Composer

:

Paul Ben-Haim

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1966

Kabbalat Shabbat is a choral work composed by Paul Ben-Haim in 1971. It was premiered in Jerusalem in the same year. The work is divided into six movements, each of which corresponds to a different part of the Jewish Friday evening service. The first movement, "Psalm 95," is a setting of the traditional psalm that is recited at the beginning of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. The music is characterized by a sense of joy and celebration, with lively rhythms and bright harmonies. The second movement, "Lecha Dodi," is a setting of the traditional hymn that welcomes the Sabbath bride. The music is more contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The third movement, "Shir Hama'alot," is a setting of Psalm 126, which is recited during the lighting of the Sabbath candles. The music is characterized by a sense of longing and nostalgia, with a haunting melody and rich harmonies. The fourth movement, "Yedid Nefesh," is a setting of a traditional love poem that is often recited during the Kabbalat Shabbat service. The music is characterized by a sense of intimacy and tenderness, with a gentle melody and delicate harmonies. The fifth movement, "Tzur Mishelo," is a setting of a traditional hymn that praises God for the blessings of the Sabbath. The music is characterized by a sense of awe and reverence, with majestic harmonies and a powerful climax. The final movement, "Yismechu," is a setting of a traditional hymn that expresses the joy of the Sabbath. The music is characterized by a sense of exuberance and celebration, with lively rhythms and bright harmonies. Overall, Kabbalat Shabbat is a beautiful and moving work that captures the spirit of the Jewish Sabbath. Ben-Haim's use of traditional melodies and harmonies, combined with his own unique musical language, creates a powerful and evocative musical experience.

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