Cantor Zavel Kwartin - Ribono Shel Olam

Chazzanut Online - Articles
Zevulun (Zavel) Kwartin
1874 - 1952

By Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler
Most famous Chazanim have tenor voices. One who was endowed with a glorious high baritone, was the great Zavel Kwartin.
Kwartin was born on 25th March 1874 in Chonorod, Elisabetgrad, Russia, to a wealthy Chassidic textile merchant. From a very early age he exhibited a beautiful voice and his father took him to the famous Chazan, Yerucham Hakatan (also known as Yerucham Blindman), to hear his son sing and get a professional opinion of his abilities.
According to Zavel's own account, the ageing Chazan was deeply impressed by him and wanted to take the boy as his pupil. His father however was not too keen on the idea though, believing that a career in textiles might be rather more secure than one in Chazanut.
On his marriage he went to Shul with his in-laws in Yelisvatgrad and was invited to say the Haftara. The congregation was very impressed with his rendering of the Berachot and he was prevailed upon to conduct Musaf. It was on this occasion that the seeds of his golden career were sown.
Kwartin took music and singing lessons with the finest teachers of his time and on June 1st 1896 he gave his first public concert. He states that he was a great success. The following year he gave a concert in Lodz for which he was paid more than 400 roubles and he continued to travel in Europe, concertise and conduct services to great acclaim.
In 1903 he was appointed Obercantor of the Queen Elizabet Temple of Vienna where his salary was 2,500 krone per annum, an extraordinary salary by any standards.
In 1914 Kwatrin was invited to come to America for a fee of $30,000 for a series of 30 concerts. Because of the war this was postponed and it wasn't until April 1920 that he eventually got there.
His first concert, which was not a success, was at the Metropolitan Opera House. Fortunately though he redeemed himself at the 'Hippodrome' and went on from there to tour America, with great success.
He decided to remain in the States and was appointed Chazan at the Temple Emanuel where his salary was $12,000. He also continued to give concerts and was possibly the highest-paid Chazan of all time.
Kwartin published two volumes of his three-volume work, 'Z'mirot Zevulon' in 1928, (the third was published in 1937). They contain the music to most of his famous pieces, 'Tiheir Rabbi Yishmoel, Ve'al Yedei Avodecho, etc', and is still widely used.
Zavel was deeply moved by his first visit to the Holy Land and eventually built a home for himself on Mount Carmel. The last fifteen years of his life were spent in the USA, and when he died on 3rd October 1952, he was brought to Israel for burial.
Zavel Kwartin made numerous recordings, many of which have been electronically enhanced and re-released. Through them, his phenomenal voice still lives on.

[@bernie7350]

I can listen to this every day and not get bored of it…this is by far his most beautiful piece

[@gotyelgrishi4561]

הגדול -שבגדולים ביותר. כח פעם אני מתרגשת מחדש. אין מילים להביע ממש את הרגש. יישר כוח.

[@user-dv8qd8nv5p]

לשמוע את הקול הזה מתפלל בשירה עושה לי צמרמורת ומביא אותי לבכי 😢הלוואי שהתפילה שלו תתקבל ונזכה לבשורות טובות וישועות ❤

[@Y.m.260]

ככה נשמע יהודי ככה צריך להישמע תפילה מרגש ונכנס ללב

[@user-tn9fs9vi8p]

הגדול מכולם בגלל הקול הקולרתורה הרגש והאמירה המיוחדת שלו.

[@hashatz]

Kwartin was a giant among giants. His compositions are simple but penetrating. One need not have any background in liturgical music. Kwartin's immense emotional involvement in his prayers is evident. The intense warmth of his rendition invites the listener to become part of the supplication. Include in the equation a voice of power, beauty and expressiveness and the experience is complete.

[@edwardbraun6286]

Kwartin put his whole heart into his tefflot

[@kimbj9302d]

This composition gives me chills, wooow.

[@aaronharris730]

One of the most gorgeous pieces I have ever heard, lifts the soul, just beautiful.

[@avrumisiegel4630]

Exactly

[@maxkwartin47]

He's my great grandfather. I have his autobiography if anyone is interested in reading it:)

[@abefasten2675]

Absolutely I am a very big fan of your grandfather,he is one of the most powerful canters that there was ever around. I have a line saying if I would live in their times between him and Joseph Rosenblatt I would go to your grandfather for the services and then going home I would stop by to have my dessert by Joseph Rosenblatt. Please send me his autobiography

[@josephberman9263]

One of the best חזנים of all time. This piece is a masterpiece and legendary

[@Judith-gj4tz]

Like chazanut, grow up with it. Kwartin is great

[@BernardGreenberg]

@@abefasten2675 I can't type the address here, but the full autobiography, _Mayn Lebn_ , translated from Yiddish by a recent project is available online with literate footnotes and annotations at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music (Trumpeter Herb Alpert was actually a Jew with horn(s):). Check it out. This is indeed a magnificent composition and performance.

