Cantor Leibele Waldman

חזן לייבל וולדמן

106 songs 13 albums

Cantor Leibele Waldman was born on June 22, 1907 in New York of a family of Galician immigrants. Growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Leibele (Louis) Waldman was recognized as a "wunderkind", officiating at the pulpit with a choir by the age of nine. He began his studies as a youngster at an institution later known as the East Side Talmud Torah and subsequently at the Yeshiva of Rabbi Shlomo Klieger. It was during this period that his inherent musical and hazzanic talents were first noticed. Affectionately referred to as Leibele (as he would be throughout his career), the young hazandl began to appear with frequency in a number of local synagogues. Realizing the importance of a musical background he then studied music and sulfeggio (sight reading) with a local East Side musician, Shabbtai Weingarten. Befriended and influenced by the great Cantor Yossele Roseblatt, Waldman went on to develop his own distinctive style which is still influencing cantors today. A lyric baritone, Waldman's amazing vocal range, coloratura, flawless falsetto and sweet voice allowed him great flexibility interpreting prayers that have become "standards". His renditions of Ki Lekach Tov, Sarfe Maloh, Odom Y'sodo Meofer, L'fichoch Anachnu and Hineni (s'firah) are just a few of the many Waldman masterpieces. His skilled improvisations at the pulpit prompted one cantor to state, "When listening to Waldman, I felt as though I was being transported into another realm as Waldman pleaded for his congregation." Waldman was a pioneer in phonograph recording, radio and Jewish Movies ("talkies") all of which showcased his cantorial talents to an appreciative audience. His extensive travels throughout the United States and Canada invariably drew large crowds to the synagogues and concert halls where he appeared. Waldman's recordings of liturgical compositions, Yiddish folk songs and Hassidic melodies earned him fame and recognition. He was heard live for twenty years, twice a week, on Radio Station WEVD. The warmth of his voice, his stage presence and personality made him a favorite among his listeners. His guest appearances at Madison Square Garden delighted Jews and non-Jews who also attended in great numbers. While still a young man, Waldman concertized with Zavel Kwartin (in his eighties at the time) and Yossele Rosenblatt. In fact, Rosenblatt shared the stage with Waldman during his final concert in the United States before his death in Palestine. During World War II, Waldman entertained Jewish troops stationed in the United States. He officiated at several thousand wedding ceremonies as he was greatly sought after because of his unique musical style. One cantor was quoted in the New York Times saying, "When you had Waldman you had the best"