This past friday evening I went to the Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silverspring MD to hear the visiting Cantor Yaakov Motzen lead Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv.
I did not know what to expect. Over the last several years all the buzz had been about Cantor Helfgot and a select other few. I am familiar with a handful other Chazzanim that are all very talented but Cantor Yaakov Motzen had slipped under the radar.
He is a true professional. Every phrase that comes out of his mouth is carefully crafted with strong vocal technique and artistic interpretation. He sounds like he could night float as an Opera Singer.
The accompanying choir from YU was passable at best but still added an important element that is essential for a strong Cantorial experience. A good choir not only helps push the Cantor/Congregation to new heights but helps make the Cantorial soloist's singing more accessible so the congregation can sing along as well.
Cantor Motzen's high notes were the most exciting part of the evening. Whether just touching a high note during an arpeggiated chord or holding a sustained high note at the end of Lewandowski's tzadik katamar they all were thrilling, effortless, and inspiring.
This type of experience is what we so desperately need to jump start Jewish music as an art form in the synagogue again.
