Composer

:

Paul Ben-Haim

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Variations

Average_duration

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19:31

Paul Ben-Haim's "Variations on a Hebrew Melody" is a composition for orchestra that was completed in 1951. The piece was premiered in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 13, 1951, by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The work is comprised of a theme and six variations, and it has a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The theme of "Variations on a Hebrew Melody" is a traditional Jewish melody called "Hinei Ma Tov," which means "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The melody is introduced by the clarinet and is then taken up by the strings. The first variation features the oboe and is characterized by a lively, dance-like rhythm. The second variation is slower and more contemplative, with the melody played by the English horn. The third variation is marked by a faster tempo and a more complex texture, with the melody passed between the strings and the woodwinds. The fourth variation is a scherzo, with a playful and energetic character. The fifth variation is the longest and most complex, featuring a fugue-like texture and a wide range of orchestral colors. The final variation is a triumphant restatement of the theme, with the melody played by the brass and the full orchestra. "Variations on a Hebrew Melody" is characterized by its use of traditional Jewish melodies and rhythms, which are combined with Western classical forms and techniques. The work reflects Ben-Haim's interest in creating a synthesis between Jewish and Western musical traditions, and it has become one of his most popular and frequently performed compositions.

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