Uvtuvo M’chadesh was commissioned by Temple Beth Shalom, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Conductor Linda Moot, Cantor Robin Joseph and I wanted to create a piece with meditative nature, focusing on one short text. One of my favorite texts, with its idea of constant renewal in the universe, both in a physical and spiritual sense, is the text from the daily and Shabbat morning liturgy: “Uvtuvo m’chadesh b’chol yom tamid maaseh v’reishit” (And in Your goodness You perpetually renew each day the wondrous work of Creation.) An additional text,“Haya / Hoveh / Yih’ye” (was / is / will be), describing the divine in terms of pure Being—past, present and future–also weaves into the work the idea of perpetual renewal. The verse is presented in a simple melody which then is “renewed” and varied throughout the piece. In addition to chorus and piano, the piece features and important solo viola part—the viola helps to bring out the delicate balance of stillness and motion in the music.
Text and translation:
Haya, Hoveh, Yihyeh…
Uvtuvo m’chadesh b’chol yom tamid maaseh v’reishit.
Haya, Hoveh, Yihyeh…
Was, is, will be…
In Your goodness, You perpetually renew each day the wondrous work of Creation.
Was, is, will be…
Note: The literal meaning of “Uvtuvo m’chadesh” is “In His goodness, He renews..” I have chosen, in giving the translation, to put the line in the second person – “In Your goodness, You renew” – as a way of making the language gender-neutral, and also of emphasizing the sense of closeness rather than distance in our relationship with the divine.
May 2014: Temple Beth Shalom Choir, Linda Moot, cond. Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
May 2018: Florilegium Chamber Choir, Ronnie Oliver, Jr., cond., Mamaroneck, NY and New York, NY
Click here for sample of “Uvtuvo M’chadesh” score (pdf)
To purchase score and parts, contact Gerald Cohen: gerald@nullgeraldcohenmusic.com
PDF version of score and parts: $2.50 a copy (minimum 6 copies, includes viola part)
For printed version of score and parts: contact Gerald Cohen for information.
For perusal version of score, contact Gerald Cohen.