History of synagogue music

Originally a cantor led Jewish worship as prayer leader and intermediary between God and the congregation without any musical accompaniment.
In the 19th century Louis Lewandowski linked the Jewish tradition of an anthem between cantor and choir with occidental harmonics to produce a new harmony.

However, the innovations introduced to the Jewish liturgy by the great master and reformer Louis Lewandowski (1821 – 1894) transformed Jewish worship into a musical experience. The resurgence of pride and confidence in their identity among the Jews of the 19th century found expression in these innovations and imbued the Jewish liturgy throughout the world and across denominations with fresh vibrancy and popularity.

The Synagogal Ensemble Berlin is the only ensemble in the world to perform Louis Lewandowski's liturgy every Friday evening, every Shabbat morning and on all Jewish feast days.