Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1945

First Performance

:

1945

Average_duration

:

6:45

"Hashkiveinu" is a choral work composed by Leonard Bernstein in 1945. It was premiered on November 28, 1945, at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. The piece is a setting of the Jewish evening prayer of the same name, which asks for God's protection during the night. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the opening words of the prayer, "Hashkiveinu Adonai Eloheinu l'shalom" ("Cause us, O Lord our God, to lie down in peace"). It begins with a solo soprano voice singing the melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is gentle and peaceful, with a sense of calm and serenity. The second movement is a setting of the words "Ufros aleinu sukkat sh'lomecha" ("Spread over us the shelter of Your peace"). The music is more complex and intense than the first movement, with a sense of urgency and pleading in the choir's singing. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective ending. The third movement is a setting of the final words of the prayer, "Ki Ata hu shomea t'filat kol peh" ("For You, O Lord, are the One who hears the prayers of every mouth"). The music is joyful and celebratory, with a sense of gratitude and thanksgiving in the choir's singing. The music builds to a triumphant ending, with the choir singing "Hashkiveinu" in unison. Overall, "Hashkiveinu" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Bernstein's skill as a composer. The music is both simple and complex, with a sense of reverence and awe that is fitting for the prayer it sets. It is a testament to Bernstein's ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul of the listener.

More....