YISM'CHU
by Michael Reid Winikoff

THE TEXT - Yism'chu is a familiar prayer from the Amidah of the Saturday morning Musaf service, embodying the central idea of the sabbath as a delight - oneg shabbat. 

MUSIC / PERFORMANCE - The characteristic musical treatments of this text are likely to be in a lively yet reflective mood, most often in the Ahava Raba or freygish (think "Hava Nagila") mode. This highly adaptable rendition aims toward a Chassidic style in the cantorial tradition, but in two parts which may be sung all or in part by solo voices, choir, or both.  Adaptabilities - Yism'chu.  The form follows the popular procedure for this prayer – refrain with verses, though this is not the actual form of the text.  Sing this music in a spirited, joyous and expressive manner.  Highly appropriate for concert use.