Masada

Description

This work is intended to be programmatic and tell the bible story of Masada. Masada opens with the folk song Mi Y’Malel (Who can retell?). The song starts with:

Who can retell the things that be-fell us?
Who can count them?
In every age a hero or sage came to our aid.

The entrance of the horns is to announce the Roman army and in turn the people of Yisrael fleeing to the desert and the “rock” known as Masada. At first the “people of God” feel safe and there is joyous dancing. This is interrupted by, once again, the horns, this time muted and sounding in the distance. The percussion in measure 32 represents the sound of the army of Rome traveling across the vast desert. At 47 an Aleppo Jewish melody titled “Yoheved’s Lullaby” Is used. It tells of a mother watching over her child as he sleeps. It is Yoheved’s lullaby to Moses and she tells him, “tales of Israel you will hear from me. Grow up strong and wise and try to set your people free.” This melody is extended with the clarinet and becomes more somber, telling of things to come with the baritone and trumpet duet in measure 57.

The horns boldly enter with the Sh’ma Yisrael (Hear, 0 Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One). This is to represent the resolution of the speech made by Elazar ben Yalr at Masada,

`Since we long ago resolved never to be servants to the Romans, not to any other than to God Himself, who alone Is the true and lust Lord of mankind, the time is now come that obliges us to make that resolution true in practice… We were the very first that revolted, and we are the last to fight against them; and I cannot but esteem it as a favor that God has granted us, that It is still in our power to die bravely, and Ina state of freedom’
This is followed by Mo’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages, however, not the Christian hymn by the same title).

Rock of Ages, let our song praise Thy saving power,
Thou amidst the raging foes, waste our sheltering tower.
Furious, they assailed us, but Thine arm availed us,
And Thy word broke their sword when our own strength failed us.

Children of the Martyr-race,
Whether free or fettered,
Wake the echoes of the songs.
Where ye may be scattered.
Yours the message cheering
Which will see
All men free,
Tyrants disappearing.

In the final measures Mi Y’Malel (Who can retell?) returns.

The story of the people of Yisrael at Masada reminds us of the message that we all must make sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy.

This work Is dedicated to Richard Crain “for all that he has done and continues to do for Texas bands.”

Published by: RBC Publications