[@abe1440]

My uncle was not observant but went to hear Cantor Kvartin in his Synagogue every Sabbath.

[@abe1440]

He was a great cantor.

[@USB1069]

רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם Master of the universe! מַלֵּא מִשְׁאֲלוֹת לִבִּי לְטוֹבָה Fulfil my request for good, וְהָפֵק רְצוֹנִי וְתֶן שְׁאֵלָתִי gratify my wishes and grant my request. וּמְחוֹל לִי עַל כָּל־עֲו‍ֹנוֹתַי Forgive all my iniquities, וְעַל כָּל עֲו‍ֹנוֹת אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתִי and all the iniquities of my family, מְחִילָה בְחֶֽסֶד with forgiveness of lovingkindness מְחִילָה בְרַחֲמִים and compassion. וְטַהֲרֵֽנִי מֵחֲטָאַי Purify me of my sins, וּמֵעֲו‍ֹנוֹתַי וּמִפְּשָׁעַי. my iniquities and my transgressions. וְזָכְרֵֽנוּ בְּזִכָּרוֹן טוֹב לְפָנֶֽיךָ Remember us favorably before You, וּפָקְדֵֽנוּ בִּפְקֻדַּת and be mindful of us יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים for deliverance and compassion. וְזָכְרֵֽנוּ לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים וַאֲרוּכִים Remember us for a good, long life וּלְשָׁלוֹם לְפַרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה of peace, of maintenance and sustenance. וְתֶן־לָֽנוּ לֶֽחֶם לֶאֱכוֹל Give us bread to eat, וּבֶֽגֶד לִלְבּוֹשׁ וְעֽשֶׁר וְכָבוֹד clothes to wear, and wealth and honor; וְאֹֽרֶךְ יָמִים לַהֲגוֹת בְּתוֹרָתֶֽךָ give us long life to meditate in Your Torah, וּלְקַיֵּם מִצְוֹתֶֽיהָ and to fulfill its commandments; וְשֵֽׂכֶל וּבִינָה [give us] intelligence and understanding לְהָבִין וּלְהַשְׂכִּיל to understand and be intellectually creative עִמְקֵי סוֹדוֹתֶֽיהָ. in comprehending its profound concepts. וּשְׁלַח רְפוּאָה לְכָל־מַכְאוֹבֵֽינוּ Send healing for all our sorrows, וּתְבָרֵךְ אֶת כָּל מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ. and bless all the work of our hands. וְתִגְזוֹר עָלֵינוּ גְזֵרוֹת טוֹבוֹת Ordain for us good decrees יְשׁוּעוֹת וְנֶחָמוֹת of deliverances and comforts, וּתְבַטֵּל מֵעָלֵֽינוּ and remove from us כָּל־גְּזֵרוֹת קָשׁוֹת. all harsh decrees. וְתַטֶּה לֵב הַמַּלְכוּת Cause the hearts of government leaders, וְיוֹעֲצֶֽיהָ וְשָׂרֶֽיהָ their advisors and officers, עָלֵֽינוּ לְטוֹבָה. to be favorably inclined toward us. אָמֵן וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן: Amein! And may this be Your will. יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי May the words of my mouth be acceptable וְהֶגְיוֹן לִבִּי לְפָנֶֽיךָ and the thoughts of my heart - before You הֹ צוּרִי וְגוֹאֲלִי: Adonoy, my Rock and my Redeemer.

[@soultrade9311]

Thank you brother

[@soultrade9311]

Yes this is great one more time thanks

[@sandrabelcher1874]

i love all music but this music speaks to my soul, whatever , i do not speak Hebrew, voice of my ancestors, but i understand,

[@b.gordongordon2033]

It's no wonder that he was one of the greats from another time. There's no comparison between most of the modern day cantors and such as Kwartin, Hershman, Sirota of much blessed memory.

[@pearltaylor8220]

The best! Makes me cry

[@dave1argaman]

מחילה ורחמים זה מה שאנחנו זקוקים והמדינה יותר מכל.

[@user-pk1hc4lk2m]

מרגש, אחד הקטעים המדהימים של קוורטין, לו זכיתי לשמוע מפיו בקולו !

[@dave1argaman]

ממש נפלא יוצא מהכלל

[@Dd-vr9gk]

פשוט מרגש ענק

[@dave1argaman]

May late fathers favorite.

[@dave1argaman]

ממש נהדר קול כזה זה פעם במאה שנה.

[@dave1argaman]

ממש נהדר ומרגש חיכתי הרבה זמן עד שעלה ביצוע נהדר זה.

[@melciment]

This prayer says it all and this rendition connects your soul to the Ribono Shel Olam.

