Instrumentation:

SATB choir

Duration:

4 min 40 sec

Year:

2012

Program Notes:

Commissioned by the Florilegium Chamber Chorale.

Adon Olam is my first venture into writing for the voice. Since writing for a new medium was already a challenge, I decided to minimize my obstacles and use an established, albeit shortened, choral text in the Jewish tradition. I approached the choir the same way in which I approach writing for a string quartet - both ensembles have the ability to blend into a unified sound as well as to separate into four distinct voices. I was raised in a Jewish household and I believe that true communication with G-d is not scripted or prescribed, but more of a rambling and unfolding of the soul. This belief helped to shape the narrative of Adon Olam.

The work opens with a slowly evolving chord which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Following this is a section containing a more focused melodic line, which was influenced by traditional Middle Eastern sounds. This leads into a section of repeated figures sung with different rhythms by each of the voices. The rhythmic figures gradually align, as the music builds to a climax. From the climax, the piece dissipates to a texture which combines features of the opening cluster chord, and the melodic line. The work ends with three iterations of the phrase Adonai li v’lo ira, translated as G-d is with me, I will not fear.

Adon Olam was awarded the Helen L. Weiss Award for vocal compositions by the University of Pennsylvania.

Performance History:

Florilegium Chamber Chorale, New York, NY - May 2012

Awards:

Helen L. Weiss Award for vocal compositions, University of Pennsylvania

Available for digital download as a PDF*

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*If you intend to use this piece only during worship services, and not in a concert - please contact for a reduced rate.