Composer

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David Zehavi

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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2:43

"Eli, Eli!" is a choral work composed by David Zehavi, an Israeli composer, in 1945. The piece was premiered in Tel Aviv, Israel, in the same year. It is a three-movement work that is characterized by its use of Jewish liturgical texts and its emotional intensity. The first movement, "Eli, Eli!" is based on a poem by Hannah Szenes, a Hungarian Jewish poet who was executed by the Nazis. The text is a prayer to God, asking for strength and courage in the face of adversity. The music is somber and mournful, with a slow tempo and a minor key. The choir sings in unison, creating a sense of unity and solidarity. The second movement, "Shir Hama'alot," is based on Psalm 126, which is traditionally recited during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The text speaks of the joy and gratitude felt by the Jewish people upon their return to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. The music is more upbeat and celebratory, with a faster tempo and a major key. The choir sings in harmony, creating a sense of joy and exultation. The third movement, "Yih'yu L'ratzon," is a prayer that is traditionally recited at the end of the Jewish Sabbath. The text asks for God's blessings and protection for the coming week. The music is more contemplative and introspective, with a slower tempo and a minor key. The choir sings in harmony, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Overall, "Eli, Eli!" is a powerful and emotional work that reflects the Jewish experience of persecution, exile, and redemption. The use of liturgical texts adds a spiritual dimension to the music, while the choral arrangements create a sense of unity and community. The piece has become a staple of Jewish choral repertoire and is often performed at Holocaust memorials and other commemorative events.

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