Sasha Argov
Encyclopedia
Alexander "Sasha" Argov was a prominent Israeli composer
.
. He immigrated to Palestine
from Russia in 1934 with his parents.
, film, and theater.
In Palestine, he first worked in a bank. He later wrote lyrics for private celebrations, and composed for the Palmach
and IDF
troupes, including one of his most famous songs, “Friendship.” He wrote for several popular singing groups, and set many poems to music, including works of Leah Goldberg
and Yehuda Amichai
.
Argov's music was influenced by Russian and to a smaller extent French music, but was dominated by Hebrew rhythms and harmony. He collaborated with Chaim Hefer and Matti Caspi
, two of whose albums feature exclusively lyrics written by Argov.
In 1988, he was awarded the Israel Prize
in Hebrew song.
In 2005, he was voted the 136th-greatest Israeli of all time, in a poll by the Israeli news website Ynet
to determine whom the general public considered the 200 Greatest Israelis.
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
.
Early life
Argov was born in MoscowMoscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
. He immigrated to Palestine
Palestine
Palestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
from Russia in 1934 with his parents.
Music career
He started composing at the age of five, began his formal music training one year later, and composed hundreds of popular songs. Among them were songs for the Israel Defense ForcesIsrael Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
, film, and theater.
In Palestine, he first worked in a bank. He later wrote lyrics for private celebrations, and composed for the Palmach
Palmach
The Palmach was the elite fighting force of the Haganah, the underground army of the Yishuv during the period of the British Mandate of Palestine. The Palmach was established on May 15, 1941...
and IDF
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
troupes, including one of his most famous songs, “Friendship.” He wrote for several popular singing groups, and set many poems to music, including works of Leah Goldberg
Leah Goldberg
Leah Goldberg was a prolific Hebrew poet, author, playwright, literary translator, and comparative literary researcher. Her writings are considered classics of Israeli literature and remain very popular among Hebrew speaking Israelis.-Biography:...
and Yehuda Amichai
Yehuda Amichai
Yehuda Amichai was an Israeli poet. Amichai is considered by many, both in Israel and internationally, as Israel's greatest modern poet. He was also one of the first to write in colloquial Hebrew....
.
Argov's music was influenced by Russian and to a smaller extent French music, but was dominated by Hebrew rhythms and harmony. He collaborated with Chaim Hefer and Matti Caspi
Matti Caspi
Matti Caspi is an Israeli composer, musician, singer, and lyricist. Born in 1949, he is regarded as one of Israel’s top musicians.His music style is difficult to classify. He is influenced by classical music, Brazilian and Latin music, Jazz, Rock and other genres. It is possible to hear all these...
, two of whose albums feature exclusively lyrics written by Argov.
In 1988, he was awarded the Israel Prize
Israel Prize
The Israel Prize is an award handed out by the State of Israel and is largely regarded as the state's highest honor. It is presented annually, on Israeli Independence Day, in a state ceremony in Jerusalem, in the presence of the President, the Prime Minister, the Knesset chairperson, and the...
in Hebrew song.
In 2005, he was voted the 136th-greatest Israeli of all time, in a poll by the Israeli news website Ynet
Ynet
Ynet is the most popular Israeli news and general content website. It is owned by the same conglomerate that operates Yediot Ahronot, the country's secondleading daily newspaper...
to determine whom the general public considered the 200 Greatest Israelis.