So nice we did it twice. Nehora v'Hadas's stunning Maoz Tzur melody - there's nothing like it.

Hannukify Three - IT'S JUST GOOD

This piyut was written by R. Shlomo Ibn Gabirol, the 11th century poet and philosopher. It describes the feelings of the poet during the early hours of dawn--the emergence from the uncertainties of night and expectation of light and warmth from the sunrise. It is not surprising that the time set for singing piyutim in both the Aleppo and Morocco tradition is early morning, and that both of them include this piyut. Although the piyut seems at first glance to be just a rephrasing of the common theme of asking permission to pray, delving into it will reveal that it deals with a very powerful religious experience.

The poet describes his longing and quest for God’s closeness, a closeness that fills him with powerful emotion that cannot be expressed by words. Only poetry, which includes music and involves the whole body, can bring to light all the aspects of soul and spirit connecting to the Zimrat Enosh, the totality of mankind.

Musical Direction and Arrangements: Yair Harel and Omer Avital
Production: Ari Priven, Yair Harel and Omer Avital
Mixing and editing: Daniel Freedman
Mastered by Randy Merrill at Masterdisk
Recorded at B’nai Jeshurun, New York City, July 2010

Musicians:
David Buchbut Percussion
Daniel Freedman Percussion
Saskia Lane Doublebass
Jessie Reagan Mann Cello
Roly Matalon Oud 
Amanda Monaco Guitar
Daphna Mor Nay and Recorders
Matt Turk Mandolin

Singers: 
Galeet Dardashti
Yair Harel
Roly Matalon
Ari Priven
Basya Schechter

Shachar Avakeshcha - Sefarad/Turkey

I really enjoyed this cue from Hans Zimmer's score to the Bible miniseries, but was disappointed at how short the track on the soundtrack was. So I decided to make an extended version of it. I used Hollywood Strings, Hollywood Brass, EWQL Symphonic Choirs, Silk, Ra, Voices of Passion, and Goliath.

"Creation Chorale" - Son of God / The Bible - Hans Zimmer (remake)

This melody for Yigdal Elohim Chai is from the Jerusalemite Sephardic tradition. In this Piyut the author, R. Daniyel ben Yehudah the Judge of Rome, who lived in the 13th century, lists the thirteen Principles of Faith as phrased by Maimonides in his commentary to the Mishnah. The piyut gained great popularity, was adapted to many different melodies and was incorporated into most traditions which usually sing it at the end of the prayers. 

Musical Direction and Arrangements: Yair Harel and Omer Avital
Production: Ari Priven, Yair Harel and Omer Avital
Mixing and editing: Daniel Freedman
Mastered by Randy Merrill at Masterdisk
Recorded at B’nai Jeshurun, New York City, July 2010

Musicians:
David Buchbut Percussion
Daniel Freedman Percussion
Saskia Lane Doublebass
Jessie Reagan Mann Cello
Roly Matalon Oud 
Amanda Monaco Guitar
Daphna Mor Nay and Recorders
Matt Turk Mandolin

Singers: 
Galeet Dardashti
Yair Harel
Roly Matalon
Ari Priven
Basya Schechter

Yigdal Elohim Chai

Vinaka Yeshua. Making you the Savior of my Life has lifted me from the mirry clay to where Iam today. Thank-you for bringing me this far and making my life beautiful and meaningful. Thank-you for the cross and the the sacrifice. Na yavamuni meu na reguca.

Elecha

Magno Lima 4