Esther Ofarim (Hebrew:אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941) is an Israeli singer.
Biography
Esther Zaied was born in Safed to a Syrian Jewish family. She began performing as a child, singing Hebrew and international folk songs. In 1959, she met Abi Ofarim, a guitarist and dancer, whom she later married.
In 1960, Esther landed a small role in the film Exodus. In 1961 she won the Song Festival in Tel Aviv, where she sang "Saëni Imchá Bemachol" (Take Me with You When You Dance) and "Naamah". Two years later she won second place in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with "T'en vas pas," representing Switzerland.
From then on, her duo with Abi Ofarim took off. In 1966, they had their first hit in Germany with "Noch einen Tanz", an English version of which, "One More Dance", was a hit in the UK two years later, peaking at no. 13. Their greatest success in Germany was in 1967 with "Morning of my Life", which was written by the Bee Gees. In 1968 "Cinderella Rockefella" hit the top of the charts in a number of countries including the UK. They played many live concerts in New York City and London, and in 1969 they toured around the world.
The song originated from Walter Huston's request that he should have one solo song in Knickerbocker Holiday, if he was going to play the role of the aged dictator Peter Stuyvesant. Anderson and Weill wrote the song specifically for Huston's gruff voice and limited vocal range, in a couple of hours.
Knickerbocker Holiday was roughly based on Washington Irving's "Father Knickerbocker's History of New York," set in New Amsterdam in 1647. It is a political allegory attacking the New Deal through the semi–fascist government of New Amsterdam with a corrupt governor, Peter Stuyvesant, and corrupt councilmen. It also involves a minor love triangle with a young woman forced to marry Stuyvesant while loving another. The musical enjoyed only moderate success and closed in April 1939 after six months. "September Song" was seldom recorded in the 1940s, with recordings by Bing Crosby (1943) and Frank Sinatra (1946) being the most notable. But after Huston's version was used in the 1950 film September Affair, and reached number one on the pop music chart (see below), the song quickly became established as a modern standard, with many subsequent recordings.
September Song was a British bittersweet comedy drama series, originally broadcast on the ITV channel in the United Kingdom. The drama unfolded over three series broadcast between 1993 and 1995 and starred comedian and actor Russ Abbott, in one his first 'straight' television roles, as recently widowed ex-teacher Ted Fenwick, opposite Michael Williams as Billy Balsam, an old school comedian and performer and longtime friend of Ted.
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) held a 180-day feast in Susa (Shoushan). While in "high spirits" from the wine, he ordered his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests to display her beauty. But when the attendants delivered the king's command to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. Furious at her refusal to obey, the king asked his wise men what should be done. One of them said that all the women in the empire would hear that "The King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not." Then these women would despise their husbands, which would cause many problems in the kingdom. Therefore it would be prudent to depose Vashti.
Esther is a play in three acts written in 1689 by the French dramatist, Jean Racine. It premiered on January 26, 1689, performed by the pupils of the Maison royale de Saint-Louis, an educational institute for young girls of noble birth. The subject is taken from the biblical Book of Esther.
Esther remains one of Racine's lesser known works as it has only three instead of the classical five acts. It dates from the last period of his career when he entered government work and was requested by Madame de Maintenon to return to liturgical drama. It is often negatively compared to Racine's 1691 biblical play written for Maintenon, Athalie.
Later reception
From the 1876 translation of Caroline Andrews:
In the reign of Louis XIV, a seminary for young ladies was founded at St. Cyr, at the persuasion of Madame Maintenon, who gave her entire attention to the education of 250 noble young ladies; who were educated free of expense until their 20th year. Racine was requested to compose a poem suitable for their instruction and amusement, and he proposed the subject of Esther; which he dramatized to the satisfaction of teachers and pupils, and which they declaimed and chanted with so much grace and modesty, that this little drama, intended only for the benefit of young pupils, became the admiration of king and court. Grand lords saw and applauded.
As the translator has followed closely the original, she hopes to recommend the same to the attention of lady educators. And knowing that the Jews in the celebration of their Purim always read the book of Esther, it is thought the rehearsal of this drama might make a deeper impression on the minds of their youth and contribute to their entertainment.
