Admon (Gorochov), Yedidyah
ADMON (Gorochov), YEDIDYAH
ADMON (Gorochov), YEDIDYAH (1897–1982), Israeli composer. Admon, who was born in Yekaterinoslav, Ukraine, went to Ereẓ Israel in 1906. From 1923 to 1927 he studied theory of music and composition in the U.S. In 1927 he returned to Palestine and in the same year published his first songs, among them the popular "Gamal Gemali" (Camel Driver's Song). In 1930 he went to Paris to study with Nadia Boulanger, the French music teacher. For several years Admon was director of the Israeli Performing Rights Society (acum). After spending 13 years in America, he returned to Israel in 1968. Admon was a pioneer in the field of Israeli song. He was one of the first Israeli composers, and one of the earliest to create a new style which served, often subconsciously, as a model for other composers. This style blends four elements: the music of the Oriental Jewish communities, especially the Yemenite and Persian; Arab music; ḥasidic music; and Bible cantillation. The result is an absolute organic unity. The rhythm of the Hebrew language is also an important factor in Admon's music. He was awarded the Israel Prize for the arts in 1974. His work includes music for the theater – Bar Kokhba; Michal, Daughter of Saul; and Jeremiah – for piano and violin, and a symphonic poem, The Song of Deborah.
bibliography:
P. Gradenwitz, Music and Musicians in Israel (19592), index.
[Herzl Shmueli]