HANEIROT HALALU
(Meditation on the Chanukkah Lights)
by Michael Reid Winikoff
SATB with Solo Violin |
DURATION: 4:50
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THE TEXT - Haneirot Halalu is a somewhat didactic text,
aiming to instruct and remind children young and old of the special
significance of these lights, which are symbolic of the “miracles,
wonders, victories and battles” which G-d wrought for us “in days of
old, at this season.”
THE MUSIC - While most musical renderings are lively and
overtly joyful, this setting is intended to be reflective, evoking the
tranquil mystery of the moment when we kindle the Chanukkah lights.
It is the sacred magic of Chanukkah through a child’s eyes, as fondly
recalled by the adult.
This Chanukkah Meditation is primarily a concert work,
but is sure to add to any public Chanukkah candle-lighting. While
the violin solo is a major contributor to the effect, it may be omitted.
The piece opens with the violin alluding to a theme later to be taken up
by the choir on the text "v'ein lanu r'shut l'hishtameish bahem..."
But the choir first enters in deep contemplation, then swells in volume
much like the swelling glow of the Chanukkah lights. At the words
"al y'dei kohanecha hak'doshim" there is subtle reference to
nusach of the Avodah of Yom Kippur, as the text refers to the "holy
priests." The music then strolls through the eight days of the
Festival of Lights as the light again swells on the words "kodesh
heim". A traditional Chanukkah tune Al Hanisim is referenced
on the text "k'dei l'hodot." The choir then dies away to
an afterglow as the violin climbs to its final pinpoint of light.
PERFORMANCE -
Despite the slow tempo and contemplative mood, this music must be
governed by a sense of ebb and flow, and of shaped phrases, within its
sostenuto context. Most importantly, It must always
engage us with a sense of mystical magic and wonder.
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Haneirot halalu V’chol sh’mona y’mei Chanukkah |
These lights Through all eight days of Chanukkah, |