Esther Ofarim אסתר עופרים - September Song (live, 2018)
Esther Ofarim - September Song (live in Braunschweig, 2018)
More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/braunschweig2018.htm
Lyrics: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/september.htm
published: 03 Sep 2018
Esther Ofarim, Tom Jones & Cher (live, 1969)
Medley of Esther Ofarim, Tom Jones and Cher on the "This is Tom Jones" UK tv show, 1969. More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/this-is-tom-jones.htm
published: 06 Nov 2013
Esther & Abi Ofarim - Morning Of My Life (1968)
From a music special first transmitted by ARD on 9th September 1968
...thanks to 'gussie5555' for the template.
published: 25 Apr 2024
Esther Ofarim
published: 04 Nov 2017
Esther And Abi Ofarim Morning Of My Life (HB 2017)
Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim (Hebrew: אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941), is an Israeli singer. She came second in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with the song "T'en vas pas", representing Switzerland. After marrying Abi Ofarim (born Abraham Reichstadt) and for a full decade in the 1960s, she was half of the singing husband and wife duo, Esther & Abi Ofarim. After they divorced, the duo broke up and she undertook a successful solo career.
published: 17 Sep 2017
Esther Ofarim אסתר עופרים - By myself (live, 1970)
Esther Ofarim - By myself (live, 1970)
Lyrics: http://esther-ofarim.de//myself.htm
published: 26 Apr 2020
The three song Esther Ofarim Smothers Brothers
(written by Mason Williams)
(Esther Ofarim sang it together with the Smothers Brothers on their show
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on April 9, 1967, USA)
Little winds sing a song of the sun in the sky
and I know, like the wind, the songs will always be there.
In your hair, soft and warm, light of dawn, shining fair,
in your voice, as you sing, the songs will always be there.
Little winds (in your hair) sing a song (soft and warm) of the sun (light of dawn) in the sky (shining fair)
And I know (in your voice), like the wind (as you sing), the songs will always be there.
Little wines are the kiss of the fruit from the earth and I know, there I taste surely the sweetest of all.
In your lips, sweet as dew, on the vine in the fall.
The first kiss from your lips is surely the sweetes...
published: 26 Jan 2017
Esther Ofarim אסתר עופרים - Live rehearsal, 1967
Esther & Abi Ofarim, live in Switzerland, 1967.
Rehearsals (for the light) of Ma omrot eynaich, Lonesome traveller, Entends-tu le vent and Viva la feria. Instrumental intro: Another man + Nine hundred miles.
published: 04 Apr 2018
Esther Ofarim - Song Of The French Partisan
From the Album: "In London"
Released: 05 June 2009
Esther Ofarim - September Song (live in Braunschweig, 2018)
More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/braunschweig2018.htm
Lyrics: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/sept...
Esther Ofarim - September Song (live in Braunschweig, 2018)
More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/braunschweig2018.htm
Lyrics: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/september.htm
Esther Ofarim - September Song (live in Braunschweig, 2018)
More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/braunschweig2018.htm
Lyrics: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/september.htm
Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim (Hebrew: אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941), is an Israeli singer. She came second in the Eurovisio...
Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim (Hebrew: אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941), is an Israeli singer. She came second in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with the song "T'en vas pas", representing Switzerland. After marrying Abi Ofarim (born Abraham Reichstadt) and for a full decade in the 1960s, she was half of the singing husband and wife duo, Esther & Abi Ofarim. After they divorced, the duo broke up and she undertook a successful solo career.
Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim (Hebrew: אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941), is an Israeli singer. She came second in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with the song "T'en vas pas", representing Switzerland. After marrying Abi Ofarim (born Abraham Reichstadt) and for a full decade in the 1960s, she was half of the singing husband and wife duo, Esther & Abi Ofarim. After they divorced, the duo broke up and she undertook a successful solo career.
(written by Mason Williams)
(Esther Ofarim sang it together with the Smothers Brothers on their show
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on April 9, 1967, USA)
...
(written by Mason Williams)
(Esther Ofarim sang it together with the Smothers Brothers on their show
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on April 9, 1967, USA)
Little winds sing a song of the sun in the sky
and I know, like the wind, the songs will always be there.
In your hair, soft and warm, light of dawn, shining fair,
in your voice, as you sing, the songs will always be there.
Little winds (in your hair) sing a song (soft and warm) of the sun (light of dawn) in the sky (shining fair)
And I know (in your voice), like the wind (as you sing), the songs will always be there.
Little wines are the kiss of the fruit from the earth and I know, there I taste surely the sweetest of all.
In your lips, sweet as dew, on the vine in the fall.
The first kiss from your lips is surely the sweetest of all.
Little wines (in your lips) are the kiss (sweet as dew) of the fruit (on the vine) from the earth (in the fall)
And I know (the first kiss) there I taste (from your lips) is surely the sweetest of all.
Little stars (in your eyes) twinkle bright (like the sky) in the still (of the night) sky above (it is true)
And I know (that I love) only you (only you) wish it so to be true.
lalalala....
The songs will always be there!
(written by Mason Williams)
(Esther Ofarim sang it together with the Smothers Brothers on their show
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on April 9, 1967, USA)
Little winds sing a song of the sun in the sky
and I know, like the wind, the songs will always be there.
