A Hebrew Rhapsody

Description

A rhapsody is defined as an instrumental composition that is a ‘fantasia’ using fragments from national music, folk dance and popular songs. The work A Hebrew Rhapsody does in fact use folk dances and a short fragment of a popular song (Hava Nagila), however, no national music is used. In place of national music the composer chose to use a religious quote from the Jewish Cantor/composer of Synagogue music, Salomon Sulzer (1804 – 1880). The inclusion of Hava Nagila was used at the request of the composer’s wife. After the composer played the work for his wife she asked ‘how can you have a Hebrew rhapsody without using the very popular song Hava Nagila?’ The addition of the unofficial Jewish ‘national anthem’ was added as a short humorous nod to the composer’s wife.

Published by: RBC Publications