HAYOM HARAT OLAM (Anthem)
by Michael Reid Winikoff
Mixed Choir (SATB div), Soli, Organ
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DURATION: 2:45
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THE PRAYER - Hayom Harat Olam - “Today the world is born. Today all creatures stand in judgment….” This passage occurs three times in the repetition of the Musaf ("Additional" service) of Rosh Hashanah, concluding each of the three themed sections “Malchuyot,” “Zichronot,” and “Shofrot” (verses of “Sovereignty,” “Remembrance,” and “Revelation”).
THE MUSIC - In contrast to the many musical settings which begin softly and
crescendo, this rendition of Hayom Harat Olam opens with a monumental announcement by tenor
solo and choir response, followed by an awe-infused echo. The
choir then intones a hobbling, humble theme that recurs in varied form
through the piece. The opening declaration returns like a
thunderbolt, then tranquilly fades before returning again in the
momentous fashion of the opening. (Also see the
alternate Motet setting of this text).
PERFORMANCE -
It is important to the proper effect that the solo passages,
particularly in the opening and closing sections, be
delivered in a grand, heroic manner. Although marked as Tenor and Bass solos, some or all of
them may be taken by suitably strong soprano or alto voices, or by the cantor. The "thunderbolt" in the
choral tenors and basses at measure 32, requires maximum sound, and
therefore should not be vocally forced, an approach which is usually
counter-productive. Attention to free, open, resonant vocal
production is (as it should always be), indicated for this passage.
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Hayom harat olam |
Today the universe is born. |