Mi Khamokha
Text: Jewish evening liturgy
My friend and colleague, Steven Sher, invited me to be a composer-in-residence at his synagogue. At the time, I only had three or four compositions that I felt had substance. So I took it upon myself to write a body of music for the occasion. This was one of many works I wrote for Steven and his synagogue.
I wrote this setting partially in a personal response to the second intifada and attacks at the time against the State of Israel. I was recalling the militaristic nature of God pictured in the Song of the Sea and how sometimes people must fight to get justice. Hence, the agitated musical line beginning with the tenors and basses.
Who is like You, Adonai, among the gods that are worshipped? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders? When Your children saw Your might, as the sea parted before Moses, they cried: “This is my God!” and said: “The Eternal will reign for ever and ever!” As it is said: “The Eternal delivered Jacob, and saved him from the hand of one stronger than himself.” Praised are You, Adonai, the Redeemer of Israel.
Teach My Lips a Blessing
the music of Erik Contzius