[@zvigitelman1694]

Right you are, Mel! How are you and Barbara?

[@jackmolad5956]

I grew up in Tel Aviv, every Shabbat my father was listening to cantors singing. I therefor developed a strong appreciation for cantorial music, it landed deep into my "soul".

[@isabellamariawilson]

his voice is a connection to Adonai...

[@odinthor13]

Those were the chazonim, that put the heart in each tefileh. Thanks a lot. A remember my shabbes in the shul...

[@shifralefkowitz1829]

odinthor13 !-of

[@dave1argaman]

אבי ז"ל אהב חזנות. ואת הקטע הזה יותר מהכל.

[@cam101265]

Quem dera pudesse o mulher passar o dia todo orando a D'us.

[@itzhakweiss7416]

There is no other Chazan like Kwartin penetrating into your Neshama

[@stuartrichardson5699]

So Beautiful

[@dave1argaman]

די מזמן שמעתי את אחד מעוה"ד הבכירים ביותר בישראל אומר: "שזהו קטע החזנות האהוב עליו ביותר" וכך גם עלי.

[@Y.m.260]

בטח כוונתך לעורך הדין יעקב וינרוט

[@Lazerfrey]

דוד יקירי, במחילה. אבל לא נסחפת קצת עם 11 תגובות על אותו פרק? 🤔🤣😘

[@EarlDavid18]

good rosh hashana music, puts us in the spirit

[@stevenbloom1060]

LOVELY

[@garygrush]

To KatharineEllenW, you are very lucky to have a great grandfather for a cantor. His voice is beautiful.

[@marionunez9639]

Gracias por la hermosa canción

[@ileskin]

Just discovered this, beautiful chazzanus. My son is training to be a chazzan, he has a rich baritone and I will pass this on to him to practice this piece. Thanks for uploading

[@user-po5zt9lt1z]

מדהים!

[@user-dt2no5tk3z]

מי שאוהב חזנות הוא אדם מוסרי ובעל אינטלגנציה רגשית

[@eytonshalomsandiego]

as good as Sirota, Chagy, and all the others..Thank you for posting.

[@user-wp8nv4im6d]

muy bueno me hace recordar y ver a mi abuelo qepd

[@marionunez9639]

Gracias es agua en el desierto

[@user-xx7jj7gq6p]

מרטיט

[@dave1argaman]

ממש נהדר

[@Extrawagancja1]

Wspaniałe szczególnie instrumentalnie ,to tło jest wyjątkowe...

[@dave1argaman]

קורטין בין הגדולים ביותר ע"ה.

[@dave1argaman]

קוורטין הוא ענק עם ה''ריבונו של עוילם'' שלו שהוא הטוב ביותר.

[@davidrapp2079]

wooow woow this song we sing in haven 100%

[@andrewgiladi3088]

The best Ribono shel olam I have ever heard......b 'h..

[@andrewgiladi3088]

Ribbono shel olam....a great rendition...by the great hazzan...kwartin..

[@nagurman]

I don't enjoy today's Chazanim in live performance half as much as I enjoyed this piece

[@user-hl2hs5gd3e]

אל תשווה בכלל

[@dave1argaman]

this is wonderful also Mordechai Hershman with Eilu Devurim.

[@thecarmel1light]

beautiful, So beautiful thanks for sharing

[@sjoerdstellingwerf8226]

Deeply touched! Thanks.

[@Extrawagancja1]

Wspaniałe wykonanie:)!

[@Extrawagancja1]

Cudowne:)

[@mike-callahan]

This face is also reference to "Sawel Kwartin" I have a Victor Record dated around 1900's and a Wiki pic showing this same man. The record I have is Rehenu Beonjenu

[@zvialfisher7274]

גדול החזנים!זוגער ענק!!!!

[@extanegautham8950]

the best part of shul growing up was the chazzanus...even in reform, usa, 1950's 60's we still had it. doubt they do now....

[@ridvansadrhanov]

Потрясает до глубины души .!!!!! Фантастика !!!

[@bookishima]

Beautiful been such a long time since I've heard Hazzan Kwartin sing this, thank you for posting!

[@user-dt2no5tk3z]

המלך המלך המלך!

[@reytanreytan2295]

Niezle,nie powiem,Zydzi tez maja polska dusze,to poczucie tragizmu,no i latynoskie aktorstwo. Wspaniala sztuka.

[@doozang1]

This is a classic! Simply superb! It ranks with Chazzan Kwartin;s renditions of Tiher Rabbi Yishmael Atzmo and Haneshamah Lach as one of the greatest pieces of chazzanut on record. I first heard a truncated version of Chazzan Kwartin's Ribono Shel Olam sung by Percy Brass, a fine lay chazzan, at the Rondebosch shul in Cape Town in the 1960s. To hear the full piece by Chazzan Kwartin is a sheer joy.

