Composer

:

Salomone Rossi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:45

Hashkivénu (Prayer) à 5 is a sacred choral composition composed by Salomone Rossi, a Jewish-Italian composer, in the late 16th century. The piece was first published in Rossi's collection of Jewish liturgical music, Ha-shirim asher li-Shlomo (The Songs of Solomon), in 1622. The composition is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is a setting of the Hashkivénu prayer, which is recited during the evening service in Jewish liturgy. The prayer asks for God's protection and guidance during the night, and the music reflects the solemnity and reverence of the text. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the voices singing in unison to create a sense of unity and harmony. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the voices weaving in and out of each other to create a complex and intricate texture. The final movement returns to the solemnity of the first, with the voices coming together in a powerful and moving conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of Hashkivénu (Prayer) à 5 is its use of polyphony, or the combination of multiple voices to create a rich and complex sound. Rossi was one of the first composers to use polyphony in Jewish liturgical music, and his innovative approach helped to establish a new tradition of Jewish choral music. Overall, Hashkivénu (Prayer) à 5 is a beautiful and powerful piece of music that reflects the deep spiritual traditions of Jewish culture. Its timeless beauty and profound meaning continue to inspire and move listeners today, nearly four centuries after it was first composed.

More....