In your hair, soft and warm, light of dawn, shining fair,
in your voice, as you sing, the songs will always be there.
Little winds (in your hair) sing a song (soft and warm) of the sun (light of dawn) in the sky (shining fair)
And I know (in your voice), like the wind (as you sing), the songs will always be there.
Little wines are the kiss of the fruit from the earth and I know, there I taste surely the sweetest of all.
In your lips, sweet as dew, on the vine in the fall.
The first kiss from your lips is surely the sweetest of all.
Little wines (in your lips) are the kiss (sweet as dew) of the fruit (on the vine) from the earth (in the fall)
And I know (the first kiss) there I taste (from your lips) is surely the sweetest of all.
Little stars (in your eyes) twinkle bright (like the sky) in the still (of the night) sky above (it is true)
And I know (that I love) only you (only you) wish it so to be true.
lalalala....
The songs will always be there!
Esther & Abi Ofarim, live in Switzerland, 1967.
Rehearsals (for the light) of Ma omrot eynaich, Lonesome traveller, Entends-tu le vent and Viva la feria. Instru...
Esther & Abi Ofarim, live in Switzerland, 1967.
Rehearsals (for the light) of Ma omrot eynaich, Lonesome traveller, Entends-tu le vent and Viva la feria. Instrumental intro: Another man + Nine hundred miles.
Esther & Abi Ofarim, live in Switzerland, 1967.
Rehearsals (for the light) of Ma omrot eynaich, Lonesome traveller, Entends-tu le vent and Viva la feria. Instrumental intro: Another man + Nine hundred miles.
Esther Ofarim - September Song (live in Braunschweig, 2018)
More info: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/braunschweig2018.htm
Lyrics: http://www.esther-ofarim.de/september.htm
Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim (Hebrew: אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941), is an Israeli singer. She came second in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with the song "T'en vas pas", representing Switzerland. After marrying Abi Ofarim (born Abraham Reichstadt) and for a full decade in the 1960s, she was half of the singing husband and wife duo, Esther & Abi Ofarim. After they divorced, the duo broke up and she undertook a successful solo career.
(written by Mason Williams)
(Esther Ofarim sang it together with the Smothers Brothers on their show
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" on April 9, 1967, USA)
Little winds sing a song of the sun in the sky
and I know, like the wind, the songs will always be there.
In your hair, soft and warm, light of dawn, shining fair,
in your voice, as you sing, the songs will always be there.
Little winds (in your hair) sing a song (soft and warm) of the sun (light of dawn) in the sky (shining fair)
And I know (in your voice), like the wind (as you sing), the songs will always be there.
Little wines are the kiss of the fruit from the earth and I know, there I taste surely the sweetest of all.
In your lips, sweet as dew, on the vine in the fall.
The first kiss from your lips is surely the sweetest of all.
Little wines (in your lips) are the kiss (sweet as dew) of the fruit (on the vine) from the earth (in the fall)
And I know (the first kiss) there I taste (from your lips) is surely the sweetest of all.
Little stars (in your eyes) twinkle bright (like the sky) in the still (of the night) sky above (it is true)
And I know (that I love) only you (only you) wish it so to be true.
lalalala....
The songs will always be there!
Esther & Abi Ofarim, live in Switzerland, 1967.
Rehearsals (for the light) of Ma omrot eynaich, Lonesome traveller, Entends-tu le vent and Viva la feria. Instrumental intro: Another man + Nine hundred miles.
Esther Ofarim (Hebrew:אסתר עופרים; born June 13, 1941) is an Israeli singer.
Biography
Esther Zaied was born in Safed to a Syrian Jewish family. She began performing as a child, singing Hebrew and international folk songs. In 1959, she met Abi Ofarim, a guitarist and dancer, whom she later married.
In 1960, Esther landed a small role in the film Exodus. In 1961 she won the Song Festival in Tel Aviv, where she sang "Saëni Imchá Bemachol" (Take Me with You When You Dance) and "Naamah". Two years later she won second place in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with "T'en vas pas," representing Switzerland.
From then on, her duo with Abi Ofarim took off. In 1966, they had their first hit in Germany with "Noch einen Tanz", an English version of which, "One More Dance", was a hit in the UK two years later, peaking at no. 13. Their greatest success in Germany was in 1967 with "Morning of my Life", which was written by the Bee Gees. In 1968 "Cinderella Rockefella" hit the top of the charts in a number of countries including the UK. They played many live concerts in New York City and London, and in 1969 they toured around the world.
Oh, it's a long, long time from May to December But the days grow short when you reach September When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame One hasn't got time for the waiting game Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few September, November And these few precious days I'll spend with you