Psalm 27 for hazzan, choir, and orchestra

Abstract

Psalm 27 is recited twice a day during the “Days of Awe.” This is a period of reflection and repentance observed by Jews from Rosh Khodesh Elul, the first day of the last month of the Hebrew year, to Hoshana Rabbah, which is the last day of Sukkot, the festival following the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. This psalm, believed to have been written by King David, opens with “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” It is founded on a Midrash (a rabbinical story that help us understand the Torah.) This Midrash “associates the ‘Light’ of David and the ‘Light’ of all human beings with Rosh Hashanah, when by the light of the soul G-d searches out the deepest recesses of the human being. The Midrash associates the ‘Salvation’ of David and of all human beings with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when everyone is redeemed.” [Simon Jacobson, 60 Days: A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays (New York: Kiyum Press, 2003).] The inspiration for Psalm 27 for Hazzan Choir and Orchestra comes from my memories as a young Jewish boy growing up attending synagogue. The piece borrows various nusakhim (melodies) I heard during different services throughout the year sung by my congregation’s cantor, Eric Wasser. The piece begins with the Hazzan (cantor) reciting the first line, which is answered by the choir (congregation), then repeated by the Hazzan, which is common practice in Jewish services. Afterwards, the entire congregation follows in silent davening (praying). The piece then blossoms, emphasizing the meaning and atmosphere of every passage as if the person praying is doing so with true understanding and kavanah (to pray with intention).