HAVEIN YAKIR LI
(Excerpt from V'al Y'dei - Zichronot)
by Michael Reid Winikoff
Solo Duet with Unison ATB Choir
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DURATION: 1:40
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THE TEXT - Havein Yakir Li is a part of a verse from Jeremiah,
and is among the most celebrated passages in the entire High Holy Day
liturgy, embodying the metaphor of parental love of G-d for “Ephraim,”
the people Israel. The verse casts a high profile in the Zichronot (“Remembrance”) section of the Rosh Hashanah
Musaf
(Additional) service. Being a moment of great pathos, it has given
rise to much musical inspiration for the cantor or, traditionally, a boy
soprano or alto.
THE MUSIC -
This rendition is an excerpt from a much larger setting of
V’al Y’dei
(Zichronot). It uses the common device of an ostinato (“obstinate”
or repeating) pattern in the choir against a solo duet for soprano and
alto. The 5/8 meter and irregular phrasing are not typical,
however.
PERFORMANCE -
Accuracy of timing is of course essential in mastering this somewhat
tricky piece. A constant sense of awareness of the eighth-note
pulse will be important and helpful for all performers. The most
challenging aspect is in the solo parts of the duet, particularly the
lower line. The repeating pattern of the choir is unchanging for a
long stretch initially, but does change at key moments. Tradition
(and the nature of the text) will favor the duet being sung by Soprano
and Alto, though Tenor and Bass is an option. Havein Yakir
Li may be sung alone, most likely preceded and followed by solo
chanting by the cantor, or in conjunction with other portions of the
larger work. See
Adaptabilities for V'al Y'dei.
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Havein yakir li efrayim |
Is Ephraim not my precious son, |