Composer

:

Yotam Haber

Genre

:

Chamber

Average_duration

:

8:31

"From the Book of Maintenance and Sustenance" is a contemporary classical composition by Yotam Haber, an Israeli-American composer. The piece was composed in 2015 and premiered on March 5, 2016, by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The composition consists of three movements, each exploring different themes related to the concept of maintenance and sustenance. The first movement, titled "The Stillness of the World Before Bach," is a tribute to the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. It features a solo violin playing a melody that gradually builds in complexity and intensity, accompanied by a sparse and haunting orchestral arrangement. The movement is characterized by its meditative and introspective mood, evoking a sense of stillness and contemplation. The second movement, titled "Torah Cantillation," draws inspiration from the Jewish tradition of chanting the Torah. It features a solo cantor singing a traditional melody, accompanied by a full orchestra. The movement is characterized by its rich and vibrant orchestration, which incorporates elements of Jewish music and culture. The third and final movement, titled "From the Book of Maintenance and Sustenance," is a setting of a text by the American poet C.D. Wright. The text explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time, and is set to a haunting and ethereal melody. The movement is characterized by its sparse and atmospheric orchestration, which creates a sense of mystery and introspection. Overall, "From the Book of Maintenance and Sustenance" is a deeply contemplative and introspective composition that explores themes of tradition, memory, and the passage of time. Its three movements each offer a unique perspective on these themes, drawing on a range of musical and cultural influences to create a rich and evocative musical experience.

More....