Songs of Wine, Women,
and Death (2000)

Notes

During tenth to twelfth century Spain, Hebrew culture flourished amidst the backdrop of Moorish rule. This period, known as the Hebrew Golden Age, is especially known for the development of Hebrew poetry and song, often in styles from Spanish and Arabic influences. However, while this art may reflect Spain in style, it is purely Jewish in content.

Similarly, in present day America, Hebrew culture flourishes once again amidst the backdrop of popular song and American iconography. This is paralleled in Israel as well, where much of Hebrew art is very much American in style. Like the art of the Hebrew Golden Age, today?s Hebrew culture manages to assimilate its surrounding culture while staying true to Jewish beliefs and customs.

Having this in mind I came to compose these songs - an odd combination of Spanish, Jewish, and American influences. The blend of these three styles is eclectic, at times decidedly contemporary, and at other times borrowing from 12th c. Spanish romances and Hebrew monody. The songs are set up to mimic a garden party of the Golden Age, where poets and artists would gather together to share art, discuss religion, and drink till dawn. The texts I selected are from the Hebrew Golden Age, and mostly deal with secular subjects - those of wine, women, and death. The original poems were written by Samuel the Nagid and Solomon Ibn Gabirol, translated into English by Raymond P. Scheindlin.

I invite everyone to my garden party, a tribute to the Hebrew culture of both then and now.

All texts are used with permission, c/o Jewish Publication Society

Premiered February, 2001
Auer Hall
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN

Audio

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death: Invitation

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death: Love Song

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death: Moment

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death: Dirge

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death: Reflection

PDF Score excerpt

Songs of Wine, Women, and Death excerpt