[@arie1039]

Pu

[@italoolivatamburello3149]

❤❤❤❤

[@katzsam35]

If yosele wasn't so successful he would be next in line

[@kimbj9302d]

I would put Hershman/ pinchik

[@josesandahos4089]

lo mejor que jazan

[@ae3941]

Jose Sandah

[@leaneuman1291]

רמי אתה בטח תאהב את זה

[@Diabolik3]

This dude's voice...Holly.

[@HAZIDEAD]

I read his whole book "Mein Leben". Highly interesting. Please tell me more how you are related. As far as I remember he had three sons and one of them died during his lifetime. He mentions his daughter Klara often. His first wife was ill and died. He remarried in the USA.

[@soultrade9311]

Hi everyone, is it possibe for someone who understand this prayer clearly, to post the lyrkcs or translation in englis even in hebrew most welcome, someone has to do something abot this my soul craves this prayer, hey world any jews here thanks

[@USB1069]

Just posted the prayer in English and Hebrew

[@Johnkitovernews]

#Ribbono

[@rosalindthomas6376]

#21

[@almeot]

על זה אבי ע"ה אמר "אריין גלעגט דאס גאנזע העארץ..."

[@user-dn1ed8dk7v]

Meir Adler תרגום ; הוא הכניס כאן את כל הלב שלו

[@almeot]

אוי כמה שזה נכון...

[@millardforever]

Such beauty! Is there any way to get a translation in English? Thank you in advance.

[@BetuachBashem]

'Ribono Shel Olam' means 'Master of the Universe', he repeats this constantly throughout the song. In this prayer we ask G-D to forgive us for our sins and bless us with a good life.

[@ae3941]

BetuachBash

[@kimbj9302d]

Is there any live footage from cantor kwartin???

[@yonifriedman9633]

קול שעוטף 2000 שנות גלות

[@yankalemala]

The new ute u

[@TheShangdi]

Office @Angel.

[@gotpowerwashing90]

रक्तचाप तसकसयतचुरकत

[@eyfinkel]

He seems to be using this version: books.google.co.il/books?id=fYk0AQAAIAAJ&hl=iw&pg=PA14-IA19 (סידור שפה ברורה, סדר קריאת התורה) Here's the text (only replaced רבון העולם with רבונו של עולם): רבונו של עולם מלא משאלותינו לטובה והפק רצוננו ותן לנו שאלתנו ומחול על כל עונותינו ועל כל עונות אנשי בתינו מחילה בחסד מחילה ברחמים וטהרנו מחטאינו ומעונותינו ומפשעינו וזכרנו בזכרון טוב לפניך ופקדנו בפקודת ישועה ורחמים וזכרנו לחיים טובים וארוכים ולשלום לפרנסה וכלכלה ותן לנו לחם לאכול ובגד ללבוש ועשר וכבוד וארך ימים להגות בתורתך ולקיים מצוותיה ושכל ובינה להבין ולהשכיל עמקי סודותיה ושלח רפואה לכל מכאובינו ותברך את כל מעשה ידינו ותגזור עלינו גזרות טובות ישועות ונחמות ותבטל מעלינו כל גזרות קשות ותטה לב המלכות ויועציה ושריה עלינו לטובה אמן וכן יהי רצון

[@aronmu]

Thanks. He leaves out - ותטה לב המלכות ויועציה ושריה עלינו לטובה and instead adds 7:50 to 7:55: - (קשות) ורעות (רבונו של עולם) or is it - (קשות) ואכזריות (רבונו של עולם) ? (It is not too clear so would appreciate someone fine tuned to give us an ear!)

[@eyfinkel]

@@aronmu Right. Can't figure that word out either

[@motelhoffman]

@@aronmu He also adds to ושלח רפואה the word שלימה :)

[@shifralefkowitz1829]

( the two z

[@Bimboo12able]

Of course his rendition is so sacred! He is aries, March 25 just like Aretha Franklin!

[@ae3941]

V

[@ae3941]

The king of all the previous and future chazonim.

[@user-bo8nb2mi]

They don't make them like that anymore

[@SEDELKOPF760]

aztsilut

[@yaelpalombo4093]

✡️🇮🇱🕎✌️

[@lsmart]

TBH, I'm not overly impressed with the composition. It's not a masterpiece of musical originality like V'tiher. That's not to say that it's not a nice piece, as is Halbein Chato'einu. But V'Tiher is gorgeous even when sung by a chazzan 20% as good as Kvartin, because the music is stunning, especially if you know the meaning of the words. This recording sounds so beautiful only because Kvartin is singing it. His voice was so stunningly gorgeous (second only to Yossele all time, IMHO), meltingly sweet, and thrillingly powerful, that he could probably sing a page from a telephone book and it would sound beautiful.

[@friedaeisinbach3129]

@@meyercohen7140 מותק מדבש