Stream or purchase A Tribute to Israel at found.asherlaub.com/atributetoisrael

Asher's "A Tribute to Israel" is a medley that combines three well-known Israeli melodies: Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, Raid on Antebbe, and Hatikvah (the Israeli national anthem). The medley begins with a slow tempo and employs simple harmonies to create a solemn and reverential mood. Throughout the piece, a simple and expressive melody is repeated, and various techniques such as chromaticism, syncopated rhythms, and orchestration are used to add interest and variation.

One interesting aspect of "A Tribute to Israel" is the influence of Naomi Shemer's "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" on the composition. This song, written in 1967 to celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, has become an iconic Israeli song, with its melody based on an old Hassidic tune and its lyrics expressing a love and longing for Jerusalem.

In "A Tribute to Israel," Asher pays tribute to Shemer's contribution to Israeli music by incorporating a variation of the melody from "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" in the first part of the medley. This use of the melody highlights the song's significance in Israeli culture and music and demonstrates the impact that Shemer had on Israeli music. The melody is played with reverence and a slower tempo, contributing to the overall solemnity of the piece.

In conclusion, "A Tribute to Israel" is a moving medley that combines iconic Israeli melodies, including a variation of "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav." This tribute to Naomi Shemer and her contribution to Israeli music demonstrates the importance of this song in Israeli culture and music and honors its enduring impact.

A Tribute To Israel

Asher Laub