Cantor William Sharlin: Musical Revolutionary of Reform Judaism

William Sharlin was a cantor, synagogue composer, teacher, and musicologist who founded the American Conference of Cantors and was the first to play a guitar in a synagogue. He developed the Department of Sacred Music at HUC in Los Angeles and trained women to be cantors before they were allowed in the seminary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 131 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

William Sharlin, a versatile musician and scholar, lived a remarkable life from 1920 to 2012. Born into an Orthodox Jewish family, he embraced Universalism and the liberal Reform movement, which shaped his spiritual journey. Sharlin's educational pursuits were remarkable, as he was a member of the inaugural graduating class of the first cantorial school in America. He played a pivotal role in establishing the American Conference of Cantors and is widely recognized as the first individual to perform guitar music in a synagogue.

Sharlin's contributions extended beyond academia. He developed the Department of Sacred Music at the Hebrew Union College (HUC) in Los Angeles, where he dedicated 40 years to teaching and training women to become cantors before they were officially admitted to the seminary. His dedication to the cantorate was unwavering, as he spent nearly four decades at Leo Baeck Temple, further advancing the art form.

In this captivating account, the author delves into the life and career of William Sharlin through extensive interviews conducted in the latter part of his life. The book offers a profound insight into the creative spirit and innovative approaches of this remarkable figure, who left an indelible mark on the history of the cantorate. Through his experiences, Sharlin's story serves as a testament to the power of music and the enduring impact of one's dedication to their craft.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 149 x 222 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476677064