenfeld
Composer:
Warshavsky, Mark M. -- װאַרשאַװסקי, מאָרק מ.
Artist:
Abe Ellstein Orchestra -- אײב עלשטײַן אָרקעסטער
Artist:
Meisels, Khazn Saul -- מײַזלס, חזן סול
Length: 3:08
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Regn Regn Regendl -- רעגן רעגן רעגנדל
(Falling Rain)
Author:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Artist:
Meisels, Khazn Saul -- מײַזלס, חזן סול
Length: 3:12
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Der Rebe Elimelekh -- דער רבּי אלימלך
Also known as: Rabbi Eli, The King
Also known as: The Merry Rebe Elie
Author:
Moyshe Nadir -- משה נאַדיר
Composer:
Moyshe Nadir -- משה נאַדיר
Artist:
Gladstone, Yitshak
Length: 2:46
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Motele -- מאָטעלע
Author:
Gebirtig, Mordkhe -- געבירטיג, מרדכי
Composer:
Gebirtig, Mordkhe -- געבירטיג, מרדכי
Artist:
Gladstone, Yitshak
Length: 3:37
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Klingen Gleker -- קלינגען גלעקער
(Ringing Bells)
Author:
Broderson, Moyshe -- בראָדערזאָן, משה
Composer:
Glatshteyn, Yisroel -- גלאַטשטײן, ישׂראל
Artist:
Gladstone, Yitshak
Length: 2:42
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Frimorgn -- פֿרימאָרגן
(Early Morning)
Author:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 0:54
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Ketsl Un Hintl -- קעטצל און הינטל
(Cat and Dog)
Author:
Barkan, Sarah -- באַרקאַן, שׂרה
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Additional song notes: Kitten and Puppy
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 0:58
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Bobe Mindele -- באָבע מינדעלע
(Grandma Mindele)
Author:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 0:54
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Tsigele -- ציגעלע
Author:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 0:48
Hoydelke -- הױדעלקע
(A Swing)
Also known as: Hoyde (Hoydlke)
Author:
Shifris, Moyshe -- שיפֿריס, משה
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Additional song notes: Published under title "Hoyde" in Goykhberg 49.
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 0:52
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Mame Leyent A Mayse -- מאַמע לײענט אַ מעשׂה
(A Tale)
Also known as: A Mayse (Weinper)
Author:
Weinper, Zishe -- װײַנפּער, זישע
Composer:
Freedman, Yasha -- פֿרידמאַן, יאַשאַ
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 1:27
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Tsipele -- ציפּעלע
(A Goat)
Author:
Broderson, Moyshe -- בראָדערזאָן, משה
Composer:
Glatshteyn, Yisroel -- גלאַטשטײן, ישׂראל
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 3:08
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A Tants -- אַ טאַנץ
(A Dance)
Artist:
Benya, Masha -- בעניע, מאַשאַ
Length: 2:34
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Undzer Nigndl -- אונדזער ניגונדל
(Sing Me a Melody)
Also known as: A Nigndl (Undzer Nigndl)
Also known as: Hobn Mir A Nigndl
Also known as: Our Song
Author:
Shternheim, Nokhem -- שטערנהײַם, נחום
Composer:
Shternheim, Nokhem -- שטערנהײַם, נחום
Length: 3:09
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Shlof Mayn Tokhter -- שלאַף מײַן טאָכטער
(A Lullaby)
Author:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer: Unknown/ Not Entered
Artist:
Meisels, Khazn Saul -- מײַזלס, חזן סול
Length: 3:04
-
Hush a Bye
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Shlof Mayn Feygele -- שלאָף מײַן פֿײגעלע
(Sleep My Baby)
Author: Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Music:
Vinkov 1 103
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Max, Harry
Length:1:52
-
Al Li Lu Li -- אַל לי לו לי
Author:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Music:
Rubin Oak
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Length:2:46
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Unter Dem Kinds Vigele -- אונטער דעם קינדס װיגעלע
(Under the Baby Crib)
Author:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Length: 2:51
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Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen -- ראָזשינקעס מיט מאַנדלען
(Raisins and Almonds)
Also known as: Shlof Mayn Kind Shlof
Author:
Goldfaden, Avrom -- גאָלדפֿאַדען, אַבֿרהם
Composer:
Goldfaden, Avrom -- גאָלדפֿאַדען, אַבֿרהם
Song Comment: From the operetta "Shulamis"
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Length: 2:50
Unter Beymer -- אונטער ביימער
(Under the Trees)
Author:
Olshanetsky, Alexander -- אָלשאַנעצקי, אַלעקסאַנדער
Composer:
Oysher, Moyshe -- אױשער, משה
Additional song notes: From the motion picture " The Vilna Balabosl"
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Length: 2:18
Shlof Mayn Zun, Mayn Tayer Feygele -- שלאָף מײַן זון,
מײַן טײַער פֿױגעלע
(Sleep My Son)
Author:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Composer:
Unknown/ Not Entered
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Length: 2:24
-
Yankele -- יאַנקעלע
Also known as: Shlof Mayn Yankele
Also known as: Shlof Shoyn Mayn Yankele
Author:
Gebirtig, Mordkhe -- געבירטיג, מרדכי
Composer:
Gebirtig, Mordkhe -- געבירטיג, מרדכי
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Length:2:17
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Shlof Mayn Kind Mayn Kroyn (Kovanovsky) -- (שלאָף מײַן
קינד, מײַן קרױן)
(קאָוואַנאָווסקי)
(Sleep My Child)
Also known as: Shlof Mayn Kind Mayn Treyst
Also known as: Shir Eres (Shlof Mayn Kind Mayn Treyst)
Also known as: Sholom Aleichem Viglid
Author:
Sholom Aleichem -- שלום עליכם
Composer:
Kovanovsky, David -- קאָװאַנאָװסקי, דוד
Artist:
Steven Scott Orchestra
Artist:
Pattner, Abbe
Artist:
Max, Harry
Artist:
Nystrom, Alf
Artist:
Lombardi, Lou
Artist:
Menchin, Sy
Artist:
Goldsmith, Sid
Artist:
Padden, Rose
Artist:
Greene, Emil
Artist:
Kurz, Marv
Length: 3:02
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- A Maiseh (Yasha Freedman)
- Hoidelke (Yasha Freedman)
- Tzigele (Yasha Freedman)
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