Music Without An Agenda

What makes a ShiurVaShir song different?

Every song has part to it. Great Torah masters have expounded on the dovetail relationship between the melody, the niggun, and the song – the shir or words, comparing it to a guf and neshoma – a body and soul. True Jewish music should, ideally, unify all parts of a song as one, like a rider carried by a healthy, powerful vehicle. Words should ride comfortably with a well-matched tune, and vice versa, the melody (and instruments) should honor the depth of the Possuk, or holy words. But many popular Jewish songs simply cater to sell, to market. If you listen carefully, you’ll realize that some hot, popular songs are simply secular beats or tunes rebranded and packaged with some Hebrew words that kosherize, or“Jewify” the song.

Not here.

I don’t generally compose for a  contract – so there’s no outside agenda to please anyone. Most of the music that forms Shiur Vashir's was not ever intended for any audience. Many of the songs you will hear emerged spontaneously, in a moment of inspiration, or were given as gifts to friends, family in celebration of life’s milestones, triumphs – or tragedies. With no need to impress, sell a piece, or adapt to current musical trend, the music you will hear emanates from the heart and soul – not from the marketplace…. The Hebrew songs are results of much thought, davening, research, and repeating a Possuk over and over until the rhythm is exposed, and the melody emerges from the essence of the words. Many English songs have untold stories that line the words and music notes….

The result?

Fresh, flowing, original song... paired to a d'var Torah or a story so it comes alive for you.

I hope you’ll hear the Shiur VaShir difference – where body and soul of the song fuse and spring to life with appropriateness, and refinement.

Mrs. Rochel Leah Konigsberg